Submitted by Rebecca Tincknell, Hays, Kansas
Idea posted June 2, 2003
I got this idea from my mentor teacher, Judy Frahm, and the students love it.
To teach quarter and eighth notes to younger grades, specifically K-3, I use "ta" and "ti-ti." For my visual learners, I just use the top part of the notes and I take off the black circles. One vertical line for quarter notes and 2 vertical lines and one horizontal line for eighth notes.
To play this game, you will need a BUNCH of popsicle sticks. You can get them at Wal-Mart for really cheap. Separate them into groups of about 10 to 15 and wrap them with a rubber band. Divide your students into groups that have 2 to 3 students per group, with no more than 3. Pass out the popsicle sticks, but make sure you take the rubber bands off. We wouldn't want anyone flipping rubber bands across the room. :) Have the students lay the stack in front of them in a bunch, and leave them messed up. The students are ready to begin.
You may use any instrument you want. I find claves to work the best. Play a "ta" "ti-ti" rhythm of your choosing. Have the students listen carefully to the rhythm. You can play it twice if you want. Make the students wait for your signal. You can either say "Go," stomp the floor, or you can even hit a gong to signal them to start.
They are to put the popsicle sticks in the correct order of the rhythm you played as fast as they can. One stick represents a quarter note and three sticks put together correctly represents an eighth note. When the group is finished, they jump up as quick as they can and yell "FINE!" Whichever group finishes first with the correct rhythm wins.
The students enjoy this game and it will easily kill a 30-minute class period.