The Cup game

A great way to have fun learning rhythm is to teach children the Cup Game. Each person will need a sturdy plastic or paper cup.

Basics:
Clap Clap 
Tap, Tap, Tap 
Clap, Grab, Move 
(slight silent pause) 
Clap, Grab, Hit, Hit, Switch, Slap, Down!

Place cup on table or floor directly in front of you upside down. Clap your hands together twice. Then tap the bottom the cup three times alternating hands left, right, left.  Clap hands together once. Grab the bottom of the cup with your right hand, lift it up and move it slightly to the right and smack it down. Silent pause. Clap hands together once. Turn your right hand upside down and grasp the cup. Your thumb should be facing down, toward the table. Grab the cup and tap the opening to your left palm. Then hit the bottom edge of the cup against the table. Switch the cup, right side up, to your left hand. Crossing your arm in front of you, slap your right hand on the left side of your table. Slap down the cup in your left hand (upside down again) on the other side of your right hand on the table.

Youtube tutorial video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Grb1oa72kmk

Amazing Cup Song in Irish:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFtfk0bZVRM