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...
Behavior Management
Transition Activities – How to Rock Your First 30 Days
Teaching elementary music can be challenging. You wear many, many hats—from music specialist, to hall monitor, to (sometimes) fill-in substitute. Your day-to-day job is a lot all on its own. That's why structure and planning are so important. A well-thought-out plan...
Percussion Playground – Exploring Rhythm in the Elementary Music Classroom
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Are you looking to inject a fresh dose of rhythm into your elementary music classroom? Get ready to discover exciting ways to engage your students and enhance their rhythm skills. This blog post explores the power of instrument play, the magic of jamming along to popular video game beats, the joy of exploring viral meme music, and the infectious energy of grooving to catchy pop tunes. From dynamic percussion instruments to rhythmic adventures inspired by popular culture, this resource will inspire you to create a vibrant and engaging rhythmic experience for your students. Join us on this rhythmic journey and unlock the potential of your elementary music classroom.
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!
7 Ways to Encourage Kindness All Year Round
Teaching our students to be kind is an important part of their social and emotional development. As one of the teachers who sees every student, year in and year out, we have a wonderful opportunity to teach our students to be kind to each other. He Learn how to help model kindness, and teach kindness, in your music classroom.
3 Ways to Positively Impact Your Students
During this very busy season for music teachers, you may find it difficult to reflect and be grateful. You’re probably just trying to get through the next few weeks and into your winter break.
How to Get Those Tricky Students on Board
I was frustrated and overwhelmed. I was teaching movement (ie. fighting with them to learn it) to a group of 4th graders who are already too cool for school, and they were not having it.
Halloween Candy & Costumes, Oh My!
I’ve discovered the magic method for controlling behavior with even your hard-to-control kiddos. And today I’m going to share it with you… 5 ways to deal with the fall behavior crazies!
How to Encourage Positive Behavior with a Solid System
Kateri Swavely-Verenna is on the blog today to talk about how engaging lessons and solid classroom management skills need to work hand-in-hand in your music classroom.