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 :
[wpvideo GzFvzKXq]
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 or versions are great ones for a non-music sub to start with.
Happy teaching,
