RHYTHM CATS CARD GAMES
Updated: Mar 31, 2019
Instructions for the card game Rhythm Cats. Using games and fun methods as a way of teaching music theory to young children.
Game comes with:
20 Rhythm (10.5cm x 6cm)
20 Rest Cats
Staff Board
Part One
“Memory Cats”
Part One of the game aims to ease the student’s ability to learn the musical rhythm values. The first step is to allow the players, specially beginners, become visually aware of the rhythm figures. Initiating the musical material through a visual approach eases the learning process by encouraging student to assimilate the differences between each note. Once the players are aware of which figures and/or rests will be placed in the deck: In the case of beginner levels, use whole and half notes of Rhythm Cats; middle level use whole, half, and quarter notes of Rhythm Cats, if the student is ready introduce Rests Kitties; and advanced level may use all cards. As the game progresses, the player’s motor and memory skills are actively engaging. It’s an important element in the game to keep in mind the different points/values of each card.
Regardless of the level “Memory Cats” aims to create a playful method to educate students in musical rhythm figures and values. Players are encouraged to perform the rhythms. The game should be as carefree as possible. Players will begin to associate figures with their numerical value based on the idea of earning points, rather than being burdened with the technicality of music theory.
Compose your thoughts and shuffle the deck. Beginner level: Use the Rhythm Deck only Middle/Advanced: Use Rhythm and Rest Cats deck Place each individual card next to each other facing down Beginner Level: Use whole and half notes Middle Level: Whole, half, and quarter notes Advanced Level: Use all cards. Choose an order of players. Begin game! Each player may only flip two (2) cards per turn. A) If the pair of cards doesn’t match, place them back into the spread facing down. B) If the pair of cards match, the player earns points. Beginner Level: Refer to the cards by points while encouraging them to say the name of the notes. Middle & Advanced Level: Refer to the cards by points and name.
Earning Points
Points are labeled in regards to the meter being used.
Beginner Level: anything that’s by /4 i.e - 2/4, 3/4, 4/4…
Whole Notes - 4 points per card
Half Notes - 2 points per card
Quarter Notes - 1 point per card
Eight Notes - 1/2 point per card
Sixteenth Notes - 1/4 point per card
Middle Level: Anything in /2 i.e - 2/2, 3/2, 4/2…
Whole Notes - 2 points per card
Half Notes - 1 point per card
Quarter Notes - 1/2 point per card
Eight Notes - 1/4 point per card
Sixteenth Notes - 1/8 point per card
Advanced Level: Be creative !!
If possible, encourage the student to perform the flipped cards regardless if they are an exact pair or not. Continue playing until there are not more cards on the spread. Players will be ranked by points. Count each card individually.
Part Two
“Arranging Kitties”
For more advanced players who are familiar with the staff & musical notes. An introduction to the topics of arranging and composition. The player only has a limited amount of cards and will have the freedom to arrange ONLY the rhythm of the melody chosen. Players also become familiar with the idea of transcribing melodies although it is not required to be by ear.
Choose a short-simple melody that has been worked on in the lessons. Transcribe the exact melody into the staff board Sing the melody! The winner (or winners) of Part One has the opportunity to arrange the melody’s rhythm motif (NOT the melody!!) Sing the player’s arrangement
Comments