Steps for Learning - Activity One: Low Sounds/High Sounds

The purpose of this activity is to teach students to use a system to read simple pitch notation in the treble clef in major keys. They will focus on low sounds and high sounds.

1. Tell your students the familiar children’s story Goldilocks and the Three Bears. As you speak, use varied sounds for each character. For Papa Bear, make your voice sound very low. When you use Mama Bear’s voice, use a medium tone. For Baby Bear, make your voice sound very high.

2. Then invite students to participate in the story by having them use the voices of the three main characters.

3. Tell the story a final time, and ask the students to squat down in a ball when they hear a low sound, and then stand up on their toes as they hear a high sound.

4. Finally, ask for volunteers to tell the story and move his or her body accordingly.