This morning Halle (our youngest daughter) raced into our bedroom, peaked through the slats in the blind and woke us with a very loud “It’s sunny!”
Normally, I would have bribed her for a precious few more minutes of sleep, but given that it has been raining for so long in our neck of the woods I sprang from the bed to soak in those glorious rays of sun.
But there were none. It was still raining.
Our early riser was either dreaming of summer, or simply engaged in wishful thinking. It got me to thinking of warmer times… in the sun… on the beach.
And out of my summer dreams rose a wonderful piano teaching activity that will bring you and your piano students one step closer to the summer sun.
Staff In The Sand Piano Activity
Little kids are tactile learners. That’s why they probably drive you crazy on the bench as they fiddle, touch, tap, and smash various parts of your piano. They need to FEEL the music… literally!
Staff in the Sand is the perfect piano activity for getting these little learners off the bench while keeping their minds engaged with music. It requires a tiny bit of preparation, but once you’ve set it up once, you’re good to go for a long time.
The first thing you’re going to need to do is hit the beach (what can I say, life as a piano teacher is rough!) While there, collect sand enough sand to fill an 8.5 x 11 baking tray, as well as an assortment of rocks and shells. If you’re miles away from the closest beach, then hit up your local craft store. You can still wear your sunglasses and SPF 60. No one will judge you.
When you return home, sporting your new tan, fill the baking tray with the sand, place your beach treasures in a ziplock bag, and fill a spray bottle with water. You’re ready to begin.
Playing Staff in the Sand
Place the tray of sand on the floor in front of your piano student. Using the spray bottle, make sure the sand is slightly damp so that your student’s fingers can easily mark the sand.
Ask your piano student to draw a staff in the sand (the perfect time to discuss the number of lines and spaces). Then, have her add a treble clef. From her on out, the activity is as useful as your imagination. Ask your piano student to:
Place a shell on G.
Place a rock on A.
Place a shell, a third above E.
Place 2 rocks an octave apart.
Use 2 shells to demonstrate a step, a skip, a repeat etc. etc.
And Don’t Forget…
After all of your students have left for the evening, pull a chair up beside your new mini-beach, put on your shades, call your cabana boy or girl… and get them to bring you an ice cold martini. What? A gal can dream can’t she 🙂
More Ideas For Teaching Steps, Skips, Repeats
One of the 4 games we delivered to PianoGameClub’ers this month, Pizza With Keys, focuses specifically on reinforcing steps, skips, repeats, and leaps. It’s an absolute blast, as are the other games, Pitch-It, Quest For Rest, and ZooFood. Click here to sign up for PianoGameClub today.
Nicole C Bowers says
Great idea and hilarious post–I laughed out loud twice over my coffee while reading this:). Thanks!
Leia says
So cute!
Sandra says
This is superb! Can’t wait to try this the next time I hit the beach! Thanks for your brilliant ideas guys!
Lisa says
Awesome! Definitely going to do this.
patricia says
I only live a few blocks from the beach, but it’s under several feet of snow! I can’t wait for a thaw, this sounds too fun…. so……craft store, here I come!
Andrea says
My beach is covered in slimy winter flotsum and jetsum. I did go to the beach… but all I left with was a very stinky dog 😉 I hit up the craft store too. Spring is coming… right?!
Colleen Branson says
This is one of the ways I used to use for tutoring dyslexic students. It helps the brain reinforce. Thanks for reminding me I can use it with my piano students too.
Karen Warne says
I live in cold, snowy, Minnesota. My students will have a blast when I present my (craft store sand) beach sporting a cooler, lawn chair, and sunglasses! A super fun way to forget about our below zero weather. Can’t wait to get my supplies ready!
Andrea says
Go Karen go! Have a pina colada for me tonight 🙂
joy says
I had a “beach” experience today! This morning in 9 degree New York City, first sunny day in a while, I stripped to my undies, lathered on some coconut butter, and sat by my sunny bedroom window for about an hour, imagining I was on the beach playing with the sand. The coconut butter fragrance takes me right there!
Thank you, Andrea! You make me feel normal!
Andrea says
This is possibly the best thing I’ve read in a long time and I don’t even mind that I just spat water on my computer screen as I laughed. You are awesome. Live the beach for me Joy! 🙂
Mallory says
If you can’t make it to the beach, or you don’t want to get sand all over your studio try Sands Alive. It’s pretty awesome, and would still work for this activity. http://www.playvisions.com/Prod-18-1-501-163/sands-alive-starter-set.htm
Andrea says
Great tip Mallory! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Val says
Of all the piano blogs I keep up with – yours is one I always make time to read! Thanks for keeping it down-to-earth but totally relevant, resourceful and fun to read. Due to a recent move, I haven’t been teaching since December but your blog keeps me motivated to find new students and get going again soon!
Andrea says
That’s so kind Val! We’re very thankful to have you as a regular reader 🙂 Best of luck as you get your new studio up and running!
Jennifer says
thanks for posting this again! I missed it the first time – so it IS good to repeat the posts. We will definitley be doing this soon – but outside!