This summer I had a large number of leftover popsicle sticks, so I began to hunt for more activities that I could popsicle sticks for in my studio. Here are five creative I ideas that I successfully used with my students.
1. Popsicle sticks are a great way to divide measures! Create a rhythm for each student but without the measure lines. Have the student place measure lines after the proper number of beats. When the student has completed the activity, have them clap the rhythm.
2. Popsicle Stick Draw. This is a great game for beginners that takes very little prep time. On each popsicle stick draw a letter of the musical alphabet. Place the popsicle sticks in a plastic cup or other container. Have the student pick a stick and play the corresponding key on the piano. Once all the sticks have been drawn students can enjoy creating their own melodies by arranging the sticks and playing them in their chosen order. This game can also be modified to introduce and practice finding groups of two and three black keys by putting either the number two or three on each popsicle stick.
3. Give a student 10 popcicle sticks and ask them to arrange the sticks to look like the music staff. One can even add miniature treble and bass clef pictures and a black dot made out of black construction paper and quiz students on the names of their notes.
4. Use popsicle sticks to teach students about stem direction. On a large piece of staff paper draw black dots to represent quarter notes. Ask students to place the popsicles sticks as the note stems going in the correct direction.
5. On each popsicle stick write a simple activity that can be accomplished while repeating a piece or section. (I am a huge believer in quality repetition at the piano. Check out this post here on why.) Have the student draw and complete the designated activity while repeating their piece. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
a. Cross your feet
b. Close your eyes
c. Stand up, turn a circle three times, sit down then play your piece.
d. Play just the right hand with left hand on your head
e. Play with a smile
Remember learning is so much more fun and students learn better when games and manipulative are added!
