What Really Works to Get Kids Reading Music Notes

Welcome to Mrs. Stucki's Music Class

I'm focusing on activities that really work to get kids reading their music notes. I've found that playing music games and note repetition are the easiest way for kids to learn note reading. Games are a great way to engage students in repetitive note reading, so I thought I would share some fun games that really work to get kids quickly reading their music notes.

Fun Note Reading Game:  Musical Candyland game is a big hit with my classes. This game reinforces note reading because it gives the students a lot of repetition. The game is played like the traditional Candyland except that kids must read the music note on the card they draw before they can move their marker.

Musical Candy Land Note Game

Musical Candyland is also a perfect game to use for music centers. I like to have half of my class play the Candyland game while the rest of the class works on music note worksheets. After 12 minutes, I'll tell the class to switch places. If they are working on coloring worksheets, they will now get to play the Candyland game while the other students work on the coloring worksheets. 

This game comes with: music note game cards, music note flash cards, a student answer key sheet and note coloring pages to use for assessments or for note reading practice. (I use 2 Musical Candyland game boards in my music centers- with several kids on each board). If you want to use this game for your class, you can check it out here.

Recorder Note Reading Contest

Mad Minute Game: This game only takes one minute, but is one of the fastest ways to help your class learn the names of their notes. I make a star for each student in my class. Place the student's name on their own star. Simply give a one minute timed note reading test. (I usually give them a music charm for passing the test). When a student passes their Mad Minute note reading quiz, take their star and move it up to the next level on your wall or bulletin board. This will help you keep track of which test to give to each student. The class will love seeing their name on the wall as they improve at reading notes to advance to the next level (I use Mad Minute Bronze, Silver, Gold and Diamond Levels). You can turn it into a contest to see what class earns their Gold level 1st. My class works hard to earn the Gold level to receive a special prize. I know they are ready for playing recorders when everyone has passed the Bronze level. This encourages the class work hard to pass the Bronze level so they can start their 1st recorder class. They take note reading more seriously when they know they have to pass the Bronze level in order to start recorders.

If you are looking for more ideas for  note reading with your class, check out these other fun note reading games below. Enjoy Sherry Stucki :)