Using chants for lower elementary music class is always a staple, but it is even more important in the 202-2021 school year. A lot of people are teaching online (that's me still!), and many people are in school but not allowed to sing. Chants are the perfect solution to this issue-- students can still learn… Continue reading The Best Chants for Lower Elementary Music Class
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The Best Movement Activities for 2-3 Grade Elementary Music Class
Looking for simple and fun music lessons? These movement activities for 2-3 grade elementary music class are just the ticket! These lessons are for second and third grade. They will help students to learn about rhythm, form, singing, and also have fun. Plus, the movement will help them get the wiggles out, which is a… Continue reading The Best Movement Activities for 2-3 Grade Elementary Music Class
4 Exciting Ways to Teach Les Toreadores from the Opera Carmen
Have you ever had a group of fifth graders say, "Opera is so much fun!"? No? Well I have! And it was a direct result of the lessons that we are going to talk about today. I've taught opera to my younger students (K-2), and this year I decided to try it with my fourth… Continue reading 4 Exciting Ways to Teach Les Toreadores from the Opera Carmen
My Best Movement Activities for 4 and 5 Grade Music
One of the most common questions that I get is, “What do I do with older elementary students?” I get it. Fourth and fifth grade students can be tough to teach elementary music. They may deem activities too childish, they are more self conscious about singing, and a million other things all contribute to them… Continue reading My Best Movement Activities for 4 and 5 Grade Music
Fun and Easy Waltz Lesson for Upper Elementary Music
When it comes to listening to Classical Music, a lot of teachers groan about how difficult it is to get students actively engaged and enjoying it. Whether or not that is you, you’re in the right place! This is a lesson that I used with my 4-5 grade students to learn about the style of… Continue reading Fun and Easy Waltz Lesson for Upper Elementary Music
10 Greatest Spirituals for Elementary Music Class
Spirituals are one of my favorite styles of music to teach. I sprinkle them throughout the whole year, but this year I am doing a more intentional spiritual unit with my fourth and fifth grade music students. We will be doing some of my favorite spirituals for elementary music. Today, I’m sharing them with you!… Continue reading 10 Greatest Spirituals for Elementary Music Class
Tips to make Lesson Planning Easy (as a music teacher!)
Can I tell you a secret? I love lesson planning! I know, I know, it's crazy. So many people dread lesson planning but to be honest, it's one of my favorite things. Part of this is due to the fact that I have found ways to make lesson planning easy-- even as a music teacher… Continue reading Tips to make Lesson Planning Easy (as a music teacher!)
Exciting Chants to use in 4 and 5 Grade Music Class
Pulling teeth to get older elementary students singing? Using chants may be the way to go. Chants allow students to focus on rhythm, learn music, and not have to sing. Today, we're going over exciting chants to use in 4 and 5 grade music class. This post is especially relevant right now. I'm writing this… Continue reading Exciting Chants to use in 4 and 5 Grade Music Class
10 Best Black History Month Books for Elementary Music
If you have been around the blog, you'll know that I've been on a mission to include books into my music classes. I've done lessons with favorites like Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See?, and today I am sharing some of my favorite Black History Month Books for… Continue reading 10 Best Black History Month Books for Elementary Music
The Best Music Engagement Strategies for Distance Learning
Who would have thought that we would still be dealing with distance learning in 2021? Whether you are brand new to teaching music online, or your students are losing steam because it's been so long, this post has some of the best distance learning engagement strategies. I've been teaching from home March-December. I am writing… Continue reading The Best Music Engagement Strategies for Distance Learning