Music Note Game for Teaching Kids Music Theory

This post was contributed by Dyan of And Next Comes L.

A Fun Way to Learn Basic Music Theory for Kids

It’s no secret that I love doing music activities with my boys.  So if you have been looking for a way to introduce basic music theory for kids, specifically the different types of music notes, then look no further.  This simple music note matching activity uses very few materials including some recyclable containers, a permanent marker, and clear glass stones.

Music Theory for Kids – A Fun Music Note Matching Game

I have been stockpiling probiotic yogurt drink containers for quite some time now, not entirely sure what I was going to do with them.  However, they made great containers for this music matching activity.  Using a permanent marker, I drew a whole note, quarter note, half note, and eighth note on one side of the container.  On the back of each container, I wrote the corresponding word (i.e., “quarter note” for the quarter note one).  I wanted to include a literacy component for my little reader J, but this step is completely optional.  You could also write the note values on the back, but please keep in mind that an eighth note gets half a count, which means you’ll be introducing fractions.  Or you could leave out the eighth note entirely.

I also used a permanent marker to draw the matching music note on the top of each glass stone.  I did five for each type of note, which means you’ll have 20 when you’re done drawing.

K particularly enjoyed dumping and pouring the stones in and out of the different containers, like any toddler would.

However, once I pointed out that each stone had a different drawing on it, he took the time to analyze, compare, and match.

Then both J and K decided to work together, carefully matching and sorting the music note stones.

But that eventually led to more dumping and pouring.  At least they were working together, am I right?

Looking for more music activities for young children?  Then check out the four music games for toddlers and preschoolers, the baby-friendly music sensory bin, and the giant chalk keyboard.  Or browse my Music Activities Pinterest board for even more ideas!

Married to her high school sweetheart, Dyan is a stay at home mom to two boys, J and K, who also teaches piano part time out of her home.  She began her blog “And Next Comes L” in March 2013 after some mom friends encouraged her to share her creative ideas.  You can read more about how her blog came to be here.  She loves to dabble in all things creative and crafty, but particularly enjoys making homemade toys and quiet books for her kids.

I’m sure that music learning, like most learning, is absorbed so much easier when kids are young.  So I just love this fun way that Dyan came up with to introduce music theory for kids.  Brilliant!  Thanks, Dyan. 

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