Giant Floor Staff Note Hop
Each group draws a giant music staff on the blacktop with chalk and jumps to the line or space of the note the teacher sings or shows. Then they hop through note sequences as if reading a melody. Students practice jumping accuracy, landing, and reading music.
How to play
- Make 5 groups of 5. Each group draws a chalk staff with 5 lines about 18 inches apart and 12 feet long, with a treble clef at the start (3 min).
- Review which note goes on each line and in each space (E, G, B, D, F on the lines and F, A, C, E in the spaces). Taking turns, each student jumps with feet together from bottom to top naming the notes (2 min).
- The teacher sings or shows a card with a note, such as G. The first student in each group jumps to it within 3 seconds; the group checks and rotates (4 min).
- Sequences: the teacher shows a card with 4 notes. One student hops them in order while the group sings them; a correct run earns the group a point (4 min).
- Wrap-up: each group writes its own 4-note sequence in chalk beside its staff, and another group hops and sings it (2 min).
Rules
- Jump with feet together and land with soft knees.
- Only one student on the staff at a time.
- Wait beside the staff, not at the end of it, so nobody lands on you.
Variations
Easier
Use only line notes or just three notes, with the letter written on the ground.
Standard
All the notes on the staff and 4-note sequences.
Harder
Six-note sequences with rhythm: a quarter note is one jump, a half note is a jump and a pause, and eighth notes are two quick jumps.
Adaptations
- Students with limited mobility: point to the note with a pole from the edge of the staff or slide a beanbag onto it.
- Students who are blind or visually impaired: mark the lines with ropes instead of chalk so they can feel them underfoot.
- Fitness level: students who want more challenge hop on one foot; students who tire walk through.
Learning goals
- Place notes on the lines and spaces of the staff.
- Jump accurately to a target and land with control.
- Read and perform simple note sequences with their body.
Equipment for a class of 25
- sidewalk chalk: 10
- note cards (cardstock): 10
Teacher tip
If you are indoors or chalk does not show, use five long jump ropes held down with cones. Ask the music teacher which notes the class is learning so the game backs up their lessons.
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