Students hear a rhythm and tap it straight back. The early levels stick to ta and ti-ti, then sixteenth-note patterns and a faster tempo come in later. The notation shows up as they go, so they start linking the sound to what it looks like.
Good as a warm-up at the start of a rhythm unit. Say the rhythm syllables out loud together before students try it on their own. Once they're comfortable, move them on to Night Dictation, where the notation is hidden.