There has been some great discussion on the Yahoo Piano Teachers list about games for Halloween. Well, thinking up games is much more fun than completing the homework for the class I need to renew my teaching certificate, so here you are!
The first game is Trick or Treat. Print off the Pumpkin Rhythm Cards, and place in a Halloween candy bucket. If the student picks a rhythm, it is a “trick” and they must clap it correctly. If they draw out a pumpkin that is says “treat” they get to pick a treat from the candy stash. If you want to, you can print the reverse side on the back of the pumpkin cards, making for games that are a bit more commercial-looking. That way, when you cut them out there will be an image on the front and back of each card. There is also a blank pumpkin page so you can customize the game.
The next game is Candy Corn Note Match. Cut apart all of the sections, and have the students match up the note on the staff, note on the keyboard, and letter name. This can be done individually or in groups, and can be competitive or not in nature. Once again, there is a blank Candy Corn page if you’d like to make your own game. I think it would be great for terms – the abbreviation, Italian word, and definition.
Now, I’m going to finish writing about the Flores Consent order and Lau vs. Nichols. Really. No more procrastinating…at least for today! 
Filed under: Games, Group Lesson Ideas, Note Reading, Rhythms, Seasonal Activities
Hey D’Net,
These are great! Thank you so much for sharing. I am always inspired by your ideas. I made a snowman game with note names (on my website) after your ice cream cone games were such a hit! But, I know what you mean about the creation of these games as procrastinating.
Thanks again for procrastinating for our benefit!
Wendy
These are great ideas! You sure know how to come up with great ideas!
-Susan
Hi D’Net,
This is really fun. I remember last year you had some pumpkin related games too. I have too many students who aren’t ready to play any Halloween songs. Playing these games could participate in the studio Halloween spirit. Thanks!
BTW, what teaching certificate are you studying for? Is it for a teaching credential?
Lydia
Glad that you all like the games. I was reading on another website about the trick-or-treat game, and thoght that would work great for a piano game. Amazing where we can find inspiration!
I am taking a class to get my AZ teaching certificate renewed. I let it expire when I had 3 little kiddos in diapers and was up with screaming children all night. Renewing it wasn’t exactally a priority. I had to take 2 tests that cost $200 and this $300 class to get it renewed. I’ll never let the darn thing expire ever again…
Just what I needed today! Thanks so much for your creativity!
My students and I are having a lot of fun this week with the Pumpkin cards. Thanks so much!
Thanks for sharing, I procrastinated my group lesson for tomorrow and this will be perfect!
Thanks again
Thank you so much for these, I am a new group music teacher and your games are wonderful! I love this website. Thanks for your help!