While I am mourning the onset of winter weather, the cold weather has kept me inside and focused on getting some projects accomplished for the upcoming spring term.
I am putting the finishing touches on my big practice contest, and I'll post about that later in the week, but I completed another smaller side project today that I want to share.
My studio is mostly comprised of beginner and elementary level students. One resolution that I have set for myself this spring is to really help these kids learn their notes. While note reading isn't everything, it certainly factors in reading fluency.
To help my students learn their notes and encourage them to practice their flashcards (as well as foster some healthy competition!) I'm inviting all my students to try their hands at becoming music wizards over this term.
There are 2 charts, one for my beginners, and another for those that are a bit further along. Each chart has rules to pass each level, with more flashcards added for each new level. Going along, students earn stickers to put on the chart as they move closer toward becoming music wizards!
It's amazing how competitive kids can be- and I'm hoping that having a visual representation will encourage my students to master their notes!
What kind of projects do you have up your sleeve as you get ready to start a new teaching term?
I have a lot of beginner and elementary students as well. I like this idea and was wondering if you'd be willing to share your rules for each level.
ReplyDeleteSure!
ReplyDeleteBeginners: Correctly identify (by naming the note and playing it on the piano) 10 cards in 30 seconds to move on:
Level 1: basic note names on the keyboard using alpha gems.
Level 2: Middle C Position
Level 3: Bass C - Treble G
Level 4: Bass C - Treble C
Level 5: Additional Landmark Notes (High & Low C's, Bass G)
Level 6: All Grand Staff Notes
Intermediate Level: Correctly identify (by naming the note and playing it on the piano) 15 cards in 30 seconds to move on:
Level 1: Middle C Position
Level 2: Bass C - Treble G
Level 3: Bass C - Treble C
Level 4: Additional Landmark Notes (High & Low C's, Bass G)
Level 5: All Grand Staff Notes
Level 6: All Grand Staff Notes plus Ledger Line Notes
Hope this helps. If you come up with your own ideas I'd love to hear those as well :)
I like your note wizard project. Sometimes I also do rhythm game with the students during piano lessons. I put together different rhythm patterns and ask the student to count out different rhythm and wave their fingers whenever it is the turn to play the notes.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a cute idea! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete