Centers, Differentiation

Your Simple Guide to Differentiation in Centers (for music!)

Doing centers in the elementary music room has a ton of benefits, but one of the main benefits is that it supports differentiation. Differentiation in centers is so easy because the students are already split up into groups– so giving them assignments on their levels is much easier. If you’re ready to get started with… Continue reading Your Simple Guide to Differentiation in Centers (for music!)

Elementary Music, Games

How to Play Kaboom! in Elementary Music Class

When it comes to teaching elementary music, fun is one of the most important words. You want students to love music, and fun is how you get there. When it comes to reading music, it can be boring, but it doesn’t have to be. Enter: Kaboom! Kaboom is my students’ favorite elementary music centers game,… Continue reading How to Play Kaboom! in Elementary Music Class

3-5, Elementary Music, Lessons

Write the Room : An Exciting Way to Write Rhythms and Melodies

Let’s face it– if you want elementary music students to be able to read and write music, then you need to have them read and write rhythms and melodies. It can feel boring to have them read and write notes on the staff, but the good news is that it doesn’t have to be. If… Continue reading Write the Room : An Exciting Way to Write Rhythms and Melodies

3-5, Elementary Music, Lessons

Best End of Year Music Lessons for Upper Grades

It’s here, it’s here! It’s finally here! Well…. Almost. It’s almost the end of the school year… so how do you keep kids engaged right now?! The upper grades (third grade, fourth grade, and fifth grade) can be even more difficult to make music lesson plans for, because they are older and sometimes think they… Continue reading Best End of Year Music Lessons for Upper Grades

Elementary Music, K-2, Lessons

Best Sol Mi Songs for the Elementary Music Classroom

When it comes to teaching solfa, sol and mi is where we start. The best way to get these notes engrained in students’ heads is with sol mi songs– especially sol mi songs. Using sol mi songs allows students to have authentic musical experiences while learning their first two melodic notes. Now, by the time… Continue reading Best Sol Mi Songs for the Elementary Music Classroom

3-5, Elementary Music, Games, K-2

Best Games And Lessons To Teach Kids Solfege

Coming up with games and lessons for solfege can seem daunting. You may feel like the only thing to do is to have students read flashcards on the screen. And while I do think there is value in that-- especially before an independent activity-- it’s not all there is to teaching solfege or melody. After… Continue reading Best Games And Lessons To Teach Kids Solfege

3-5, Elementary Music, Games, Lessons

How to Play Lucky Lemons Solfege Board Game

Picture this: Me, teaching online for the millionth time. My students, showing up to every few classes, sometimes coming or going halfway through. It’s March and we’re STILL working on la with second grade. As we have been for weeks. I needed something new, a new solfege board game, and Lucky Lemons was the solution. … Continue reading How to Play Lucky Lemons Solfege Board Game

Books, Elementary Music

The Best Picture Books for Jazz in Elementary Music

Happy Black History Month! Let’s talk picture books for Jazz! Last year, I shared a ton of different books for Black History Month, and this year I wanted to focus on Jazz. All of these books are intended for the elementary music classroom, although some are better for lower grades and some for upper grades.… Continue reading The Best Picture Books for Jazz in Elementary Music