Using literature in your elementary music classes is a great way to get students interested in music AND reading– as well as integrate with the other subjects. What better book to use than Where the Wild Things Are? This picture book is beloved by all, and it makes a perfect book based music lesson. So…… Continue reading Where The Wild Things Are Music Lesson Ideas (with instruments!)
Category: K-2
Using Los Pollitos Mexican Nursery Rhyme in Music Class
One of my favorite songs for younger elementary students is the Mexican nursery rhyme Los Pollitos. This adorable song is all about little chickens, and it is so cute. We use it in the Fall for Hispanic Heritage Month and in the Spring for Spring time lessons. Want some free music teacher resources? Join the… Continue reading Using Los Pollitos Mexican Nursery Rhyme in Music Class
The 11 Best Songs For Teaching Quarter Rest
It’s time to teach quarter rest, and you need quarter rest songs for preparing, presenting, and practicing rest… without letting your lessons get boring. That’s a lot of folk songs, so here are 11 of my favorite quarter rest folk songs and singing games (plus one listening activity!) for teaching rest to first or second… Continue reading The 11 Best Songs For Teaching Quarter Rest
Bow Wow Wow Singing Game for Teaching Quarter Rest
When it's time to teach quarter rest, I need folk songs-- and lots of them! Bow Wow Wow is a folk song that I use every year to teach quarter rest. It's simple, it's fun, and it has a game... or two. So let's sing and dance along with Bow Wow Wow, the song your… Continue reading Bow Wow Wow Singing Game for Teaching Quarter Rest
Different Ways to Use Bee Bee Bumblebee in Elementary Music
Happy Spring! Springtime in the music room means all the fun Spring songs– of which I have a lot– and one of my favorite Spring folk songs is the chant Bee Bee Bumblebee. I use this chant to teach rhythm with quarter and eighth notes, as well as steady beat, and I’ve also used it… Continue reading Different Ways to Use Bee Bee Bumblebee in Elementary Music
How to Teach Quarter Rest in Elementary Music
Teaching elementary music can be hard. You‘ve learned your kids, you’ve done some fun things… but what do you actually say when it’s time to teach quarter rest? Don’t worry, by the end of this blog post, you’ll know exactly what to do and say to your first grade, second grade, or third graders. We're… Continue reading How to Teach Quarter Rest in Elementary Music
5 Little Pumpkins Music Lesson with Movement and Instruments
I have been on a quest to figure out different ways that I can use books in my elementary music classroom. Part of that quest has also been finding books for my elementary music classroom. I have been stalking the shelves of Marshall's and TJ Maxx (they have a surprising amount of children's books-- for… Continue reading 5 Little Pumpkins Music Lesson with Movement and Instruments
Teach Easy Rhythm Composition with Mouse and Cookies for K + 1st Grade
Love using picture books in your elementary music classroom, but need more ideas? I’ve got you! This is a book based elementary music lesson that you can use to teach about beat, rhythm, and even quarter rest. Use this picture book music lesson for your kindergarten or first grade music lessons. The best part? Your students… Continue reading Teach Easy Rhythm Composition with Mouse and Cookies for K + 1st Grade
Free El Coqui Hispanic Folk Song Music Lesson For Kindergarten + 1st Grade
Need a Spanish song for Hispanic Heritage Month? Or just for fun? If so, you’ll love using El coqui with your elementary music students, specifically the kindergarten and first graders. Use El coqui for a Kindergarten or first grade Hispanic Heritage Month elementary music lesson, or use any time of the year. My students love… Continue reading Free El Coqui Hispanic Folk Song Music Lesson For Kindergarten + 1st Grade
2nd and 3rd Grade First Day of Music Lessons
And just like that, it’s a new school year! So… What do we start with? If you’re looking for ideas for back to school for second and third grade elementary music lessons, I’ve got you covered. After reading, you’ll know what to look for in a “good” back to school music lesson and have a… Continue reading 2nd and 3rd Grade First Day of Music Lessons