Teaching Piano: Thomas Explores the Keyboard

Recently in my preschool piano class, we explored the piano keyboard. First we used my pattern cards to break down the pattern of the keys.

Then we found those same patterns on the keyboard.

Next we made our own paper keyboard, and practiced using the black key patterns to help us find specific notes.

Finally we went over to the keyboard and pulled out a student favorite, Thomas the Train.

We used Thomas to help us explore different white keys on the piano. Thomas can move up and down the keyboard (demonstrating high and low notes) and just barely fits onto the keys enough to park.

Once Thomas was parked, we would try to find a corresponding white key on our paper keyboard and placed a Thomas sticker over it.

Sometimes I would pick where Thomas would park, and sometimes the student could pick. Either way, it was a fun way to practice finding notes on the keyboard.