Make a polyrhythm

What can we use if we don't have a metronome or phone?

If you don't have a metronome or phone, use a free metronome app on another device, a kitchen timer set to a steady 60 BPM, or have someone click/tap steadily for step 2.

I'm losing count or my hands get mixed up when playing both patterns—how can I fix that?

If your hands fall out of sync when combining the 4‑beat and 3‑beat patterns in step 11, repeat the 4‑beat and 3‑beat alone for eight full 12‑count cycles (steps 6–7), tap your foot on every metronome click (step 12), and restart both hands together on count 1 at the slow 60 BPM (step 2).

How can I adapt this activity for younger or older kids?

For younger children, reduce complexity by counting 1–6 and practicing simplified 4‑ and 3‑beat claps more slowly with fewer cycles, while older kids can increase the metronome above 60 BPM, add finger snaps or small percussion, or extend to more than eight 12‑count cycles and swap hands (step 9).

What are ways to make the polyrhythm more interesting or personalized?

To enhance the activity after you can play both patterns together (step 11), try gradually raising the tempo, add a shaker or drum on the full 12‑pulse cycle, create a visual chart of counts 1–12, or record and share your performance on DIY.org (step 13).