Dynamics from Softest to Loudest

Grade level

Grades 2–4

Time

About 15 minutes

Topic

Dynamics and tempo

Answer key

Yes, page 2 of the PDF

Kids practice

Reading p, mp, mf and f, Ordering dynamics from softest to loudest, Reading crescendo and decrescendo signs, Knowing tempo words from largo to presto

What kids do

Printed on the sheet:

1. Number the dynamics from 1 (softest) to 6 (loudest).
2. Use the word bank to finish each sentence.
3. 1. The signs that tell how loud or soft to play are called
4. 2. Pianissimo (pp) means very
5. 3. Fortissimo (ff) means very
6. 4. Mezzo, the m in mp and mf, means

Teacher tip

Line up six kids, each holding one dynamic sign, and let the class put them in order. Then the line says “hello” from softest to loudest.

How to use it

• Walk around the room at each tempo: largo, andante, allegro, presto.
• Remind kids that the words are Italian, and say them together.
• Read the reminder box at the top of the sheet together, then do the first item as a class.

Watch for

Reading the crescendo sign backward. The open end is the loud end.

Talk about it

• Is soft the same as slow? Why not?
• Where have you seen or heard this in a song we know?

Take it further

Listen to a short piece and hold up a p or f card when the dynamic changes.

US Letter, prints well in black and white. Free for home and classroom use: print as many copies as you need.