If you’ve ever walked past Mrs. Stacy Castro’s kindergarten classroom at Valley Park Elementary, you’ve probably heard the soft (and sometimes not-so-soft) rhythm of little hands drumming on desks. It might sound like playful noise, but it’s actually powerful learning in action.
Drumming helps young students build rhythm, coordination and focus, which all tie directly into early reading and math skills. When kids keep a steady beat, they’re learning to recognize patterns, the same kind that show up in words, syllables and number sequences.
But that’s not all. Drumming gives students a fun way to practice self-control and emotional regulation. As they start, stop and follow a rhythm together, they’re learning timing, teamwork and how to channel energy productively (which is every teacher’s dream).
As Mrs. Castro explains, “We may sound like a rock band some days, but there’s a lot of learning happening behind the beat! Drumming helps my students build coordination, attention and teamwork, all while having fun.”
And when the whole class drums together, that’s community-building with a beat. Mrs. Castro’s students listen to one another, take turns leading, and celebrate being part of something that sounds and feels better when everyone’s in sync.
So next time you hear that happy drumming coming from the Kindergarten Pods, don’t worry, there’s no band rehearsal gone wrong. It’s just kindergarteners at Valley Park Elementary drumming up confidence, creativity and a love for learning, one tap at a time.
Click the photo below to see drumming in action and a bonus section of the kindergarteners showing off how fast they can run!