Setup
All you need to do is label 4 areas of the classroom (1-4) and show a card/slide of 4 different patterns. You can use rhythm, pitch, dynamic symbols, note names, or whatever else you’re working on. One easy way to create the cards is to just write the 4 patterns on pieces of paper and project them. See the free download link below as an example). Create about 15 cards. You can also find a free set of cards to download below the video.
Directions
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The child who is “it” covers their eyes and counts to 10 while classmates tiptoe to a corner of their choice.
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When time is up, you clap one of the rhythms on the card. Find a way to choose a corner at random (equity sticks, make a predetermined list, etc).
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Everyone standing in the corner with the chosen pattern sits down.
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Keep playing until there is 1 student left.
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I let the winner choose a small prize from a prize box, but I’ve played without prizes and they love it just as well.
Players Are Automatically Out If They:
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Run
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Talk
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Move before the countdown
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Are not securely in a corner at the end of the countdown
If the directions are confusing, here’s a quick video of me talking through the game with a PowerPoint version I created for TeachersPayTeachers:
[wpvideo GzFvzKXq]
Download the rhythm cards I’ve used for free here —> Rhythm Rounds.
I hope you try the Musical 4 Corners out with your classes. It’s great for when things are a little hectic and you need an educational time-filler. If you have a tech-savvy sub, I highly recommend using one of my prepared PowerPoint games. The PowerPoints pretty much run themselves, and there are enough cards to play several rounds. The Instrument Families or Notes & Rests versions are great ones for a non-music sub to start with.
Happy teaching,
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