Posted by Sue Bechler (March mentor) on March 30, 2008 at 20:51:03:
In Reply to: Note-reading games and ideas posted by Joanna P on March 28, 2008 at 22:12:08:
Hi,Joanna, Thanks for the add't. info. With 21 kids, two instruments, and only two meetings/wk., I think I'd stick to a finite amount of crucial content, and go over it repeatedly. Teach just three note-values (quarters, halves, wholes).Possibly add eighths if they are pretty clear about the first three. Drill their names, values and counting. Maybe some simple counting sheets that can be done as "found sound" compositions or ensembles?// The other crucial info they should know are note names, their fingerings, and locations on the staff. One good drill that is like a game is to make "fans". You need thin cardboard or cardstock. Cut strips about 1" by 7". On the top take a marker and write a note name you are teaching. If you want to cover the whole 1st position fingerboard, you will want to say "open D","D on the A string",etc., so maybe a little wider strips. So they're not handling too many at once, split up as you see fit, possibly starting with D & A strings as a set? Put fingerings on the opposite side. Pin them together at the bottom with a paper fastener. You can make staff flashcards, a large fingerboard diagram with a grid (like frets) that you can point to, use the board, or question verbally. If you try the fingerboard, do some pre-teaching, since fingerboard geography won't make instant sense. Here's an example for use. You show a staff flashcard with a D drawn on it. You could either have a pair of cards, one treble and alto, or both on one card. If you think there'll be any confusion, label "viola" and "violin", color code by instrument, or seat the kids together by instrument. The students fan to D if you're working on the letter name side, or they fan to "open" if you're working on the fingering side, and "reveal". Like Survivor ;) Expand as your imagination allows. This kind of game gives everybody something to do. Each has to come up with an answer, so you find out really quickly who knows what just by watching them. Sue