Folders & Pencils in the Elementary Music Class
Some music teachers take roll every time the class comes in. (As an elementary music teacher, I’m not required to take roll.) Some music teachers have the students bring folders and pencils every time they come to music. Nothing wrong ...
Don’t Laugh at Me
Have you heard this song? The song was written and recorded by country singer, Mark Wills. I once saw Peter Yarrow (of Peter, Paul and Mary) sing it and talk about his ant-bullying program during a back-to-school teacher institute day. ...
"Check Yourself" Formative Assessment
Summative vs. Formative Assessments: Basically, formative assessments are like practice. Formative assessments are actually learning tools, and they encourage students to take more responsibility for their own learning. Suggestions: Spend the last 5-10 minutes of some of the lessons (especially before written assessments). ...
5th Grade Rhythm Lessons
Each lesson is 30 minutes long. Lesson 1 Opening Song – Welcome Song School Song (orAmerican patriotic song) patsch steady beat while singing Rules/Announcements (Seefirst day of school) Friendship Song/ Song with Positive Message Lesson 2 Opening Song Echo rhythm patterns: ...
Frank Was a Monster Who Wanted to Dance
Lesson ideas Love! Love! Love this book! Here’s what the beginning sounds like: Frank was a monster who wanted to dance.“I know I could boogie if they gave me a chance,”So he put on his hat and his shoes made ...
4th Grade Rhythm Lessons
Each lesson is 30 minutes long. Lesson 1 Opening Song School Song (orAmerican patriotic song) – pat steady beat while singing Rules/Announcements (Seefirst day of school) Friendship Song/ Song with Positive Message Lesson 2 Opening Song Hoop Rhythms– add body percussion ...
3rd Grade Rhythm / Meter Lessons
Each lesson is 30 minutes long. Lesson 1 Opening Song (hello / welcome songs) School Song (orAmerican patriotic song) – pat steady beat while singing Rules/Announcements (See first day of school) Friendship Song/ Song with Positive Message Lesson 2 Opening Song ...
Sicilian Tarantella – Dance
“Tarantella” is connected to the tarantula. (The words derive from the town of Taranto, Italy.) In the 15th to 17th centuries, it was thought that this dance would cure tarantism, which is a disease or type of hysteria which seemed ...
Tahitian dance with Puili Sticks
Puili sticks are normally made from bamboo and used in Hawaii, Tahiti, and other Polynesian islands. You could make your own with paper towel rolls. (Cut slits a third of the way down each tube. Optional: Have students decorate their own.) ...
Yang Ge – Chinese Dance
Yānggē (秧歌) means “rice sprout song,” and the dance originates in Northern China, expressing happiness. I found the dance on YouTube and adapted the steps for 3rd graders. (Download available below.) The Chinese fans often have very fluffy feathers, so ...