About Xylophone Fun
Xylophone Fun is a curriculum for introducing the basics of music reading through color matching, letter matching, simple patterns, and simple songs.
Xylophone Fun was created to offer a basis for introducing music reading in preparation for beginning piano. Children are able to first match color and then the letters from the visual to the xylophone or bells. Doing these simple songs offers exercise in letter recognition, matching, basic reading skills, fine motor skills, and basic music reading skills.
This curriculum is ideal for young children who are learning to read. It is also appropriate for children with special needs who may not be able to read common music scores. A child must simply learn to match color, then letter. This is an excellent way to practice those important literacy and fine motor skills. Children who may not otherwise be able to play an instrument due to the complexity of music reading have the opportunity to play simple and familiar songs for themselves and others offering a boost in self esteem and satisfaction.
Xylophone Fun is an eBook (PDF format) which can be viewed on an iPad, Tablet, Computer, Smartboard, or printed out and laminated. Want a sneak peak? Click here: Xylophone Fun Sneak Peak
Xylophone Fun Volume 1
Does your child love music? Have you thought about introducing your child to piano? Here is a simple method to introduce your child to basic music reading skills that can be later transferred to learning piano. Research shows that music engages both sides of the brain and is very beneficial in enhancing learning. Xylophone Fun targets motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and cognitive skills such as letter recognition, matching, and patterns.
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- Simple musical patterns and simple songs
- To be used with Basic Beat Resonator Bells or Desk Bells
- Use with iPad, Tablet, Computer, Smartboard, or Print and Laminate
- Recommended for ages 3 and up
Songs in Volume 1:
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- Xylophone Fun Strips (basic patterns)
- I Like To Play My Xylophone
- Hot Cross Buns
- Mary Had A Little Lamb
Included in your eBook (PDF file) is a xylophone layout, xylophone visuals, basic music patterns, and three simple songs, as well as hints on how to use the resource.
Xylophone Fun Volume 2
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- Six more complex songs to build on what was learned in Volume 1
- To be used with Basic Beat Resonator Bells or Desk Bells
- Use with iPad, Tablet, Computer, Smartboard, or Print and Laminate
- Recommended for ages 3 and up
Songs in Volume 2:
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- I Like To Play My Xylophone
- Largo
- Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
- Are You Sleeping (Frere Jacques)
- Wheels On The Bus
- Mr. Sun
Included in your eBook (PDF file) is a xylophone layout, xylophone visuals, and six songs, as well as hints on how to use the resource.
Xylophone Fun Volume 3
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- Each song is offered with and without lyrics to encourage singing along
- To be used with Basic Beat Resonator Bells or Desk Bells
- Use with iPad, Tablet, Computer, Smartboard, or Print and Laminate
- Recommended for ages 5 and up
Songs in Volume 3:
- I Like To Play My Xylophone
- Love Somebody
- Aura Lee
- Ode to Joy (instrumental only)
- Row, Row, Row Your Boat
- In the Jungle
- Old MacDonald
- Alouette
- Five Little Pumpkins (Bonus song)
Included in your eBook (PDF file) is a xylophone layout, xylophone visuals, and eight songs, as well as hints on how to use the resource.
Xylophone Fun Christmas
A holiday collection of Christmas songs to be played on Basic Beat Resonator Bells or Desk Bells. Each song is offered with and without lyrics to encourage singing along.
Songs in Christmas:
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- Bohemian Bell Carol
- Jolly Old Saint Nicholas
- Jingle Bells
- Angels We Have Heard On High
- Up On The Housetop
- The First Noel
- Over the River and Through the Woods
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Included in your eBook (PDF file) is a xylophone layout, xylophone visuals, seven simple songs, as well as hints on how to use the resource.
Songs For Fall
Come Said The Leaves – Free Download (Read More Here)
Five Little Pumpkins – Available for Purchase (Click Here)
Which instruments should I use with this curriculum?
If you need to purchase a Xylophone or Desk Bell set to go with the Xylophone Fun Curriculum see our links below. Remember, this curriculum only works with these specific instruments, and will not work with any other colored xylophone or bells. You can use it with non-colored or mono-colored xylophone but you will not have the benefits of the matching of colors technique. A mono-colored xylophone (similar to the Orff xylophones) will have letter names which you can match. This curriculum is specifically color coordinated to be used with the Basic Beat Resonator Bells and desk bells. NOTE: For Xylophone Fun you need the Basic Beat 8-note Resonator Bells in the green case. The bars/bells are red, orange, yellow, green, aqua, blue, purple, and red. Update: Please see our updated resource page which shows other instruments that can be used with Xylophone Fun Curriculum.
To Purchase Xylophone or Desk Bells
Rhythms For Living DOES NOT sell the xylophones or desk bells. You will need to purchase a set on your own. We have included links here for you to find them online. In some cases we will receive a small commission if you purchase (through Amazon only) but it is no additional charge for you. We are not affiliated with West Music, the Rhythm Band company, or the Basic Beat company. We have chosen to use these instruments because they are good quality. There are many different options for instruments you can use that will work with the Xylophone Curriculum. Please see the information below.
Rhythm Band or Basic Beat 8 Note Resonator Bells
Boomwhackers
Purchase at Amazon.com: here
For more instruments which can be used with Xylophone Fun eBooks
Please also note: “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” (For anything purchased on Amazon.com through the links provided in the page. The eBooks are NOT part of this program and are not available through Amazon.)