Pat the Cat’s Patting Song
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This is the first set in a group of 7 songs to teach beginners the notes around middle C. I have a little pre-school student who loves it, so I thought I would share. My little student is so excited to be reading “notes on the staff”. I am using a lot of supplementary music to help him remember each guide note before we move on.
If you have a young child to use this with, just have fun with it. Don’t worry about keeping a steady beat, because my student can not do the motions and keep the beat. If you like to teach pre-school children, you will probably figure out ways to use this that will make your little one laugh and have fun! But because I can’t help it, here are a few ideas:
- It can be used with a small group around the piano, letting students take turns playing.
- The student can play the notes on a xylophone, while others do the motions.
- The student can “help” you make up words to the notes.
- The student can play and the teacher can do the motions, then reverse the process.
- Ask the student to teach the motions to his Mom or Dad.
Just wanted to say thanks so much for these resources! Wow! I have tons of resources as well and am working on putting them up online. I teach high school students, but I still think they will enjoy playing your games. I have downloaded worksheets and posters as well. I really appreciate the fact that you have taken the time to post your resources, and am duly impressed with your design! Thank you!!!
Thank you so much!
This is awesome! I find my students getting younger and younger. With their short attention span, I need LOTS of things to do in a half-hour lesson to keep them interested.
I have a few students who will love this! Thanks! 🙂
Jennifer, thanks so much. I really hope that your students will get a kick out of it. Mine wants to do it at every lesson.
I’ve noticed that he gets the lines really mixed up, so I’m using a big staff to help with that. He has trouble seeing that G is on the second line. Then he thought a whole note G was a middle C because he saw the line through it. So that goes to show how hard it is for some students to learn to read on the staff.
Pat the Cat is very cute, and gives children an opportunity to “feel the beat”. Teacher and child could also just sing, rather than play. Then teacher can “operate” the child’s hands to help him stay on the beat. If you have a parent at the lesson, the parent can do it while you play. And teachers who have a digital keyboard could turn on a cute drum beat. Thanks for sharing, Susan!
Beverly, thanks so much for the great suggestions! It only goes to show that a creative teacher like you can think of so many ways to use material!