Pencil Time Game

Game pieces

Three “pencil” boxes (shoe boxes work fine) each marked with a time signature, one with 2/4, one with 3/4, one with 4/4

32 “pencil” game cards

Before you begin

Place the three “pencil” boxes near each other on one end of the room with the time signature indications clearly visible. Show the children how they should count the number of beats on a given “pencil” card and then place it in the correct box. Let the children know they should pick up only one “pencil” card at a time.

To play

Toss all the “pencil” cards into the air at once. Players each pick up a card, count the number of beats on the card, then place it in the correct box. It is often best to require the children to tell you, or a partner or teaching assistant, how many beats they believe are on each card before allowing them to place it into a box. Play continues until all the cards have been put in the boxes. Repeat the game if you like.