Earth and Moon Puzzles- From the Vault!
In honor of Earth Month, we’re going back in time again to a puzzle found in April 2024’s Puzzle Packet resource post. A fan fav ALL year round, and incredibly helpful with note identification and comparing different octaves.
Table of Contents:
What’s Included
Set Up
How it Works
What theory concepts does this support?
Closing
Link to PDF
What’s Included:
7 Puzzles (4 Moons, 3 Earths) each with a “Note Family” header and corresponding notes.
Set Up:
Cut out each puzzle piece of each puzzle
Laminate
How it Works:
Each puzzle contains pieces with the same note in different octaves, as well as a header with the common note name. Mix all moon pieces and earth pieces together so that students must correctly identify each note among different options, and match pieces correctly in their note name families (i.e. All notes are B’s, but in different octaves/staves). For your speed racer kiddos who want an extra challenge, set a timer to see how fast they can solve each puzzle each time! Can they beat their own score?
What theory concepts does this support?
Identifying notes in different octaves/staves. For some of my students, the idea that a C can be on so many different places on the staff and instrument can be overwhelming at first. This game goes to the basics of just visually seeing how many different ways a note may look. To further build on this, have your students play the note on each puzzle piece on the piano to reinforce the concept of octaves and where they lay on the keyboard!
Closing:
This is another game that has been requested over and over with my students, and it’s truly made a difference when translating to their assigned repertoire. A reminder that games can be the biggest support in learning new concepts in any subject. They are more than “just fun,” but rather a point of connection between you, your student, and the music. If you haven’t tried this puzzle out yet, give it a try- I hope you all enjoy!
Link to PDF:
-Mikaila Vieyra, LPMT, MT-BC