Using books for the elementary music classroom blends storytelling with music and provides a unique opportunity to engage students in ways that traditional lessons might not. As a music teacher, you can leverage children’s books to teach rhythm skills, encourage social-emotional learning (SEL), and foster a love for both literacy and music.
Using Children’s Books in the Music Classroom to Teach Rhythm
Children’s books with rhythmic and repetitive text can serve as an excellent tool for teaching rhythm. Take, for example, Harry’s Horrible Hair by Theresa Cocci. This story not only captures students’ attention but also allows you to create rhythm chants that align with the story’s text. You can start by reading the story aloud and then invite students to identify rhythmic phrases. Together, you can develop a chant based on these phrases, which can then be accompanied by body percussion or simple instruments like rhythm sticks.
This method helps students internalize rhythm patterns in a fun, interactive way. As they chant and move, they’re not just learning about rhythm—they’re also enhancing their literacy skills by engaging with the text on a deeper level. This approach also allows students to express themselves creatively, which can be particularly impactful for those who might struggle with traditional reading. Utilizing books for the elementary music classroom in this way makes rhythm practice both enjoyable and educational.
Integrating SEL By Using Children’s Books in the Music Classroom
Books like Henry, the Hungry Hound offer a fantastic platform for integrating SEL into your music lessons. Through the story’s themes of kindness and cooperation, you can guide students in creating songs or chants that reinforce these values. For example, after discussing the story’s message, you could work with your students to write a simple song about kindness, incorporating rhythm and melody to bring the lyrics to life.
You can also extend the lesson by asking students how they could apply these themes in their own lives. Encourage them to brainstorm ways they could show kindness to others and then translate those ideas into musical expressions. This not only helps students practice SEL skills but also makes the learning experience more meaningful and personal.
Making Learning Fun and Seamless with Storybooks
One of the most powerful aspects of integrating children’s books into your music classroom is the way it makes learning seamless. Students who might otherwise struggle with reading often find that they can engage with the material through music without the usual anxieties that come with literacy tasks. When they create a song or rhythm chant based on a story, they’re practicing reading, comprehension, and sequencing—all within the joyful context of music.
By incorporating these fun music classroom activities into your lessons, you’re not just teaching music; you’re also helping students develop crucial life skills like cooperation, empathy, and self-awareness. And the best part? They’re having so much fun, they might not even realize how much they’re learning. Using books for the elementary music classroom in this way ensures that learning remains both engaging and effective.
For more ideas on how to bring children’s books into your music classroom, or to hear the full conversation with children’s book author Theresa Cocci, check out my interview with her on my podcast, The Happy Music Teacher! 🎶📚 You can find Theresa’s books on her website.