Picture this: It’s the Friday before a holiday break, or maybe the day after a fifth-grade field trip. The students walk into your music room buzzing with wild, chaotic energy. You have a complex unit planned, but within five minutes, you’re yelling over the noise,...
We’ve all had those days. You shut your classroom door at 3:15 PM, sink into your desk chair, and think: “I am terrible at this.” The truth is, you're NOT a bad teacher. Here's what I want you to know right off the bat: You are not alone—we all have dumpster fire...
Tuning Out School Toxicity and Protecting Your Peace with Dana Goodier Have you ever found yourself sitting in your car after a long school day, staring at the steering wheel, and wondering how on earth you’re going to do it all over again tomorrow? That’s why I...
Fresh Start for the New Year in the Music Classroom 🎶 January is here, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to hit the reset button in your music classroom! Whether you’re feeling energized and ready to go or dragging yourself back after a hectic holiday season,...
As a music teacher, you work tirelessly during the school year, juggling rehearsals, performances, and classroom demands. When the holiday break rolls around, it’s tempting to fill every moment with errands, commitments, and family obligations. But if you want to...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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....