Introducing songwriting in elementary music can be overwhelming and scary. Honestly, I don’t remember covering much about composing in elementary music class (though, I also had like, three classes on teaching elementary music as a whole. That could be a whole other topic!) So when I got a class of fifth graders who were antsy […]
Elementary Music Songwriting with a Parody Read More »
Teaching is hard, right? Music teacher burnout is real and sometimes it feels like this profession isn’t sustainable in the long run. The exhaustion is real and it’s valid! In this post, I’m going to share my tips for preventing burnout as music teachers. Find Time for You Self-care is a buzzword right now and
Music Teacher Burnout and How to Avoid It Read More »
I love the Star Light Star Bright song for so many reasons. One, it’s just pretty. But also, sometimes it feels like simple songs are too simple. Like, what do I do with them? (PS- I wrote another post all about what you can do with simple songs!) This song is challenging enough that it
Star Light Star Bright Song | Teach La and Quarter and Eighth Notes Read More »
My first couple of years of teaching, I actually avoided simple songs. You know, the songs that are super short? What can I teach with short songs? By the time you start singing, the song is already over! Well, I’ve changed my tune a bit as I’ve learned more! Today I’m going to give some examples of how I might teach concepts using simple songs, as well as ideas for extending the song and activity.
What Can I Teach with Simple Songs? Read More »
For the first seven years of my career, I taught K-5 music. Teaching preschool music was never on my radar. For the first six years of my career I honestly didn’t even know some elementary schools had preschool classes! When I moved to my new school, I didn’t have preschool music because there wasn’t room in my schedule. Then, in my eighth year of teaching, it happened. I was teaching three year olds music. During a pandemic…when we weren’t allowed to sing. What on Earth was I supposed to do with these kids? Well, I figured it out, and now the preschool classes are some of my favorites! So let’s cover some of my favorite activities to use with preschoolers!
Teaching Preschool Music Read More »
