Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Teaching with a Piano Mat



So I was wondering what to write about today and I came across my piano mat that I bought 5 years ago.  I had to replace the batteries and thought, "Hmm, I could write about all the wonderful uses this mat has".  I absolutely love this piano mat.  I bought mine at US Toys® in Frisco, TX for $40.  Yes, I know, $40 is a bit steep but I tell you what,  I don't regret this purchase one bit!  This is the first time in 5 years.....5 YEARS that I've had to change 4 AA batteries out and it's in perfect condition!  It's a very well made product.

I've used this mat to reinforce the teaching of white notes by holding up letters names of piano keys that my students needed to locate and play on the mat with their feet!  The kiddos can change the way the mat sounds by choosing different instruments like a horn, guitar, trumpet, banjo, xylophone, etc. They have played simple songs from their lesson books with this mat.  I've used it to teach intervals, test sharps, flats, half steps, whole steps, create major and minor scales, and even octaves.  I mean the ideas are endless and the kiddos love playing with their feet.

If you're interested in one of your own, the company is Smart Planet® and the name of the mat is "The World's Biggest Piano Mat".  LOVE IT!  Until next time, piano blogger signing off........