Fun ways to teach kids … note reading (2)
As well as understanding the shape of the melody and the relationship between notes (see my blog on this here), kids do need to be able to match notes on the stave to those on their instrument. Using flashcards to continually test kids’ note reading can feel like ground-hog day, so here are some games I’ve used with my students to help this skill along in a more fun way!
Name that note
Tools: a set of note flashcards
Aim: for the student to really examine where on the stave each note is placed.
This is like the musical version of Articulate! Divide the flashcards between the two of you (or more if playing in a group). Each person takes it in turns to describe the note they have at the top of their deck of cards, without saying the note name (eg this note in the treble clef sits across the middle line). The other players need to shout out the note name that is being described as quickly as possible. See how many notes you can guess in 1 minute!
Race down the piano
Tools: a whiteboard with stave drawn on or manuscript paper and pen, a die and two counters.
Aim: to draw on manuscript a selection of notes played.
With apologies to the non-piano teachers, this game does work well on a piano, though I’m sure it could be modified to work on other instruments. Pick a starting note and a finishing note on the keyboard, and place your counters on the starting note. Players take it in turns to roll the die and move the rolled number of notes down the keyboard. Once a note has been landed on, the player has to draw that note on the stave. Here’s the catch - if the note is mis-written, the player has to go back to the starting note! The first player to the finishing note wins!
Secret message
Tools: a large manuscript paper and counters that fit as note-heads on the manuscript paper.
Aim: to encourage students to read and write notes on the stave with fluency.
Take it in turns to write secret messages for the other person to work out, using the counters as the note-heads. The challenge for some kids is thinking of words that only use the letters A to G, so here’s a selection of words to help along the way!
For more practice, kids can try one of our note-reading mission worksheets - a great little piece of homework between lessons!
