 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Kids Learn Music: A+ Edition
- Nintendo DS
- Price: $19.99
- Genre: Educational
Common Sense Media says
Learning game is a great start for music education.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Kids Learn Music: A+ Edition is an educational learning game for kids in grades 1 to 4. It is designed to teach young players the basics of music such as recognizing notes on a scale, matching rhythms, and simulating the basic steps involved in playing guitar and drums. There is also a mode that allows players to play musical instruments in a freestyle setting. This game is designed for young players but anyone interested in grasping a basic understanding of technical music skills will likely find the exercises here relevant and accessible.
What kids can learn
Kids can learn fundamentals of music, including scales and rhythm identification. They also get to play virtual instruments and hear the different sounds they make. Some of the mini-games also reinforce memory by requiring that players repeat note sequences. Notes and rhythms are the focus here; you'll find only a surface introduction to melody-making.
Skills
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Creativitymaking new creations
- Emotional Development
- Health & Fitness
- Responsibility & Ethics
- Self-Direction
- Tech Skills
- Thinking & Reasoningmemorization
What's it about?
Kids Learn Music: A+ Edition gives players an introduction to the world of music education. It teaches them about the musical notes, from A to G, and also tests their ability to match the rhythm of a song, play a simulated musical instrument, and repeat a sequence of notes from memory. In addition to the structured mini-games and exercises, there's also a mode that allows kids to practice playing their favorite musical instrument.
Is it any good?
Kids Learn Music: A+ Edition is a great introduction to the world of music. Its colorful and friendly presentation makes it widely accessible to anyone, even those who have no experience learning about scales, names of notes, or recognizing rhythms. It is, however, only an introduction. For players who are seriously interested in developing music skills, it should be supplemented by real lessons in school or elsewhere.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how video games can be included in their children's regular activities.
What musical instrument is your favorite?
What is the toughest thing to learn about music?
What kids can learn
Kids can learn fundamentals of music, including scales and rhythm identification. They also get to play virtual instruments and hear the different sounds they make. Some of the mini-games also reinforce memory by requiring that players repeat note sequences. Notes and rhythms are the focus here; you'll find only a surface introduction to melody-making.
Subjects
- Arts: music, playing, rhythm
- Hobbies:
- Language & Reading:
- Math:
- Science:
- Social Studies:
Skills
- Collaboration:
- Communication:
- Creativity: making new creations
- Emotional Development:
- Health & Fitness:
- Responsibility & Ethics:
- Self-Direction:
- Tech Skills:
- Thinking & Reasoning: memorization
How kids will learn
Kids engage in a variety of mini-games. They might follow rhythms that are visually represented; perhaps they will repeat note sequences from memory. Players are scored based on how well they're able to perform these activities. If players don't score so well, they're encouraged to try again. Overall, the game is pretty encouraging, and reinforces the notion that practices makes perfect.
How parents can help
- Help kids make musical instruments from objects found at home, such as an open shoebox wrapped with rubber bands. Ask them about the sounds that result from different item combos.
- Turn on music and see if kids recognize any sequences similar to the ones they found in the game.
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| Platforms: | Nintendo DS |
| Available online? | Not available online |
| Genre: | Educational |
| Developer: | Talking Stick Games |
| Release date: | October 4, 2011 |
| Price: | $19.99 |
| ESRB rating: | E for No Descriptors |
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