Objective

By the end of this lesson, the toddler will be able to identify and name different chords and understand their role in language arts: reading.

Materials and Prep

• Paper
• Crayons or markers
• Printed pictures of different chords (e.g., C chord, G chord, D chord)

No prior knowledge or preparation is required for this lesson.

Activities

1. Introduction to Chords: Show the printed pictures of different chords to the toddler and explain that chords are like different colors in a painting. Just like colors create beautiful pictures, chords create beautiful sounds in music.
2. Chord Identification: Give the toddler a piece of paper and ask them to draw their favorite chord. Encourage them to use different colors to make it vibrant.
3. Chord Naming: After the toddler finishes drawing, ask them to name their chord. Write down the name below their drawing. Repeat this activity with a few more chords.
4. Chord Story: Create a simple story using the named chords. For example, "Once upon a time, there was a C chord named Charlie. Charlie loved to play with his friend G chord named Grace. One day, they met the D chord named David, and they all played a beautiful song together." Read the story aloud to the toddler, emphasizing the names of the chords.
5. Chord Exploration: Play some music that prominently features the named chords. Encourage the toddler to listen carefully and identify when they hear each chord in the music.

Toddler Grade Talking Points

• "Chords are like colors in a painting. They make music sound beautiful."
• "We can draw our favorite chords and give them names, just like we name our favorite toys."
• "Chords can be friends and play together to make a song."
• "Listening to music helps us identify different chords and understand how they sound."