I LOVE workstations! If you are a frequent reader, you probably have read many of my posts about centers. If you are just getting started using workstations in your music classroom check out these three posts:
This year I am teaching in a room that is much smaller than the rooms I have been in for the last 20 years or so. Centers still work perfectly! This is a picture of some of my groups working on centers this fall.
Candy Corn Puzzles
At this workstation, students put together candy corn puzzles as a group. Once they have assembled the candy corns they fill out a simple chart. This set is the dynamics set so they are recording the symbol, the Italian term and the definition. You can find these sets in my store: Dynamics / Notes and Rests / Recorders / Symbols
For some centers I put down a large throw rug. Students can sit on it or do their activity on it. Sometimes using the rug just helps define the space you have designated for the workstation.
Clip-It Rhythms
At this workstation, students say/clap the name of the picture on the card. They decide with rhythm matches the syllables of the picture and clip-it. Each set comes with an answer sheet, but most groups use peer checking successfully.
Jazzy Jack-O-Lanterns
This is actually a bulletin board set that I have used for many years. See it HERE. At this station, students get a blank pumpkin and must use only music symbols to create a face on it. I have sometimes just provided blank paper, but students seem to take so much time drawing their pumpkin that they don't get to using the music symbols. A blank template gives them more time for that.
You can get the bulletin board HERE. It doesn't come with a blank template, but you can find one online or in a bulletin board book you may already have on your shelf.
Pumpkin Patterns
I found these packs of foam pumpkins at the dollar store about five years ago. I've seen similar ones at Hobby Lobby and Joann's that might work. On the back of each pumpkin I drew a four beat rhythm and on another pumpkin the exact same rhythm. Essentially, this is a memory game. Students turn over a pumpkin, clap the rhythm they see and then try to find its match. If they get it right, they keep the match and if they don't they turn them back over and it is someone else's turn.
Reading Station
I love to incorporate a reading station during workstation days. I include books that we may have used for classroom activities, books about musicians and instruments, songs made into books and biographies. Some of my favorites for October and November are:
Blowin' in the Wind by Bob Dylan
There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bat by Lucille Colandro
There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves by Lucille Colandro
What Does the Fox Say by Svain Nyhus
Pete the Cat Five Little Pumpkins by James Dean
Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert
The Itsy Bitsy Pumpkin by Sonali Fry
The Spooky Wheels on the Bus by Elizabeth Mills
The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams
Dem Bones by Bob Barner
Rhythm Stick Reading
If at all possible, I like to include a workstation that includes singing or playing an instrument. This was the first time my 3rd graders had worked at centers and I wanted to choose something with which they could have immediate success. The rhythms in this file are easy. It includes ta, titi and sh. Actually, the notes aren't used. Icons of rhythm sticks are used instead.
Rhythm sticks are also a nice instrument to start with because they are not particularly loud and annoying. With a classroom full of learners in a small space, this is important! They did a great job and demonstrated a great deal of self control.
You can find the Rhythm Stick Reading set HERE. You might also like the one for several different rhythm instruments, maracas, tambourines, hand drums, triangles or cowbells.
