I use this with my beginner pupils to help reinforce finger numbers and hand/finger shape. The idea is that they follow the activities in order, creatively improvising thinking about the badger’s activity and the graphic symbols shown. I encourage them to use the whole piano and to vary their tempo and dynamics.
This cute worksheet is to help pupils recognise their intervals (unison, 2nds, 3rds, 4ths and 5ths). Something cute is hiding in the grid and pupils will need to use the correct colours to find out what it is!
Here’s a simple game you can use to inject a bit of fun when consolidating and assessing pupils’ understanding of key terms, symbols, notes and intervals. Print out the game template (best enlarged to A3) then print and cut out the little question squares. Put these in two piles according to their colours. Use small counters (e.g. buttons) as game pieces.
As the game can be quite quick to play I’ve included a ‘make your own’ die which only has the two options of moving either one or two spaces ahead each time.
This cute sheet can be used in a number of ways to guide pupils in their improvisations. It includes suggested rhythm patterns, dynamics and articulation, and will encourage good discussion between teacher and pupil as well as a chance to focus on technique too.
Use this colourful picture to help inspire pupils with their improvisations. The suggsted rhythmic patterns could be used along with the tempo and dynamics, or pupils could adapt as they wish. Lots of opportunity for musical conversation and revision of key techniques and terms.
Use this game to help pupils practise recognising 2nds and 3rds (steps and skips). Pupils pick up a card - if they can recognise the interval then they move the correct number of circles on the board (2nd = 2, 3rd = 3).
Best printed onto card or laminated.
This can be used as a quick recall/retrieval practise activity in a piano lesson where pupils match up the musical terms and definitions by ticking/crossing them out. I will use mine laminated with a white board pen. I have included key vocabulary from Piano Safari 1 and 2.
This can be used to help pupils practise recognising their Landmark Notes in the Treble and Bass clefs. I use the following approach:
Pupil chooses a colour - e.g. ‘green’ - spell out the letters as you open the Chatterbox in and out.
Pupil chooses a number (4 will be shown so call them out for the pupil to pick one).
Ask the pupil to identify the note shown by their chosen number.
Use this cube at the start of a music lesson for a quick warm-up activity. Best printed onto card or laminated, then use sticky tape to make into a cube.
Print this onto card (or on paper then stick onto card) and use glue and/or sticky tape to make into a cube.
Use to inspire improvisation and creativity within your music lessons.
Use this Chatterbox to help pupils with their recall of musical symbols.
Instructions…
Ask the pupil to choose a colour then move the Chatterbox to the required number of letters as you spell the word out. Next they should choose one of the 4 numbers shown (read these out to them). Test them on the symbol shown.
Print onto card (or onto paper then stick onto card) then make into a cube using glue and sticky tape.
The prompts will hopefully inspire pupils to be creative with their improvisations and are a good starting point for discussing the different musical elements and playing techniques/articulation.
Based on the popular ‘Grandma’s House/Dog House’ key naming method, print and cut out these prompts which can be placed behind or on top of the piano keys to help your beginners find their keys. Best either printed on card or laminated.