This no-prep rhythm game is a perfect first piano lesson ice-breaker, or just a fun way to review note and rest values.
I don’t know about you, but my students go crazy for any seasonal resources I bring into the studio. And they love games–especially any variation of bingo.
Since we’re celebrating back to school season, I created this rhythm game: Back to School Rhythm Bingo.
Why Rhythm Review is So Important
We have notespeller books and flashcards and worksheets galore geared towards reading notes on the staff. But are we overlooking a very important music reading skill–rhythm?
Beginning students need to connect the theory behind the note and rest values (i.e. quarter note = 1 beat) with the FEEL of those notes and rests.
This rhythm game focuses on connecting how rhythms LOOK to how they SOUND.
What Notes and Rests Are Reviewed in This Rhythm Game?
This rhythm game is designed for beginners, but can be a fun challenge or review for older students as well.
Back to School Rhythm Bingo uses:
- Quarter Notes
- Quarter Rests
- Half Notes
- Half Rests
- Whole Notes
- Eighth Note Pair (just once on the board)
How This Rhythm Game Works
What You’ll Need
To use this rhythm game, give your piano student (or students*):
- A Rhythm Bingo Board
- Something to cover the squares (I use these bingo chips or these cute erasers which double as prizes)
You, the teacher, will need:
- A call list* (or you can use an extra bingo board for reference)
- A metronome
Call the Rhythms
- Set the metronome to a slow tempo (such as 60 beats per minute).
- Count off in 4/4 time: “1, 2, 3, 4.”
- Speak and clap the rhythm of your choosing.
- For the first round, whisper “rest” during any rests.
Declare a Winner
As your student covers squares, watch their board for a “bingo.”
A bingo is declared when the student has covered:
- 4 across
- 4 down
- 4 diagonal
- all 4 corners.
Level Up the Rhythm Game
Now play again with a little more challenge to the student.
Here are some suggestions to challenge your student on the second or subsequent rounds:
- Try a different board without the words or pictures*
- Do not whisper “rest” but instead just let the metronome click in silence for that beat
- Speed up the metronome
- Have the student repeat the rhythm
- If you have two students playing, have one call to the other
Paid Product vs Free Printable
*Some of my suggestions refer to the full version of this rhythm game, Back to School Rhythm Bingo. The full version is available for just $3.50 in my TeachersPayTeachers store.
Purchase the Full Rhythm Game
With the full version, you’ll get:
- Full instructions on how to play traditional bingo as well as Color-a-square Bingo
- 6 Unique Bingo Boards for each level
- 3 Levels of Difficulty
- All boards in Color and Black and White
And the full version of this rhythm game is only $3.50!
If you do end up purchasing this product, thank you so very much for supporting me as I create these resources for piano teachers! Your purchase helps fund future printables, products, freebies, blog posts, and videos.
Free Rhythm Game Printable
If you’re not looking to purchase anything right now, that is totally fine. I’ve created a little freebie version just for you.
The free printable is just one Rhythm Bingo Board ready to print and enjoy.
More Back to School Music Games
I hope your students have a fun time review notes and rests with this rhythm game.
If you’re looking for more back to school games for your piano students, check out my Back to School Bus Matching Games.
Other Rhythm Bingo Variations
Check out this variation of the rhythm game for more seasonal fun!
More variations to come. Sign up to receive email updates here.
