I love giving kids a chance to compose. In fact, I make sure that my students have some opportunity to compose with each unit I teach. Composing not only reinforces concepts they've learned, but students can take ownership and feel proud of their creations. Students can't wait to show what they've made!
Here's an easy composition activity to incorporate into your units, stations, or even sub plans. These worksheets review ta, ti-ti, and rest (or, one sound, two sounds, and no sounds per beat). One set uses the traditional notation, but the others use pictures to symbolize one sound, two sounds, or no sounds in each beat. There are endless variations and uses for these worksheets:
1. Independent Stations: Cut out and laminate yourself. Put a few variations of the activity out in a defined space within your classroom. I like to use different colored paper to help students take responsibility for cleaning up, and to keep things organized. Kids can easily see that the blue cut outs go with the blue paper, etc.
2. Teacher Led Stations: While the rest of the class is divided into independent stations, have a small group with you. Have them make their own compositions, using the worksheets. Then, have students write the traditional notation on the back of the squares. Have students at your center trade compositions with each other, then have them perform for each other.
3. Sub Plans: Warn teachers ahead of time to have students bring their own art supply boxes or pouches. They'll need scissors, glue sticks, and coloring materials. Have the sub demonstrate how to cut out the squares on the dotted lines. The sub should also model how to try a few different rhythm combinations until they like their composition. Once the kids (and sub) like their order, they can paste down the little squares in the boxes.
What are your favorite ways to allow kids to compose?
*Stay tuned for kinder and first grade stations bundles!*
