- Definition
Devised notation is when your child creates their own way to write down musical ideas, like drawing pictures or symbols instead of standard music notes.
Drawing a squiggly line to mean 'move like a snake' is a form of devised notation.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Devised notation is like creating your own secret code with symbols to tell a friend how to do a special dance move.
Ask your child: How would you draw a symbol for a jump and a spin?
Common mix-up: Kids might think only 'real' symbols like music notes count. Devised notation means anyone can invent their own symbols to represent an idea or action.
Examples
- Using a big circle for a loud sound and a small dot for a quiet sound.
- Creating a symbol map that shows a character how to walk across a stage.
devised notation is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
