Dramatized Rhythm Plays

Dramatized Rhythm Plays, by
John N. Richards

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Title: Dramatized Rhythm Plays Mother Goose and Traditional
Author: John N. Richards
Release Date: July 10, 2007 [EBook #22035]
Language: English
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DRAMATIZED RHYTHM PLAYS
Mother Goose and Traditional
by JOHN N. RICHARDS, B.P.E. Assistant Supervisor of Physical
Education Newark, N.J.

New York A. S. BARNES AND COMPANY 1931

Copyright, 1922, by A. S. BARNES AND COMPANY
This book is fully protected by copyright and nothing that appears in it
may be reprinted or reproduced in any manner, either wholly or in part,
for any use whatever, without special written permission of the
copyright owner.
+Printed in the United States of America+

PREFACE
The following rhythmic plays compiled by Mr. John N. Richards of the
Newark Department of Physical Education have been devised to meet
the needs in the transition of Physical Education activities between the
kindergarten and the first few years of the primary school.

The physiologist tells us that the nervous organism of early childhood
is injured by the strain of strict, immobile attention required in formal
gymnastics. Therefore it is wise to hold the child's interest and attention
by means of dramatized nursery plays. These make little strain on
mental application and the child is able to dramatize in motion the
words and music which are planned to develop his motor co-ordination.
In this way the child is gradually and interestingly led from the freedom
of expression, characteristic of babyhood to the more specialized
formal activities of the third and fourth years in the school.
Mr. Richards' contribution merits widespread usage because he has
clearly and definitely described his rhythm plays so that the classroom
teacher can easily make use of them without having to draw on her
imagination or having to guess at the written explanation.
The book should be useful and welcomed too, not only by the
classroom teacher but also by the specialist and supervisor of Physical
Education.
Randall D. Warden Director of Physical Education, Newark, N.J.,
Public Schools

INTRODUCTION
The young people of to-day are most fortunate in their opportunities
and advantages. The home, the school, the shop, social life and play
offer increasing fields for service. The ever increasing number of
problems which must be faced, in this reconstruction period of our
nation's life, demands leaders of broad intellect, clear vision and sound
judgment. Coupled with these qualifications there must be developed a
moral earnestness which will make for better citizenship.
The trend of society movement is undoubtedly toward congested city
life. There is lamentable lack of playgrounds and properly equipped
gymnasiums. The school buildings are crowded to capacity and there is
a rush and hurry of life which challenges the attention of all educators

who are interested in the physical well-being of children.
The priceless assets of our communities are the boys and girls who are
growing into manhood and womanhood. We should spare neither
expense nor energy in fitting them physically, mentally and spiritually
for the great problems which will all too soon be theirs.
Exercise habits and a spirit of fair play must be a part of their training
from the early school days. There is no better way of inculcating these
lessons than through story plays and games during their first school
years.
The material contained in this book is practical. The exercise
movements have been set to music which is popular both in the schools
and in the homes. It is carefully graded and should prove to be of great
assistance to the teachers in the lower grades. It tends to bridge over the
gap between the Kindergarten and the Primary Grade activities.
There is need for a manual of this type in our Physical Training
literature and it is hoped that this material will be used generally
throughout the schools