Have you ever read a story in class and suddenly realized every kid is glued to the page, waiting to see what happens next? That’s the magic of storytelling—and when we bring that same energy into the music room, it’s a total win. One of my favorite ways to make an elementary music lesson meaningful and fun is by turning well-loved folktales into full musical experiences. Not ...
Ever teach a lesson that just clicks—where the kids are totally into it, you’re having fun, and everything flows? That’s exactly what happened when I introduced Japan to my students during Season 2 of the Secret Chicken series. If you're not familiar, the Secret Chicken is a (very mysterious) world traveler who hides in different countries. Each episode gave me a new excuse to ...
One Way to Design Engaging Music Units for Elementary StudentsWhen I first started teaching elementary music, I constantly asked myself: how do I fit it all in? Music theory, history, composers, listening, singing, and playing instruments — all the things. My plans were packed, but I knew something was missing. I wanted more cohesion and more connection.Then, a new art teacher ...
March is the perfect time to bring Irish music and dancing into your music classroom! Whether you're celebrating St. Patrick's Day or explorng world music, these engaging videos will help your students experience the energy and tradition of Irish music.This Irish Music & Dance Choice Board is designed to make lesson planning easy. It includes a variety of video categories ...
Flashcard games are a simple yet effective way to reinforce vocabulary, build quick recall, and engage students in active learning. Whether you're introducing new concepts, reviewing known material, or just looking for a quick and easy activity, flashcards offer flexibility.Why Use Flashcard Games?One of the biggest benefits of using flashcard games is vocabulary development. ...
Vocal explorations are especially important for younger students. Not only do they help warm up little voices, but they also guide children in discovering their head voice. Many young singers start by using their speaking voice for singing, so giving them opportunities to glide up and down in pitch helps build vocal confidence. These playful and low-pressure activities make them ...
Recently, an elementary music teacher shared in the I'm a General Music Teacher Facebook group that her administration had asked her to demonstrate how music education supports core subject areas. This sparked a lively discussion, with music educators chiming in to offer suggestions and examples of how music naturally complements other subjects. Inspired by the ideas shared, I ...
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