In an effort to do something fun before Spring break, but also to review at the same time, I did an Easter Egg rhythm hunt. Get Some Plastic Eggs I went to Walmart and bought a box of 250 eggs for 9.98, although you can buy just a few dozen if you want to. I …
Connecting with Second Language Learners in the Music Classroom Part 1
I have always loved teaching songs from around the world, abundant in the Kodály repertoire. In the past 10 years, our district has changed to include an increasing number of second language learners. I have enjoyed working to connect with these students in the music classroom, more challenging because of the limited time we have each …
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An Easy and Inexpensive Christmas Gift for Coworkers, Neighbors, or Friends
Every year, I try to find something for my close coworkers and a few neighbors that is nice but won’t break the bank. I saw this idea at a boutique but it was Thanksgiving/autumn mitts, so I thought I’d look around to find some that are nice for all year. I also used music ribbon …
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Finding the Strong Beat
In Kindergarten, 1st,, and 2nd grade, I work on helping students feel the steady beat and the strong beat. We do the beat on our laps, saying beat is steady to various songs. A favorite song for learning the strong beat is called “Frog in the Middle”. We pat our laps on the strong beat. …
Teach Eighth and Two Sixteenth Rhythm in a Way They’ll Never Forget!
I love teaching rhythms through games. It makes it so easy to learn! The students love singing a song and playing a game and can so easily translate into a new rhythm. We play a game that makes learning the eighth and two sixteenths as well as two sixteenths and and eighth patterns so easy …
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Tug of War in the Music Classroom
Every year in 4th grade, we do a very fun activity that the students love. I got the idea from my favorite mentor. There is so much to learn from this activity and it is a huge hit. PLAYING THE GAME We sing the song, “Oranges and Lemons” and play the game by getting into …
#whyiteachmusic: Great Stories that Motivate
I was part of a blog hop last week where people wrote stories of why they teach music. I was so fun to read the stories on my blog post and the other 7 bloggers. I’d like to share some of my favorite comments. Read to the end to see the giveaway winners. I choose …
Why I Teach Music Blog Hop and Giveaway
I’m teaming up with other music education bloggers to spread some positive thoughts this week, and I’d love for you to join with us! Many of us are very stressed right now for many reasons. We want to give you some encouragement and reasons to be optimistic about your job. We plan to make it …
Ideas For Getting Your Students’ Attention
“Buzz Feed” had a fun post about how to get students’ attention in class and I wanted to tell you about ways I get my students’ attention. I do the power teaching idea of using “Class Class” with the kids replying “Yes, Yes” but I have them sing it. I vary the way I sing …
Taking My Travels Back to the Students: Canoe Song and Land of the Silver Birch
Land of the Silver Birch In third grade every year, my district colleagues and I introduce two songs that quickly become school favorites, the “Canoe Song” (Also called My Paddle) and “Land of the Silver Birch”. Once taught, they instantly become favorite songs. We teach “Land of the Silver Birch” first. The students learn how …
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