Teaching elementary music is an incredibly rewarding career, filled with laughter, creativity, and, most importantly, the opportunity to impact young minds. One of the first challenges I faced was learning names in elementary music. With class sizes ranging from 20 to 30 (or sometimes more!), this task seemed daunting at first. However, I quickly realized that taking the time to learn and remember each student’s name was such an important step in building a strong and meaningful connection with them. In this blog post, I will share my strategies and experiences on how I managed to learn hundreds of names in my elementary music class, and the positive impact it had on our learning journey together.
PS- Are you a new music teacher? I’ve got a checklist that I think you’re going to love! My New Music Teacher Checklist is full of what you need to think about, plan, organize, and create before your students come in your room. Plus, you’ll get links to blog posts and resources to help you! There’s even a link that will lead you to a sample curriculum map that you can use to guide you as you create your scope and sequence, including what I would teach each grade level, in what order, and what songs I like using to teach the concept. You can get it for free here.
Establishing a Welcoming Environment
From the very first day, I make it a point to create a warm and welcoming classroom environment. By smiling, greeting each student individually, and encouraging their participation, I set the tone for a positive learning experience. I let them know that their name is important to me and that I am so happy to have them in music class.
One of the most important things I remind myself of daily is that it’s my job to love these kids as much as I can for as long as I am lucky enough to have them. That starts on day one. We cover rules, expectations, and emergency procedures, but we’re also moving, playing games, and singing! We’re making music and getting excited about the amazing year we’re going to have together.
Part of having a welcoming environment is having good classroom management. You can read more about classroom management in elementary music here.
Repetition and Visual Aids
To help me remember names more effectively, I use various techniques. One of the most effective methods is repetition. I repeat each student’s name as often as possible during class activities, such as when taking attendance, asking questions, or providing positive feedback. This repetition helps me associate the name with the face, making it easier to recall later. If you have mispronounced their names more than once, write in the pronunciation on the roster! Names are important. You want to make sure you are remembering how to pronounce them correctly the next time you see the class.
Some people take photos of their kids on the first day and study the seating charts based on their photos. I don’t take photos, but I will look in PowerSchool to see if their picture is on the roster. I’ll look for unique features about the student. Occasionally, I’ll write these little reminders next to their name on the roster, too.
Fun Icebreakers and Name Games
Engaging students in interactive icebreakers and name games creates a lively atmosphere and helps in learning their names. There are so many options for name games!! Here are a few:
Hickety Tickety Bumblebee (K-1)
Up the Ladder (3-5)
Jump In, Jump Out (3-5)
Charlie Over the Ocean (1-3)
Bounce High, Bounce Low (K-1)
Listen, Listen Here I Come (K-1)
Build Connections
In addition to learning names, I strive to establish personal connections with each student. By taking an interest in their hobbies, passions, or their favorite songs, I can establish a deeper connection and demonstrate that I genuinely care about their individuality. This personal touch goes a long way in building trust and rapport, creating a safe space where students feel comfortable expressing themselves musically.
It’s important to make it genuine and not force these conversations, though! Kids will know if you’re trying too hard and don’t actually care about their answers. Plus, if you ask every single kid a question, will you really remember their answers next time you see them? I wouldn’t! This may take several weeks or even months to really get to know your kids, and that’s okay!
Reviewing Names Regularly
I periodically review the seating chart and class photos. During downtime or before the start of class, I spend a few minutes going through the names. This review process helps make sure that I don’t forget names as the class progresses.
Conclusion
Learning the names of hundreds of students in an elementary music class may initially seem overwhelming, but with dedication and the right strategies, it becomes an enjoyable and rewarding experience. By creating a welcoming environment, employing repetition and visual aids, incorporating fun icebreakers and name games, establishing personalized connections, and regularly reviewing names, I have been able to build strong relationships with my students.
Remembering their names allows me to foster a sense of belonging and inclusion in the classroom. When students feel seen and valued as individuals, they become more engaged and motivated to participate actively in their musical education.
Don’t forget to grab your New Music Teacher Checklist here. What are your favorite ways to remember hundreds of names at the beginning of the year? DM me on Instagram (@caffeinated.j). I would love to chat more!
