We love using piano teaching games to reinforce theory concepts… and we have created a new printable game for you this week that has been a real favourite with my students! It’s a great way to change focus in the lesson for a few quick moments and is simple and easy to play with minimal set-up… the perfect combo for every piano teacher!
This game reinforces your students’ ability to clap and count out loud rhythms commonly found in 4/4 time.
You will need:
1. The game board – click to download
2. A die
3. 2 sets of colored candies (one set of red, one of green etc.)
How to Play:
Take turns rolling the die. Match the number on the die with the number in the upper left corner of each square on the game board and clap the rhythm within that box while counting out loud. If it is done correctly, place your color of candy on that square. Continue until one player creates a line of three either vertically, horizontally or diagonally and becomes the winner! Eat the candies with a grin.
It’s simple, it’s fast and kids love it. It’s a great way to check in with your students to make sure they can clap and count a rhythm, and it is a fun opportunity to step away from the piano bench during the lesson. Enjoy!
Leia says
March 18, 2013 at 4:20 amThis looks like such fun! Definitely going to try it. Thanks!
Caitlyn says
March 18, 2013 at 6:06 amThank you so much for posting this game! I am new to teaching piano and was having difficulty being fun but not lame for my piano student. This is just the thing I needed for today’s lesson.
Joyce says
March 18, 2013 at 6:12 amlove it!
Mary says
March 18, 2013 at 9:49 amthanks very much. This is a “must try”!
Amber says
March 18, 2013 at 9:49 amThanks! I will definitely use this!
Robin Madden says
March 18, 2013 at 10:48 amYour ideas are inspiring and grand. Thank you for them all.
One small graphic design detail: please have mercy on my printer. The PDF today wants lots of color. My toner supply goes down quickly. I’ve tried the printshop, and they are inconvenient and also expensive. But black and white, with the emphasis on white, and a sprinkling of color, that works very well.
Thanks again. Really appreciate your ideas!
Andrea says
March 18, 2013 at 12:08 pmHi Robin – I did think of that 🙂 I’m so used to just sending my color printing directly to Staples Office Depot and having them print one copy and laminating it – it’s about $2.00 here for the whole shebang; so it was worth it for me to have something colorful and eye-catching as I don’t print color myself. I can change it to a black and white version for you an email you the pdf with no trouble if you like… just let me know if you’ve already printed it or not.
Angela says
March 18, 2013 at 6:30 pmIt would be really cool (and helpful) if you could post a demo of most of the games!
Heather says
May 30, 2013 at 8:46 pmThis looks great for any level….my RCM kids have a workshop tomorrow…..guess what we’re going to do for advanced rhythm sight reading? No one gets tired of candy….yum! And on the bongos just for fun as well! Maybe even fire up the digital drums…..who knows?
Louise says
October 7, 2014 at 10:49 amI wonder if you can add to the description of your games how many players they are suited for. Thank you!