New Rhythm Play-Along: Transform Your Classroom with the KPop Demon Hunters Play-Along!
Ever had your kids beg you to create a rhythm play-along video to a song from a Netflix show you’ve never heard of? That’s how you know it’s going to be the next big hit! If you’ve heard “Corn” or Dua Lipa’s “Dance the Night” echoing through music classrooms in previous years, it’s time to get ready for KPop Demon Hunters and its song “Golden.” The kids can’t get enough of it, and from what I’m hearing, they’re not the only ones!
This first play-along video from the series is perfect for both younger and older elementary classrooms. It’s designed to be flexible, allowing for rhythm patterns that work for all ages. I recommend downloading the free manipulatives or grabbing the full lesson plan (both available at https://buymeacoffee.com/elmusedtech/extras) to make your lesson prep a breeze.
Rhythm Patterns to Explore:
For Younger Elementary:
Quarter, eighth, half, and whole notes
Accents
Dynamics
Whole and quarter rests
For Upper Elementary:
Sixteenth notes
Eighth-note triplets
Teaching the Play-Along
Start by playing the video and see if the students recognize the song—it’s sure to spark excitement! Next, introduce the electropop style of the song, explaining how it blends electronic and pop music. Discuss the story behind "Golden"—how it reflects the characters' evolution as guardians of humanity, a journey filled with growth and responsibility.
After discussing the song, pull out the manipulatives and either introduce or review the rhythm patterns with your students.
Rhythm Activities to Try:
Body Percussion: Break students into small groups and have them perform the rhythm patterns using body percussion (think claps, snaps, stomps, etc.).
Play-Along Performance: As you play the video, have each group perform only when their rhythm pattern appears. This helps manage the sound and keeps the class focused.
Wheel of Names: In the next class, use the Wheel of Names to randomly call on students to perform rhythm patterns from the manipulatives. It’s a fun, engaging way to review.
Sticks & Shakers: Once students are familiar with the patterns, bring in sticks or egg shakers to perform the play-along with a softer, more controlled sound. This keeps things lively but manageable.
Instrument Exploration: In a later class, have students explore classroom instruments from the drum, shaker, wood, or metal families. Call out the instrument family that will play each rhythm solo to avoid a noisy overload.
For the whole notes, let everyone play together to assess their ability to hold the note for four counts—an excellent way to work on sustained playing!
Wrap-Up:
This play-along is a fantastic way to engage your students, teach them new rhythm patterns, and connect through the music they love. So why not bring KPop Demon Hunters into your classroom today? It’s fun, educational, and sure to get your students excited about rhythm!
Don’t forget to grab the manipulatives and the full lesson plan here: https://buymeacoffee.com/elmusedtech/extras.