A fun way to integrate Music and Visual Language. This resource is a set of cards with symbols that the students interpret with their voice. Display a card and discuss how you might use your voice to interpret the symbol. For example, if the card has the word 'AHHHHHH' next to a symbol that looks wavy, then you move your voice up and down to demonstrate the high/low parts of the drawing. If the symbol is thick and dark, you use your voice loud and firm. If the symbol is fine and light, you use your voice soft and quietly. If there are gaps between the different parts of the symbol, you may interpret that as silence. Encourage your students to make their interpretation within 4 beats. Included: * 30 symbol cards - black and white (with words) * 30 symbol cards - colour (with words) * 30 symbol cards - black and white (no words) * 30 symbol cards - colour (no words) * teacher notes * a basic learning intention and success criteria outline The cards are provided without words to allow you to rotate the cards in 1/4 turns. This will completely change the interpretation in most cases. Ideas: Display the cards one at a time and discuss the visual elements (example provided in the resource). Have a try at performing the sound. Perform a series of cards, one after the other. Display them in a line or a circle. Point to the card and consider keeping a 4-count beat. Display 4 cards and select one student (or group of students) to perform one of the symbols. The other children must guess which one it was. Students can draw their own symbol on a piece of paper and present their interpretation of it to the class. ************************************************************************* © Suzanne Welch Teaching Resources

If you're wanting to teach basic rhythm in the classroom then this is the resource for you! Simple, easy to use and your students will have a fun time. The resource has everything in colour, and also in black and white. The notation looked at is kept simple: Crotchet, quaver and rest. This resource includes: * Rhythm Grid A and B - using pear and cherry picture symbols * Rhythm Grid A and B - using regular music notation * 4-beat rhythm cards (24 in total) * Student template (for composing own 4-beat rhythms) * Reference charts You can use body percussion, or percussion instruments. I use CHOPSTICKS. Students can either have one chopstick each and tap it on their desk, or two chopsticks and tap them together. The 'class chopstick orchestra' makes a lovely sound and I have found that students of all ages absolutely love it. The chopsticks are very cheap to buy and easy to store away in your cupboard when not in use. Introduce one rhythm card at a time and gradually join them together (in a line or in a circle (like a clock face). Once your students have grasped the basics, they can join another classmate to compose their own rhythm (eg 16 beats) and perform it to another group or the whole class. © Suzanne Welch Teaching Resources