The actions could be more complex depending on the ability of the group. Walk rhythmically around the room counting aloud at first so that everyone knows where the 1st beat of 8 is. Eventually stop counting and ask the pupils to feel the 1st beat. Other variations are to designate different beats and sounds to pupils. For example, those pupils who have a dog, go 'woof' on certain beats.
Girls clap on certain beats and boys shout 'ah' on other beats.