PreK Music Rhythm Reading and Pitch Exploration

This lesson introduced "rhythm reading" to our Pre-K musicians. The little game with eggs and nests represents what we call iconic notation. This is what "reading music" in Pre-K music at PS 51 looks like. Students manipulate objects to create patterns of sound and silence. Eventually this turns into the actual pictures of music notes in kindergarten music.
The second activity in this video around the 6 minute mark is a fun little poem that ties into our theme of birds/eggs/nests and includes pitch exploration of high and low both vocally and on glockenspiels. It also shows how we practice passing and sharing our instruments- a BIG part of Pre-K music is learning to share and wait our turn.
Katie Traxler, Music Teacher
katietraxler.com

[@cloudambient]

The fact that nest rhymes with rest is genius. Super smooth transition into reading quarter notes/quarter rests.

[@mr.duffield142]

Why this works so well for elementary is beyond me. Tried it today and the kids were infatuated with it. Highly recommend!

[@lyssabarnes-burnside1680]

Love this lesson. I like the idea of each child getting a chance to take away and add eggs. I also like the practice of “coming in” or having to wait your turn as they pass the instruments to their friend. Great way to incorporate left and right/following directions and also following along until your turn!

[@joshb5036]

Just found this. Absolutely wonderful. Thank you from one Pre-K music teacher to another!

[@katietraxler]

You're very welcome! HUGS to you!

[@taytay2800]

I cannot wait to try this with my four year old classes! Thank you!!!

[@julia.mccallum2861]

This is a super cute lesson. I love the eggs in the nests!

[@MiguelHernandez-tb2rw]

What a creative idea to show rhythm and rests!

[@mamamarinoel]

This was such a helpful idea! My 4-6 class loved it!

[@katietraxler]

I'm so glad! I'm about to do this with my kindergarten. Most do not speak English and I think this will be a great way to show the concept with no talking. :)

[@NickHoddinott]

This is great, thanks. Struggling to teach my 5yr old rhythm and I'm going to try this.

[@lizettelouw1513]

Amazing lesson♥️ did it with my 2 year old today

[@azviola1988]

Thanks for sharing this video! I would like to tryit with my students. Where could I find the poem? Thanks!

[@JaneWillowMusic]

This is so cool!

[@dino_sixrra4451]

This is cute I’m in 3rd and they are so fast of learners like wow!

[@somapreciado8915]

Awesome lesson

[@caitilord7416]

This is amazing!!!

[@dralbertpakin8895]

I love this!

[@shantibernad8175]

Brilliant!

[@kitparker271]

Okay , LOVE this!! Where did you find the eggs and nests? This is perfect for my DDK clsss!

[@katietraxler]

Hobby Lobby!!

[@LynnAnnSawyer]

I love the eggs and nests idea for showing quarter notes and rests! Where did you get those from? I am a music teacher as well and would love to try out this idea with preK!

[@katietraxler]

I found them at Hobby Lobby a long time ago. :)

[@LynnAnnSawyer]

Thanks! I will check it out!!

[@Cdreyer25]

Great idea! I love both of these activities! What is the youngest you have tried this with?

[@katietraxler]

4 years (PreK)

[@k.st.2051]

Were there any issues with the students who were sitting beside you and therefore "reading" everything backwards?

[@katietraxler]

No... I've done this for many years and I've never had that challenge come up.

[@nataliaquintanilla6088]

Really good content! I'm taking really good ideas to teach music in Mexico! thanks so much.

[@tuyetnuongtranthi4226]

Thanks 😊😊

[@TheIoana360]

Excellent.

[@ronaldhicks5202]

.dv is the best way to do