Entry Kentry | Free Steady Beat Passing Game Music Lesson Plan

Big Idea

Entry Kentry is a high-energy passing game for grades 2-6. It's also an elimination game, but even the kids who are "out" stay involved as members of "the band." Your students will love this free, no-prep music lesson plan!

Grade Level: 2-6
Activity: Passing Game
Skill: Steady Beat

Students will demonstrate an understanding of steady beat as they participate in this passing game.

This lesson is designed to fulfill the 2014 National Standard for Music:
Performing (MU:Pr6.1) - Perform expressively, with appropriate interpretation and technical accuracy, and in a manner appropriate to the audience and context.

Entry Kentry | Free Sheet Music (Lead Sheet)
Large Plastic Cup or Bean Bag
Tubanos, Hand Drums and/or Rhythm Sticks

Music Lesson Plan

Step 1
Teach the lyrics to Entry Kentry phrase by phrase. Start by chanting a line and having your students repeat it back. Keep a steady beat by tapping your knees while you chant—it helps the kids get ready for the game and leads to much better results!

Step 2
Now for the melody. Play a phrase on the piano and ask the students to sing it back. Once they’ve learned each part and feel confident, try singing the whole song all the way through with the piano.

Step 3
Ready to pass the cup? Have your students sit in a circle. Ask them to draw a big McDonald’s “M” in the air and tell them, “This is exactly how you pass the cup! Pick it up and set it down in the shape of the Golden Arch.”

Step 4
Practice passing the cup once every measure (on the whole note). Ask the students to keep the beat on their knees with their free hand as they pass. When they’ve got the hang of it, add the music and let the game begin!

Game Instructions

The goal is to be the last player standing! Each round, students pass the cup around the circle while singing the song. When the music ends, the student holding the cup is "out." But instead of sitting on the sidelines, they join "the band." Ask them to grab a drum or rhythm sticks so they can keep practicing their steady beat as a music-maker until the very end!