Teaching rhythms and note values to children can be challenging but if you are creative, you might be surprised what will happen!
I love to cook so today I am sharing another Hubpage entry, "How to Teach Kids About Rhythm" which I'll call "Musical Pie". And . . . since we are on the subject of pie, I will include some of my favorite pie recipes.
When a child learns to associate rhythms to something they know and understand, imaginations fly to the moon! If you say the names of different kinds of pie and clap out the rhythms, it is an easy way to teach note values. Click the pie photo and read my HUBPAGE entry before you read on.
This was taken when our 3rd daughter, Keri, was helping me make pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving dinner many years ago. Children grow up but memories never fade. When our grandchildren come to visit, we enjoy cooking together.
You can't make a perfect pie without a good pie crust. If you think I'm getting a little too far off track, know that there is a method to my madness. Pay attention to key words because there will be a review at the end of this blog.
This is my "No-Fail Pie Crust" recipe with photos to help. Preheat oven to 400.
Step 1:Using a wire whisk, mix together: 3 cups flour, 1-1/2 cups Crisco shortening and 1 teaspoon salt.
Step 2: Mix together 1 egg, 6 Tablespoons water and 1 Tablespoon white vinegar.
Make a well in the dry ingredients and blend until moistened. DO NOT knead but carefully work the dough until it holds together.
Step 3: Chill the dough then roll out on a silpat mat or between lightly floured waxed paper or a floured surface.
Flute the edges with thumb and forefinger and prick unbaked crust with a fork if baking as a shell. BAKE until golden.
One of my favorite pies is Lemon Meringue.
Lemon Pie Filling: Blend 1-1/2 cups sugar and 6 Tablespoons cornstarch together.
Then add: 2 cups water, 3 egg yolks, 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice, grated lemon zest, 3 TB. butter and 2 teas. white vinegar. (I use a wire whisk to mix filling and continue to stir while the filling cooks and comes to a boil. Mixture should be clear and will thicken once it cools.)
Tip: Warm lemons for 20 seconds in microwave to relase more juice.
Pour into prebaked pie shell and chill in fridge. (I usually make the pie in the morning, add the meringue in the afternoon and chill.)
Meringue: Whip 4 egg whites and 6 Tablespoons sugar in a glass bowl until foamy. Then add 1 teas. vanilla and beat until it stands in peaks. If you have cream of tarter, add 1/2 teaspoon. . . it helps the meringue brown but not necessary.
Spread the whipped meringue over the cooled pie. Make sure it touches the edges of the pie crust. This keeps it from shrinking. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 until golden. (Watch closely. . . it only takes a few minutes to brown. Remove from the oven and cool, then chill until time to serve.)
Sidenote: When we were serving at the Jerusalem Center (Jan. 2016 - August 2017), Doug and Janna Coombs became our good buddies. Doug had a birthday and because his favorite pie was Lemon Meringue, I made one for him. To say the least, he was thrilled!
TEST YOUR SKILL: (Clap the rhythm as you say the name)
What is the rhythm for PIE CRUST?
Answer: 2 quarter notes or . . .depending how FAST you say it, it could also be 2 eighth notes.
How about No-Fail PIE CRUST? Answer: 4 quarter notes but if you it speak faster, there would be 2 eighth notes and 2 quarter notes.
What is the rhythm for BIRTHDAY PIE? Answer: 2 eighth notes and 1 quarter (Note PIE is spoken slower.)
What about THANKSGIVING PIE? (Remember, you need one note for every syllable.
Answer: 1 quarter note, 2 eighth notes and 1 quarter.
What is the rhythm for LEMON MERINGUE PIE? Answer: 2 eighth notes, 1 eight note and 2 quarter notes.
Now that everyone has a little time in self-isolation, how about making a CHICKEN POT PIE?
Can you guess that rhythm?
(Answer: 2 eighth notes and 2 quarter notes).
I dare anyone to figure out the rhythm for this conglomorate of a pie?
If you are still confused about note values and rhythms, go back and study my HUBPAGE again. In the meantime, keep practicing and if is too boring, then get cooking but don't forget to wear an apron. (My rule in the kitchen!) See you next week?
