The Rhythm Ruler
I am currently seeking funding for the next stage of my creation, the Rhythm Ruler. The Rhythm Ruler is a tool to teach students about rhythms. It displays inches and sixteenth, eighth, quarter, half, and whole notes. The back has a breakdown of eighth, quarter, and half note triplets.
I created the the Rhythm Ruler in 2006 after teaching note values to several 4th graders by relating note values to measurements. Most students are familiar with rulers and inches so I told them to think of a quarter note as one inch. I wrote 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & on the chalkboard and told them ‘1 &’ was an inch. They immediately grasped the concept and were able to place combinations of half, quarter, and eighth notes in bars with ease. I continued this with more classes – as did my colleague. Our success rate was impressive. I then decided to make the Rhythm Ruler.
The Rhythm Ruler is perfect for band, orchestra, chorus and classroom music students. Teaching note values in general music and classroom music classes to students without previous music experience is much easier with the Rhythm Ruler. Educators, conductors, and directors are constantly searching for better ways to teach rhythm and note values. In my 15 years of teaching I have tried many ways including using money, fractions, algebra, blocks, and food!
In 2007 I had a a shipment of Rhythm Rulers made through a local company (Schlenker Enterprises) that deals with custom products such as rulers. I began promoting and giving away rulers. Now it’s time to continue that momentum! However, as a music teacher I simply cannot afford to personally fund another fabrication and round of promotion.
That where Kickstarter comes in. Kickstarter is a funding platform focused on a broad spectrum of creative projects.
Please consider contributing to The Rhythm Ruler, via Kickstarter.com.
