A Super Simple Way to Learn About Instruments

Every year around this time I look forward to giving my kids new and fun ways to learn about instruments. We've been a part of Classical Conversations for nearly seven years, and the last six weeks of foundations orchestra study is still one of my favorite parts.

I played in the band when I was in junior high, but I never learned much about any instruments other than the one I played. As we continue each year to take time to focus on the various instruments and how they fit into the orchestra, I find my life is enriched with depth when I listen to music. Each instrument has its own unique voice.

Thankfully a fun new resource just came out to help me teach my kids this year: Meet the Instrument Learning Cards by Mary Prather, creator of SQUILT.

I received the Meet the Instruments learning cards for free. I was also compensated for my time in exchange for an honest review. As always, all opinions are my own. See my full disclosure policy for more details. 

What Are Meet the Instrument Learning Cards?

With this downloadable resource, you can teach your children all about the orchestra. The resource includes 32 full color instrument cards that can be easily printed double sided. All you have to do is cut them out and laminate them (optional, but highly recommended).

In addition, there is a link on the back of the first card that gives you access to a password protected page full of fantastic ideas for going deeper with your cards. There are teaching ideas, games, over 30 videos, and printables for you to use along with your instrument cards. This gives you hours of additional enrichment to your studies.

I think the best feature of these cards is that they can really supplement any orchestra study. The information on the back is engaging, yet simple enough for young children to read, understand, and enjoy. If a child simply picked these cards up and read through them, they'd have a fantastic introduction to the orchestra.

Remember KISS?

I've found the saying "Keep It Simple Stupid" to be so helpful. So often I try to over-complicate life by creating impossible lesson plans that set both me and my kids up for failure.

With the Meet the Instruments learning cards, our orchestra studies can stay simple. The beauty of simple learning is that it's not generally shallow. As kids take ownership of their learning, they'll want more and more.

Instead of overbuying tons of resources for the orchestra, or ignoring it altogether, I recommend something simple like these learning cards to whet the appetite for more.

You can purchase the cards here for $12. If you'd like to dive in deeper with music studies, try one of the SQUILT Composer Spotlights or SQUILT Musical Era Collections. 

Andy Strauss