If you haven’t heard of a “Pop It,” they are the latest fad right now and are everywhere! When they first came out I tried to resist going out and buying any. Why? Because I have really been trying not to get swept up in fads, only to have the item collect dust later. So, I decided if I can come up with at least 3 ideas on how to use them in lessons, if the fad dies, they can still serve a purpose. I came up with 7! Where there is a will, there is a way! ha ha!

Many of these ideas will work with good ol’ bubble wrap too! (I mean, where do you think the Pop It got its inspiration?) If you have a Pop It, then you probably notice that one side has more “pop” to it than the other. I call this the “staccato” side versus the “legato” side. This could make a difference with certain activities, so keep that in mind that sometimes one side is better to use than the other. Take some time to experiment.

What musical things can we do with a pop it? 

*POP* Hand Shape

How well this works will totally depend on the shape of your Pop It. Usually it’s best to have students place their fingers 2-5 on the pop it with the thumb resting off. But there may be some designs that will lend itself perfectly for the entire hand on the Pop It. After students have a nice hand shape they can then practice finger dexterity and technique…

*POP* Finger Dexterity

A Pop It is a perfect tool for students to practice their finger independence. Ask students to pop a certain finger number. Try popping on the staccato side and the legato side for a different touch.

*POP* Finger Technique

As mentioned above, one side is more of a staccato touch, while the other side is more legato. Practice the different touches.

*POP* Review Finger Numbers

Continuing the above, by reviewing finger numbers! Call out a finger number and have students POP with that finger. An easy game idea is to play Simon Says! ie: Simon says to pop finger # (fill in the blank). Afterwards, play the hands and fingers digital game for more finger review.

*POP* Practice Repetition

Whether practicing at home or going through a section of music during the lessons, use the Pop It to track repetition. If they get it correct, POP!

*POP* Game Tracking

Keep track of game progress by Popping! It can even work as a “bubble” game board! Too FUN!!

*POP* Play a Game

Turn the Pop It into a musical game! This works especially well for rhythm games. Here is an easy game idea…

  • Rhythm Pop– Show students a rhythm flashcard. Have students pop the value of the rhythm. (ie: Half note- pop 2!) Use the Musical Math Poke Cards for a musical math element, popping the total number of beats added up.

*POP* Pop with Music! 

As I was coming up with different ways I could use the Pop It with students, the thought came to me that I should compose some pieces where the Pop Its (or anything you can pop) become part of their music. I have had a blast writing these. The pieces, while not difficult on their own, does provide a little more of a challenge with the added element of the POPS! (Tip- the staccato side is recommended for a better popping experience)

So far, I have composed 7 pieces. You can use Pop Its, Bubble Wrap or even Balloons! They are all in the Elementary to Late Elementary range, however because the pops add that additional challenge, my early intermediate students have been enjoying them as well. Try “Popping Corn” for free here or here! Check them all out by clicking below.

Watch a few example clips of several of the pieces in this video below.

*POP* Free Activity Printable

And if you made it this far, how about grabbing a Pop with Music Activity printable you can give your students.

How about you? Do you use Pop Its in your studio? If so, how do you use them with your students? I would love to hear more ideas. Share in the comments below.

Where did you get your guitar and hand pop its I see? 

I get this question a lot! Here is the guitar and rainbow hand pop it that I got on Amazon. The other (solid color) hand I got at Five Below. (affiliate link) 

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6 Comments

  1. Paula C

    Thanks for this! I had never heard of them but can see how much fun and useful it will be so plan to get one for my studio now.

    Reply
    • Jennifer Foxx

      Have fun with your students, Paula! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Cynthia

    Hi Jen
    I want to use this idea with a highly autistic learner who is so musical and loves pop it toys..
    my question.. how do you get the pop it toy to stay on the music rest .. mine keep falling over and blu tac won’t stick to the plastic.. any ideas 🤔🦋🎶

    Reply
    • Jennifer Foxx

      What shape is your pop it? I bet that makes a difference. My hand shaped one doesn’t hAve that problem. My guitar shaped one if I sit it upright will occasionally want to move, so it’s probably best on its side.

      If it doesn’t stay on the music rest, I would experiment with it sitting flat on the side or next to them on the bench.

      Also, another thing you can do is have one be the popper and the other be the player.
      Here is an example…. https://youtu.be/wfa7UILmhEM

      Hope that helps!

      Reply

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