We Are Piano Keys

Children are the keys of a giant piano and only pop up to sing when the pianist taps their head. It builds waiting still, staying alert for your turn and responding quickly when it comes.

How to play

1. Children crouch in a row and become the keys of a giant piano (1 min).
2. The teacher-pianist taps a head: that key pops up, sings "la!" and crouches back down; the other keys wait still (2 min).
3. Melodies: the pianist taps several keys in a row, slowly at first and then faster (2 min).
4. Chords: tap two at once and both pop up (2 min).
5. Children take turns as the pianist, tapping gently (2 min).
6. Close the piano lid: all the keys lie down in silence (1 min).

Rules

• Only the key that's tapped pops up.
• The pianist taps gently, like a feather.
• Keys wait crouched and quiet.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the key sits and raises the arms and sings when tapped.
• Visual impairment: the tap on the head is the signal; the pianist always uses the same gentle touch.
• Autism: if they don't like their head touched, the pianist taps the shoulder or shows a card with their name.

Learning goals

• Wait still until it's your turn.
• Respond quickly to a touch signal.
• Take part in making music as a group.

Teacher tip

Make two pianos if the group is big: with 25 in one row, the keys at the end get bored. Ask before touching heads and teach the pianist to tap with one finger.

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