Saturday, April 28, 2012

Note Race Game

This is a game I play with the kids every year when I teach the letter names of the treble lines and space note on the staff.  I play it typically with 1st-3rd, but sometimes with 4th and 5th if they request it - which occasionally they do.

I make a floor staff using tape on the ground. I use the tape that is safe on the gym floors because it doesn't ruin the carpet floors either (this makes my custodian happy).  I mark a couple of "starting lines".

I divide the students into two or three teams depending on how large the class is. The first student of each team steps to the starting line. I say a letter name and they run to the staff and step on the correct line or space. The first student to get to the correct spot earns a point for the team.  Then the next students in line have a turn and so on.



When I first teach (or review) the staff letters, I seperate the lines and spaces for each round. So for the first round, I only call out space notes. Then if they are doing well, I will use only lines for the next round. For first grade and sometimes second grade I never combine the notes because it gets confusing for them. After a couple of lessons playing it seperately, I will combine it with 2nd grade if they are successful at it. 3rd grade can get it combined successful with in the first class time of playing it. It really depends on the kids.



Differentiation:  For the very few kids who really struggle with this, I will tell them that whether I am going to call a line note or space note and remind them how to figure it out (spell FACE, or say the phrase to remember the lines - depending on which one I give them). I do this just for that student when it is their turn.

It is a very fun game instead of always throwing worksheets at them (which I do give them).  This is different skill for them knowing how to figure out the line notes because it is opposite of seeing the note on the staff and naming it. Some kid find this more difficult, some kids find it easier.

So, I also will adjust the game to where I will jump on a line or space (becoming the note) and the first student (whose turn it is from each team) names the note correctly gets the point.
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7 comments:

  1. I love this! I did the tape on the floor thing too, until one of the classroom teachers, very generously made me a big fabric mat, with ribbons sewn onto it so that I could just lay it out. Even faster set-up/tear-down.

    We play a similar game, but we use bean bags. I call it "Lines & Spaces". Two teams. One representative steps up to 'the line' and I have them throw it onto a line or a space. If they succeed, they earn a point. But if they can tell me the note name (either way), they earn 2 points. If they don't get it, the other team has the opportunity to 'steal' it by answering correctly. It can be a relatively calm and quiet game for times when that's needed. Calm, but fun.
    I think your game sounds really exciting and a nice twist to my old 'stand-by'. :) Thanks for posting!!

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  2. I like your game as well! I will have to try it! I have bean bags with the letters on it, maybe I can incorporate that as well. Great idea!

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  3. What kind of tape do you use on the floor that your custodian is ok with? Mine won't let me use tape ;(. Thanks for the neat idea!!

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  4. I have been teaching 18 yrs and learned this from the teacher I student taught with :~) We used either electrical tape (custodians didn't seem to mind that). On carpeted areas, I have also used chalk. Yes, you have to clean it up later, but it is temporary and works as well. The kids love it! I have even done it with Kindergarten. (Teaching just line notes first) then moving on to spaces. It is a fun game to get them motivated.

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    1. Oh btw- I have done a variation on this game. (The teacher whom I learned it from did it just a little different) it is still same concept though. Instead of running to the line or space- they have to "Jump".... we call it the "Jump" game. The starting lines (behind the staff are maybe 2 feet away- from line e.) When you start the game, you say- find... line e go. The first person to jump with their feet (Middle of feet have to be through the line for it to count for line note- and feet have to be IN spaces for space note). Get the point for their team. If you say line F go and they cannot (although there is always one child willing to do the long jump lol). They can jump onto the board and then jump up to that line, but the trick is they have to jump. Can't walk or run lol. Just thought I'd share that twist :~)

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  5. Love your blog! I use floor staff games and they are so fun! I made my own since my custodian is more sticky with tape on the carpet. White bed sheet and hockey tape does wonders for floor staff games!

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  6. I use velcro on the ground and though it takes an initial investment of $$, it works great and can be used over and over.

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