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| Instrument Cards |
What are we doing? We are learning the names of the instruments. I made these 3 x 5 cards several years ago when we were ditching our encyclopedias. You could a similar activity with your child using clip art.
Here is a list of the instruments---triangle, guitar, harmonica, bongo/snare/kettle/bass drums, clarinet, banjo, violin, sousaphone or tuba, bagpipes, sleigh bells, cello, flute,accordion, saxophone, French horn, harp, trumpet, piano and cymbals.
These are direction cards. We have been using these cards with our band instruments since the beginning of the school year. I hold up a card and the children play the instruments according to the card. The children recognize when to stop, go, play fast, etc. Ask your child about the cards.
From Family Fun magazine... http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/simple-shakers-672837/
What can you put inside? Rice, popcorn seeds, beads, pennies, beans---use your imagination. Make several and compare and contrast the sounds.
So we made maracas and of course the kids had no idea what these little canisters are and I am going to be really sad when I run out (if you are hoarding some send them to me). Again with the office stickers. Cute, colorful and easy. A little slit in the lid, push in the stick and done.
Today we reviewed the names of the instruments and listened to different types of music. We listened to classical (thank you Little Einsteins. It's amazing how many songs they recognized from LE), jazz, country and rock 'n' roll. We also made another instrument. Yep-they are just paint sticks. This idea was adapted from Family Fun magazine http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/aboriginal-clap-sticks-672728/ We used markers and white reinforcement stickers. Then the fun began!
We have been drumming on the take out containers from Michael's for awhile so the children are very familiar w/watching and repeating what I do. We banged on the tables first...and then later we brought out our drums and made some awesome music. The children understand we are creating a pattern. Isn't that awesome how the math gets in there! We sat in a circle and drummed on the floor, on the drum and our sticks. We drummed our neighbors drums to the right and then on our neighbors drum to the left. This is a fantastic activity that helps us listen and follow directions. Don't tell your child...they just think they are having fun!
There is so much more you can do at home to engage your child. I searched on YouTube and you can find solos and great videos of any instrument. I found videos on the bagpipes, the harp, accordion and even the triangle. It would be a great way for your child to see and hear the instrument (be sure to preview videos first).
Listen to classical, country, jazz or some old school rock 'n' roll.
This summer there are many free concerts. Check the blog over the summer for activities for you and your family.
A special thanks to Chad Dunn of Recycled Rhythms. Chad is a music teacher at the Next Generation School in Champaign, Illinois. I met Chad teaching at the Sun Foundation's Art and Science in the Woods camp. I teach a class called Little Explorers (6 and 7 year olds) and we spend an afternoon playing on recycled drums. Chad can turn a tire, oil drum, tin can, a trash can and more into an instrument. He inspired me to do more with our music! To see Chad and his student perform, click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJvVwQGYLRI&feature=related
