Catch the Beat – Drum-Along Dance Brain Break for Kids

Catch the Beat is a fast-paced drum-along dance brain break where kids follow along as David Jack drums on his knees, stomps, claps, and snaps throughout the song. It's a fun, seated way to get kids moving, focused, and fully engaged from start to finish.

Play Catch the Beat on YouTube and drum along with your kids or class!

Watch on YouTube

Looking for the original music-only version? That version is still available on YouTube as "Catch the Beat (Song Only)."

About "Catch the Beat"

Catch the Beat gets kids moving by using their bodies as instruments in a continuous, follow-along dance song. As David Jack drums on his knees, stomps, claps, and snaps, kids copy the moves and stay locked into the beat.

Use it to introduce body percussion, build focus, coordination, and rhythm awareness, or give kids a brain break that keeps them in their seats but still moving to music.

How to Use This Song in Your Classroom

  • Use as a seated brain break when kids need to move but stay in place.
  • Add to music lessons to teach rhythm and body percussion.
  • Play during transitions to keep energy focused and fun.
  • Use as a listening activity where kids have to follow along carefully.
  • Challenge students to create their own body percussion patterns.

Classroom Activities with "Catch the Beat"

1. Echo Beats

Practice listening and repeating rhythm patterns.

  • After the song, clap a simple rhythm pattern.
  • Have students echo the pattern back.
  • Gradually make the patterns more complex.

2. Instrument Hunt

Explore different body percussion sounds.

  • Ask: "What sounds can we make with our bodies?"
  • Explore claps, snaps, stomps, knee pats, tongue clicks, etc.
  • Put several sounds together into a class rhythm pattern.

3. Beat & Count

Connect rhythm with math by counting beats.

  • During the song, have students count how many times they clap.
  • Compare counts after the song.
  • Try counting different body percussion sounds.

Who This Song Is Perfect For

  • Preschool classrooms (ages 3–5)
  • Pre-K and kindergarten
  • Music classes and rhythm activities
  • Childcare centers and daycare
  • Parents looking for musical activities at home

More Fun Songs by David Jack

If your class loves Catch the Beat, try these next:

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