Musical Vocabulary and Definition Flashcards

This product has been designed to support the language acquisition of both pupils and teachers within the classroom. During a recent musical topic, as teachers, we needed to learn the language alongside the children to ensure that their outcomes and language acquisition matched the needs for 5th Grade.

We chose ten most common words and produced this set of language cards. We used them in a range of ways. Playing musical styles which demonstrated each of the words (silence was easy!) we were able to show audibly what each word meant.

We showed that word, then placed the meaning next to it, so the class were in agreement that the word meant the definition. We worked through all ten words and displayed the words and definitions alongside one another. Children could then refer to them in sessions, ensuring they were using correct and more sophisticated musical expressions and terms.

As a development, we then jumbled the definitions up and asked the children to sort them out again - supporting their growing knowledge in the language meaning.

We also used the cards a flashcards in two different ways. We showed the vocabulary and the children had to give the definition. Then we showed the definition and the children had to tell us the meaning of the word.

These simple flashcards were incredibly effective in our 5th grade class to develop and embed the musical language which our children needed when working on their own compositions and musical appraisal work.

In terms of age use - they can be used anywhere within a child's musical journey where language knowledge is needed.

We hope that you find these as useful as we did.

Best wishes

INSPIReducation