Learning the scales in music theory can seem daunting…but Scale-ing the Marshland is a game that will naturally reinforce the scales as they make their way safely across the marsh with the help of their scales!
Level: Beginner – Advanced
Objective: To review scales with active, full body use
Materials:
Game Play:
Each player needs to build a scale to cross the marshland and get to the other side.
Each player takes a set of cards and when the teacher calls out the key signature, each player needs to set out the right cards to make a complete scale. The sharps and flats can be placed next to the cards if need be.
Once they have the scale down on the ground, then they can cross the marshland and make it safely to that side. The first player to do this, wins!
You can start with the easier version, then move to the harder version to really bring out the competition.
Variation #1: Easy Version
See how many players can make it to the other side safely!
All the players stand in a line. The person at the back of the line is the Tour Guide. The Tour Guide has all of the cards in their possession. There is no talking or giving any sort of hints in this game.
The Tour Guide must help everyone across the marshland safely. To do this, they need to build a scale to help them scale the marshland. The teacher determines the key signature that will be used to build a scale.
All the students line up in a row. The Tour Guide then calls out which card should be placed down. The person in the front can take a step forward onto that card that he/she places down so that they can start. Each card will be placed down until the students can cross the marshland.
Variation #2: Harder Version (My favorite version – brings out the fun!)
Each player needs to cross the marshland and the first player to do so wins!
When the teacher calls out the key signature, students then use their own set of cards to place down the right scale and cross safely over to the other side.
For a Music Classroom:
Divide the class into teams. Give each team a set of cards. One player represents the team. Have each of the represented players line up. When the teacher calls out the key signature, they build a scale and use that to cross the marshland. Their team can help them by calling out the right notes.
Click here for more really fun games and activities for teaching piano!
Tel loves her life as a piano player, a piano teacher, and a mom. Amid piano blogging, piano teaching, and piano playing, she loves a chance to fit in a good exercise class, volunteer at her kids’ school and at her church, and go on long dates with her husband. Full bio at About Tel.
