Three Quick Holiday Stress-Busters Finding Balance During the Holiday Season Holiday stress relief is essential for elementary music teachers. As the teacher of small humans and the organizer and director of said humans holiday concerts, the holiday season brings...
Motivation for Music Teachers
How Music Helps Kids Learn and Grow
Five Ways Music Boosts Learning and Brain Growth in Children In today’s busy world, we’re always searching for activities that promote children’s learning and growth. Music isn’t just for fun; it’s also a powerful tool for brain development. In this post, we’ll look...
3 Challenges Music Teachers Face & How to Solve Them
Overcoming Challenges as an Elementary Music Teacher Elementary music teachers face unique challenges that can sometimes leave us feeling unsupported and overwhelmed. In this post, we’ll discuss three common issues educators encounter and provide actionable strategies...
Change Your Mindset, Change Your Day – 3 Tips to Help You Get Through Even the Hardest Days
I was in my classroom and had just gotten my morning cup of coffee. I put it in my favorite mug, a llama mug that one of my favorite students had given me for Christmas, just a few months before. Every time I used this mug, I thought of this kid. He was just special...
Building Classroom Culture: 7 Activities to Begin your School Year on a Positive Note
I know . . . you're probably not ready to talk about it, but the new school year is rushing up fast and furious. The beginning of a new school year can feel a bit overwhelming. You're meeting new students and trying to remember all the things you've done in the past....
Embrace Summer Relaxation: Recharge and Rejuvenate
Are you exhausted after a long, hard school year? Are you overwhelmed with the temptation to dive straight into summer tasks instead of taking a much-needed break? If you’re longing for relaxation, rejuvenation, and a chance to truly enjoy the summer season, this blog post is for you. Discover practical strategies to reclaim your summer, prioritize self-care, and find the perfect balance between relaxation and productivity. Learn how to resist the urge to jump into planning mode right away, embrace restful sleep, and create space for personal growth. Whether you have little ones at home or not, this blog post will provide valuable insights and actionable steps to help you unwind, recharge, and make the most of your well-deserved summer break. It’s time to prioritize your own well-being and create a summer symphony of relaxation that will leave you refreshed and ready to inspire your students with renewed energy.
Rhythm is Gonna Get You: Inspiring Creativity and Improvisation Through Drumming in the Music Classroom
Did you know that May is International Drum Month? Yep, that's the truth. When I think of drumming, I think of beat. In fact, I think of the all-importance of beat. The steady beat is the most important part of the music. I tell my...
Combat the Crazy: A Music Teacher’s Guide to Surviving Testing Week
Calling all music teachers! Are you feeling the pressure as state testing looms closer and the end of the school year approaches? If you’re struggling to keep your students engaged during the final stretch of the year, you’re not alone. This time of year can be a circus, with endless distractions and challenges that make it difficult to keep your music classes on track. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this post, we’ll share some creative and effective strategies for keeping your students focused, motivated, and excited about music during state testing and beyond. Whether you’re dealing with limited time, resources, or attention spans, we’ve got tips and tricks that will help you finish the school year on a high note. So grab your conductor’s baton and get ready to lead your students to musical success!
“Seuss Up Your Life: 5 Life Lessons from Dr. Seuss to Boost Your Motivation!”
This week we celebrate Read Across America. So, as your official Stories That Sing lady, I feel it is my duty and privilege to give you some guidance and encouragement through the lessons of Dr. Seuss. Lesson 1: Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no...