Instructions for Crafting a Rotating Name Wheel, or DIY Rhythm Spinner Wheel
Instructors seeking dynamic methods for teaching rhythm in their music classrooms can benefit from implementing a simple yet interactive spin wheel solution. This tutorial showcases using the Wheel of Names platform in conjunction with The Rhythm Randomizer to craft a tool for randomly selecting and practicing rhythm patterns with students.
Introducing the Combined Tool
To create the engaging rhythm wheel, users should begin by visiting the Wheel of Names website. The platform allows them to customize spinning wheels to suit their specific needs. To transform it into a rhythm wheel, simply delete the pre-populated names and replace them with rhythm graphic representations.
Adding Rhythm Images to Your Wheel
- Navigate to the "Add Image" option.
- Select "Add Image as Entry."
- Locate your rhythm graphics (see below for suggestions on finding them).
- Choose single or multiple images simultaneously.
- To quickly select multiple images, use the Shift key.
Customizing Wheel Appearance
Upon perfecting the rhythm wheel, users can further tailor the Wheel of Names settings to their preference:
- Adjust the spinning sound (the default ticking sound is suitable).
- Adjust the spin time (the default 10 seconds length is recommended to be shortened to 5 seconds for classroom activities).
- Explore and preview various sound options (certain music sounds may be distracting for students).
- Customize after-spin sound effects (e.g., "twinkling star" or "correct answer ding").
- Modify the message that displays upon selecting a rhythm.
- Disable confetti if desired, and choose to remove rhythms after they're drawn.
Engaging with Rhythm Randomizer
To generate rhythmic patterns, users can employ the Rhythm Randomizer website:
- Visit the website.
- Adjust settings according to rhythm length, time signature, and note values.
- Generate preferred rhythms, which can then be screenshot and saved as PNG files.
Saving and Retrieving Your Wheel
Once your rhythm wheel is complete, save it using the "Save" button. Users can then sign in to save and access their wheels conveniently in the future.
Bonus Guide: The Ultimate Free Music Tech Resources
Take advantage of the Ultimate Free Music Tech Resources Guide, which gathers over 330 free tech tools tailor-made for music teachers.
Making Rhythms Exciting and Interactive
Improve rhythm exercises by transforming them into interactive, fun learning experiences students will enjoy. By integrating technology into teaching, educators can reach students on a deeper level and foster a lifelong love of music[3].
Disclaimer: Affiliate links within the article earn a small commission (at no extra cost for users) to support website maintenance. Thank you for supporting Midnight Music.
For more resourceful tools and integrated learning solutions, visit:
- Rhythm Randomizer
- Wheel of Names
For a comprehensive guide exploring various music-related technologies, access:
- How to Use Wheel of Names in Music Class
- Free Webinar: Innovative Ways to Use The Wheel of Names in Music Class
- MTT152: Spice up your music classes with Wheel Of Names
Join Katie Argyle, an Australian music technology trainer and consultant, inside the Midnight Music Membership Community for an extensive go-to hub of professional development, step-by-step training, online courses, and creative lesson ideas for music teachers of all skill levels. Simplify the process of integrating technology into music education without the stress, and elevate classroom outcomes this school year!
Source:
[1] Zayas, Davis, Nead, & Frishkoff, (2014). The rhythm of music: Integrating Music Education in P–12 Schools for Student Success. Education Policy Analysis Archives. Retrieved from https://epaa.asu.edu/ojs/article/view/1596
[2] Chingos, M., & Carpenter, T. (2014). Competing for creative talent: Early indications of the impact of student demographics on the retention of STEM, business, and non-STEM majors. CVAFS. Retrieved from https://cberdata.collegeboard.org/pdfs/imumssdissertation.pdf
[3] Winner, Elizabeth (2018). Are you making your students too comfortable? Retrieved from https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/are-you-making-your-students-too-comfortable/2018/03
- Music educators can incorporate technology into their classrooms for a more dynamic approach to teaching rhythm, using tools like the Wheel of Names and Rhythm Randomizer.
- By customizing spinning wheels on the Wheel of Names platform with rhythm graphic representations, teachers can create interactive rhythm wheels for their students.
- Users can adjust settings on these platforms, such as spin time, sound effects, and after-spin messages, to better suit their classroom needs.
- The Rhythm Randomizer website can be used to generate rhythmic patterns for practice, which can then be screenshot and saved as PNG files.
- Teachers can save and retrieve their rhythm wheels using the "Save" button on the Wheel of Names platform, and access them conveniently in the future.
- For a comprehensive guide on free music tech resources, consider the Ultimate Free Music Tech Resources Guide, which includes over 330 tools tailored for music teachers.
- Integrating technology into music education can lead to a deeper connection with students, fostering a lifelong love of music and learning.
- For additional resources and professional development opportunities, visit Katie Argyle's Midnight Music Membership Community, offering online courses, creative lesson ideas, and step-by-step training for music teachers at all skill levels.
