When I was in high school cramming for tests, I would open my textbook, read, re-read, and re-read some more. It’s probably how most of us studied.
What I should have done instead, was write notes, re-write notes, and re-write some more notes… because writing is a more effective memorization strategy than reading.
This is a lesson we should remember as we help our piano students learn to read notation. Printing notes on a staff is a more effective tool than drilling flashcards, and yet note printing is rarely used when it comes to note reading instruction.
In today’s post we’re going to help you make the switch to note printing with some Valentine-themed printables.
It’s Time For Note Printing To Take Center Stage
The activities below will help your students learn to read notes in the C 5-Finger Scales using note printing strategies instead of note-reading strategies.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, pull out these activities at the start of a lesson for a reinforcement activity that will take less than three minutes to complete.
To download our note printing printables, as well as many additional fun theory activities, visit Teach Piano Today’s Homework Pages (click the pink button after the image below).
And don’t forget… January is a great time to refresh your studio with exciting new teaching materials. Check out the WunderKeys 2020 Piano Book Guide here.
Marvella Thompson says
January 30, 2020 at 5:23 amI didn’t see a password to get the Valentine Note Printing Page.
Andrea says
February 3, 2020 at 10:28 amHi Marvella! If you are a subscriber then the password was at the bottom of the email that led you to this post. If you are not yet a subscriber you can sign up here: https://www.teachpianotoday.com/piano-homework-pages/
Heidi says
January 30, 2020 at 7:35 amThank you for this great tip and reminder. In our hyper digital age there is less call for actual physical writing. However, there are connections made in our brains when we transfer sight to the actual act of physically and manually writing. After seeing a post on the WK Facebook page with a whiteboard that came with the staff printed on it I bought one and use it regularly for kids to write notes and symbols. The results have been fantastic. Thank you for providing more useful tools and the platform to share them!
Andrea says
February 3, 2020 at 10:27 amHi Heidi! I’m so glad it’s working well for you! Yes, the writing portion is SO important – just as children learn to read AND write we should be doing the same in our piano lessons too! They’re equally important and both contribute to our goal of improved overall understanding mand mastery 🙂 Thanks for commenting!