Get ready to rap!
Write and perform a short rap about your day, practicing rhythm, rhyme, breath control, and simple beats while recording and sharing safely.
Step-by-step guide to get ready to rap
Step 1
Think of three fun things that happened today and say them out loud.
Step 2
Pick one short sentence to use as your chorus or hook.
Step 3
Write a four-line chorus on paper that repeats your hook and rhymes if you can.
Step 4
Write two short four-line verses about other parts of your day.
Step 5
Make a simple beat using your percussion instrument or hand claps and count "1-2-3-4" to find the rhythm.
Step 6
Choose a steady tempo by counting the beat aloud and using your timer to keep it steady.
Step 7
Practice a breathing exercise: breathe in for four counts and breathe out while saying one line to control your breath.
Step 8
Rap your chorus and one verse along with your beat three times to practice timing and flow.
Step 9
Ask an adult to help you record your best performance using a device they provide.
Step 10
Listen to the recording and pick one thing to improve like louder words or clearer rhymes.
Step 11
Re-record your rap with that improvement and make it your final take.
Step 12
Ask an adult to help you upload and share your finished rap on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have a percussion instrument, timer, or recording device?
Use a pot or plastic container and a wooden spoon for the percussion, a smartphone or kitchen clock as your timer while you count the beat aloud, and ask an adult to use their phone to record your final take.
My words sound rushed or I run out of breath during lines — how can I fix that?
Practice the breathing exercise step (breathe in for four counts and breathe out while saying one line), slow your tempo by counting '1-2-3-4' with your beat, and use the timer to keep the tempo steady so your recording is clearer.
How can we adapt this activity for younger children or older kids who want more challenge?
For younger children, shorten the chorus to one or two lines and use hand claps for the simple beat, while older kids can write longer verses with tighter rhymes, create layered beats, and ask an adult to help multi-track record and edit before uploading to DIY.org.
What are fun ways to improve or personalize our rap before we upload it?
Add a simple instrumental backing or sound effects during practice, film a short video or wear a costume for your re-recorded final take after you pick one thing to improve, and then upload that personalized version to DIY.org.
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Facts about music and songwriting for kids
✍️ A short kid-friendly rap can be just 16 bars — often about 30–60 seconds depending on the speed of the beat.
🔒 Before sharing recordings online, always ask a parent, use privacy settings, and only share with people you trust.
🎤 Hip hop music began in the 1970s in the Bronx and quickly grew into a global culture of beats, rhymes, and dance.
🥁 Most rap songs use a steady 4/4 beat — that makes it easier to count along and practice rhythm.
💨 Rappers and singers use diaphragm (deep) breathing to stay steady and deliver longer lines without gasping.
How do I help my child write and perform a short rap about their day?
What materials do I need for the 'Get ready to rap!' activity?
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How can I keep my child safe when recording and sharing their rap?
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