Take an Adventure with Thomas Tortoise
Thomas’ Story
Thomas Tortoise is a little smaller than his other friends and likes to play with Winnie Rat. He doesn’t have hands that grip, so he adapts to play the xylophone by using his strong nails instead of mallets. Thomas Tortoise is glad to be able to participate in music.
Meet Thomas Tortoise
Thomas Finds His Own Way to Make Music
Thomas Tortoise loves music! Even though playing an instrument looks different for Thomas, he discovers that every musician can find their own special way to make music. Thomas Tortoise believes you can find your own way to make beautiful melodies.
What Is a Xylophone?
A Fun Percussion Instrument for Kids
- xylophones have wooden bars
- each bar makes a different sound
- players use mallets to create music
- xylophones are common in elementary music classrooms
Parts of the Xylophone
Types of Pitched Orff Instruments
Learn Beginner Xylophone Skills
Holding Xylophone Mallets
- Find the Fulcrum: Divide the mallet shaft into thirds. Place your thumb and the first knuckle of your index finger at the two-thirds mark from the head to establish your pivot point.
- Pinch Lightly: Squeeze the stick gently between your thumb pad and index finger.
- Wrap Remaining Fingers: Curl your middle, ring, and pinky fingers loosely around the rest of the shaft.
- Use relaxed hands
- Tap the center of the bar
Fun Xylophone Activities
Thomas Tortoise Copy Me Xylophone Game
Why Learn the Xylophone?
- coordination
- listening skills
- rhythm
- creativity
- confidence
Easy Xylophone Songs Packet – With Thomas Tortoise
Enjoy this easy xylophone packet of nursery rhyme songs with color-coded letters and lyrics. This is great for beginning young students who don’t read note values yet. Songs included are:
Three Blind Mice
Mary Had a Little Lamb
London Bridge is Falling Down
Are You Sleeping?
Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
Play Along to Some Fun Songs
Meet Winnie’s Friends
