The Most Accurate Way To Teach Space Notes To Kids

Learning to distinguish the difference between line and space notes is fundamental to learning to sight read music. 

Therefore, kids have to be very familiar with the concept of line and space notes before they can move on to reading music notes. 

However, before they actually get down to reading Treble Clef and Bass Clef line and space notes, they should first learn the concept of line and space note numbers. 

Whether you are a parent with a thorough knowledge of music or have never touched a musical instrument in your life, in this post, I will show you how to accurately introduce the concept to your kids. 

Furthermore, I have even included music theory worksheets and flashcards, so you can take your children’s learning to the next level. 

So before we start, remember to download the music theory worksheets and flashcards included below. 

Next, make sure you have introduced the concept of line and space notes to them first. 

If you haven’t. No worries. Read my post The Best Way To Teach Kids Line And Space Notes, download the flashcards and music theory worksheets provided there, next introduce the concept to them as I have detailed and then follow the instructions in this post. 

Easy enough?

Then let’s get started. 

Teach Them How To Count

Yes, this concept has to be taught to all kids irrespective of their age. 

Tell your kids that a staff has four spaces. 

Each space is denominated by a number from one to four. 

Counting starts from the bottom of the staff. 

So the bottom space is space one and the top space is space four. 

Show them the flashcard included to make it easier to visualize. 

Space Number Games

Once your kids have understood this concept, it is time to play a few games in order to ensure that the concept has been reinforced. 

You will need a pen and paper or a white board for this game. 

On the paper draw a staff with five lines. 

– Game 1 – Call out a space number or simply say something like s3 and ask your child to draw the note in the correct space. In this case he will have to draw the notehead in the 3rd space. Make sure that the note is nestled in space and the top and bottom edges of the note do not spill over line 3 and line 4. 

– Game 2 – You can play the above game in reverse. This time you draw the note on the stave and have your child call out the space number. Make sure you write the note with technical accuracy. 

– Game 3 – Play game 2 with a slight twist. This time ask your child to call out a space number first, then you write the note on the staff, but always make a deliberate mistake and give your child the opportunity to correct you. The twinkle you’ll see in your child’s eye will be worth all the time and effort you have put into this exercise. 

So what do you think? 

Do you think you can get started teaching your child immediately? 

You know you can, so don’t put it off, do it right now and let me know how it goes.