Measure Mania is a game to reinforce sixteenth notes and dotted eighth notes. I made it for my students who are studying for the Texas State Theory Test, but I think it will be an interesting way for any teacher to make sure her students understand the concept. This game is meant to be played with students who have a fairly good understanding of dotted eighth notes. Here are the directions for one student to play. The game can be modified for more than one player.
Using card stock, print, laminate, and cut out the cards. For individual play, one card will be enough.
Put the cards in a container. Chose a time signature for the students, such as 4/4.
The student will draw one card at a time with the goal of completing one measure. However, each beat of the measure will be completed individually on its own line, so the student will not get confused.
This picture shows how the cards are placed.
If a student draw a cards he cannot use, he discards it. However, he can use them later if he needs them. As he draws cards, he can move them around the board to use his cards more productively.
After one measure is complete, add up the cards. Each card is worth one point. The cards in the discard pile are worth 2 points, which are subtracted from the total.
Play the game several times and total up the score. At first they are happy to choose a quarter note, but quickly see that if they draw more 16th notes and rests they have a higher score.
This game can be adapted for group lesson use, but you will need to print out more cards. I used *guided play* with some students so they wouldn’t get frustrated, but I think after a while they will be able to play by themselves.
I used a plain piece of paper as the game board, but I plan to post a game board tomorrow, if all goes well. You don’t really need a game board, but it helps to have a defined place to place the cards. [Update, the game board is posted here.]
You can play this game in 6/8, but you will want to make some cards with more 6/8 rhythms such as a dotted quarter note.
Let me know if this game works for you!
You’re getting fancy!
Yes, awaiting the game board. Had thought about making a board with see through pouches to keep things in place. Know of larger transparent pouches, but none so small, but such things must be out there somewhere.