I am re-posting Rhythm Heart Beats and More Rhythm Hearts in case you would like to use them this week because they look very “Valentine-ish.”
I first published them in August,and if you scroll back to then, or look in the Rhythm category on the right, you can read how I use them to teach rhythmic dictation. If you don’t have time to go back and read those posts, here is a quick review. The Kodaly Method teaches the difference in beat and rhythm by using a “heart beat” as an example of a steady beat. Rhythm is “the way the words go” and eighth notes are “two sounds on one beat.” When I used to teach in a group setting I would use a felt board, but now I teach individual lessons, so I made these worksheets. If anyone would like me to elaborate on how to teach rhythm to children, let me know and I’ll do a longer post on it.
Young children and beginners can use the first sheet, with one measure, and older students will be able to take 2 measure dictation. Don’t let your students learn how to play the piano without knowing how to take rhythmic and melodic dictation. You never know what they may want to do with their music education in the future. Even if they haven’t learned to play 8th notes in their piano music, they are fully capable of learning the concept!
Would really appreciate knowing how you teach rhythm to children and at what ages you expect them to be able to hold a steady beat. Many of my students (even 9-year-olds, usually boys) play pieces without a discernible beat (even though they say they are doing the rhythm “right”). Other cotton on almost immediately. Makes me wonder whether there is a rhythm gene. Or is it just my inadequate teaching methods.
Any expansion on your rhythm hearts would be great!
Thanks.