# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Music is a saving grace for many people, including our students. For many reasons.

Music is a powerful tool, and as a teacher you should be utilizing the power of music in your classroom.

Not only does music help to facilitate positive feelings during the school day, but music can also be used to create a routine.

When students learn cues in specific songs, they will know that it is time to clean up, move to the rug, or time for any other transition to occur.

Let's think about it... have you ever thought about the reason why children are taught to sing the ABC's, instead of simply reciting the letters? The tones and sounds of a song help to solidify the patterns, making it easier for students to retain the information.

Even if a child can't remember the letters of the alphabet, they will quickly catch on to the tune of the song. Over time, the sounds will facilitate their learning, making it easier to connect the letters of the alphabet in sequential order.

Music can be used to teach other principles as well.

You can find songs that help with memorization of the state names, presidents of the United States, personal care activities and more.

Anyone remember the SchoolHouse Rock videos? I for one distinctly remember, " I'm just a bill, yes I'm only a bill. And I'm sitting here on Capitol Hill." #yourewelcome

A quick Google search for the topic and "music" or "song" can help you bring more music into the classroom.

Pavlov is famously known for training a dog to salivate at the sound of a bell. One simple sound triggered a physical reaction in the animals.

In the same way, you can create habits and patterns in the classroom with music. Instead of shouting across the classroom to ask everyone to sit at their desks, use a specific song ( or hand clap... it's music!) that indicates the activity.

Teach the students what the song means, and then be consistent with the use of that song.

Consider the lyrics, beat of the music, and the emotions that come up when you hear the song.

For example, if it is time for everyone to calm down after recess, then gentle, soothing music can be used to bring a quieter tone into the room. On the other hand, you can get students excited about an upcoming activity with an upbeat song.

If you are looking for ways to incorporate more music into your classroom, then you should consider these important guidelines:

Choose Appropriate Songs: Listen to the lyrics and the songs before you play them in the classroom. Make sure the songs you choose are appropriate. Here is a curated list of 18 songs perfect for any classroom.

Start Slowly: Instead of introducing five new songs in one day, start with one song at a time. Introduce musical elements slowly so that students have the opportunity to adapt.

Maintain Consistency: If you choose a specific song for a certain activity, then make sure to use the same song every time. Switching up the music can be confusing for your students.

Define the Purpose: Playing music at all times may increases the level of noise in your classroom. Be deliberate with the use of music to get the best response.

Don't Go Overboard: It might sound like a fun idea to play music throughout the day. But, the music may lose its effectiveness if overused. Quality is better than quantity. (...but in the end, you know your students and what is best for them.)

As the teacher, you determine the best times to use music in your classroom. If you're just getting started, try these times:

Before school or as students are entering the classroom, to energize everyone and start the day on a happy note.

During transitions, so that the students know how much time they have to move to the next activity.

As Musical Brain Breaks, to help students transition back from recess, lunch, or specials more effectively and get the remaining wiggles out.

Starting activities, the music can be used to set the tone for the new activity.

Memorization tools, as mentioned above.

End of the day, to send the students off with a farewell.

Experiment a little bit to find the combination of music that works best for you and your students.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Music in the Classroom: Put a BOOM in Your Room - Mrs. D's Corner

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Music in the classroom is a powerful tool and it should be more than just having music as a special once a week. Learn why music is important and different ways you can integrate music into your lesson plans seamlessly. Blog post at Mrs. D's Corner.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
I don't know about you, but I don't do silence. It makes me anxious. Seriously anxious. I know that many people picture a classroom with students working independently and silently, but that was never what our classroom looked like. Unless of course it was state testing time, and then again, there was the anxiety.

Our classroom was always full of talking, movement, and music. I ALWAYS had it playing in the background or integrated it into an activity. I would like to share some of my favorite music sources as well as a few way that I used it.

First, a few things that I know about music:

I have never met anyone that wasn't affected by music.

Music can change your mood in a split second.

A resting heartbeat is 60 beats per minute and music can match that.

Hearing the same song, at the same time is an AMAZING way to build routine.

There is countless research linking music to academic achievement.

Now, my favorite music for the classroom.

I LOVE YouTube playlists. They let you build your own list of music that you would like to listen to, or find playlists from others.

My absolute favorite channel for the classroom is Vitamin String Quartet. They play instrumental versions of popular songs. I love this for a couple of reasons. The first being that sometimes you, and your students, just want to listen to a song that you have stuck in your head. The second being that students love current music, and don't like the instrumental versions any less. I feel much safer playing an instrumental version of a pop song than the original, even if the lyrics are completely clean. I think the best part may be hearing my students sing along to their favorite songs.

This music is perfect for when you are working on something that is going to be a little on the noisy side. I will turn it on and let students know that if we can't hear the music we will have to have some volume control. It works like a charm every time!

This one is my favorite!

Here's a great Buzzfeed Article with more greats by Vitamin String Quartet!

There are several other great instrumental artists, so I would recommend looking around for one that suits your taste best!

Music for Independent Work

Resting heart beat is sixty beats per minute, so in order to bring a calming mood to the classroom playing music that is also sixty beats per minute will do the trick. I would again recommend going with instrumental over something with lyrics, but that is really up to you.

A simple search of "60 beats per minute music" on YouTube yields thousands of results of quality music. This is really nice, because it provides a great variety. If you wanted to, you could listen to a different one each day and never hear the same music again.

Music to Build Routine

I love to use music to build routine within the classroom as well. For example. I would play the same song every day after recess. It gave students about three minutes to get a drink, put anything they need to away, and be ready to get to work. In the beginning, it took some structure to make sure that this happened, but by about week three it was automatic.

Another example is packing up at the end of the day. I played the the song above, Home, each day while students packed up, cleaned up, and lined up to go home. It brought such serenity to the end of the day which is usually a very hectic time. BONUS: I got to hear 22 fourth graders sing and whistle along each afternoon, how could I not smile.

Music to Reward

Oh my goodness what a student will do to hear their favorite song! I had one friend last year that would do just about anything to listen to Shake It Off, and I was more than happy to oblige him. We also use music to have "3 Minute Dance Parties" for whole class rewards. I usually have a list of songs (Vitamin String Quartet and Kidz Bop) that they can choose from for either an individual reward or class reward. Not going to lie, I loved dancing right along with them!

***I know what some of you are thinking, I can't get to YouTube at school. I hope that more districts are realizing the academic advantages of access to YouTube, but if not, I would recommend selecting a few of your favorites and saving them as MP3s to your computer from home to bring in. I have also purchased a few CDs at second hand shops of music with 60 beats per minute, just so that I would always have them on hand.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
I don't know about you, but I don't do silence. It makes me anxious. Seriously anxious. I know that many people picture a classroom with students working independently and silently, but that was never what our classroom looked like. Unless of course it was state testing time, and then again, there was the anxiety.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This username and password
combination was not found.

Please try again.

enter your lesson plans page login:

FORGOT PASSWORD EXIT FROM LOGIN

or use your social network login:

new to lesson plans page?
Create an Account

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Lesson Plans Page - Music Lesson Plans, Music Ideas, & Music Activities, Teacher Resources, educator, education resources, printables, worksheets, thematic units | HotChalk Lesson Plans Page

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This username and passwordcombination was not found. Please try again. enter your lesson plans page login: FORGOT PASSWORD EXIT FROM LOGIN or use your social network login: new to lesson plans page? Create an Account

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
ART PROJECTS FOR KIDS CREATOR, KATHY BARBRO

Prep Your Art Lesson Plans, Effortlessly

The Art Projects for Kids step-by-step method of elementary art instruction breaks the often anxiety-inducing subject of art down into a simple, fun process (for students AND teachers) that boosts your students' confidence and allows them to create with joy.

Each of your kids can set their own pace to create artwork they can be proud of. And you can feel empowered to instill your kids with the delight of creativity (even if you tend to be a left-brained, "in the box" thinker yourself).

But after 20 years in the classroom as an art teacher, I also know what it's like to give up every Sunday afternoon (and most evenings) to plan the week's lessons. You shouldn't have to give up all your free time to bring your students meaningful art instruction. That's why at Art Projects for Kids, you'll find a variety of easy, step-by-step lessons your kids will love all in one place. The result is an instant extra 90 minutes minutes back in your weekend - just by signing up for our emails (and it's free!).

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Art Projects for Kids Stop searching. Get no-prep, step-by-step elementary art lessons delivered daily (it's free)! STOP THE SUNDAY SEARCH I WANT Drawing for Kids I WANT Crafts for Kids I WANT Painting for Kids I WANT Coloring for Kids Stop the Sunday Search For teachers who are tired of having their Sundays swallowed up...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Did you ever find yourself singing along to the radio to a song you've never really liked, yet somehow you know all the words? Or perhaps you caught yourself singing along to a commercial on TV? Doesn't that kind of point out the connection between music and the brain? Yep, without even trying, you've memorized the words to hundreds of songs, right?

I use that often in the classroom. If there's something I want the children to know by heart, I'll whip up a little song for them. I typically pick a tune that is familiar to all, squeeze in some words in a similar rhythm, and there you go! Sometimes I'll even make it rhyme, but that's not all that important. Nor is it important for the words to fit perfectly in the rhythm.

Here's a social studies song to the tune of "This Old Man" (also known as "The Barney Song")

North America, South America

Australia and Antarctica.

There are seven Continents.

North America, South America

Australia and Antarctica.

Now we all can cha, cha, cha!

I'll admit, the kids made up the second verse. I figured if my second graders can name the 7 continents, they deserve to dance!

Years later, kids come back to me and sing the song for me.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Music, the Brain, Memory, and the Seven Continents

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Did you ever find yourself singing along to the radio to a song you've never really liked, yet somehow you know all the words? Or perhaps you caught yourself singing along to a commercial on TV? Doesn't that kind of point out the connection between music and the brain?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Lesson Zone™ - Music Lessons Plans for the Elementary Music Classroom

Music lesson plans that are jam-pack with fun for the elementary music classroom.

Lesson Zone™ Worksheets

MMF Lesson Zone music lessons plan and worksheet packs make lesson planning as easy as click, print, teach. Save on premium music lessons plans with MMF Print.

"Meet the Composer" Famous Composer Resources

Everything you need to start teaching or learning about your favorite music composer.

Famous Composer Soprano Recorder Play-Along

Want to give your music students a hands-on music experience playing a masterwork? This lesson resource includes beginner/easy level recorder sheet music and an Mp3 play-along recording.

Hallelujah Chorus | Soprano Recorder Play-Along (Music/Mp3)

Listening Maps and Listening Glyphs

Designed for the music classroom, our printable listening maps and listening glyphs turn listening to music into an engaging visual learning experience.

Famous Composer Bulletin Board Posters

Our bulletin board poster packs add pizzazz to your music classroom bulletin boards, while helping kids remember the essential facts about the composer or lesson unit.

MMF Songbook - Kids Songs and Nursery Rhymes

Browse 700+ kids song lyrics and nursery rhymes for the music classroom or just for fun.

Hey Kids, Meet the Orchestra - Orchestra Instrument Guides

Learn about the instruments of the orchestra with our Meet the Orchestra resources.

Free Orff Instrument Sheet Music

Get free printable easy Orff Schulwerk arrangements for the elementary music classroom.

Orff Arrangements | Free Sheet Music

Orff Instrument Repair

Are your Orff instruments acting up? Fix them yourself with our repair guides.

How Do I Fix Those "Buzzing" Bars?

Music Education Posts

Music education posts to guide and inspire.

Music Teacher Associations

Want to get connected with a music teacher association? Here's a list of organizations to consider.

Music Teachers National Association (MTNA)

Extra Income Ideas for Music Teachers

Could you use a few extra dollars each month? Here are a few ideas.

Become a MakingMusicFun.net Ambassador
Refer parents, teachers and students to MakingMusicFun.net and earn generous commissions when you join our partner program.

Ten Tax Saving Tips for Private Music Teachers

Illustrated Music Dictionary for Kids (Music Terms)

Get concise answers to your questions about composers, performers, instruments, and musical terms, in our illustrated music dictionary for kids. 400+ entries.

Illustrated Music Dictionary for Kids

Music Theory Worksheets and Games

Learn music theory with our arcade games, worksheets, flash cards, and printable board games.

Music Theory Worksheets
Note Name Worksheets
Intervals Worksheets
Rhythm Worksheets

Music Theory Arcade Games
Eek! Shark! | Music Theory Arcade Game (Note Names)
Music Press Distress | Music Theory Arcade Game (Basic Rhythms)

Flashcards and Games
Chomp! Music Theory Game - Rhythm & Time Signatures
Carnegie Hall Park™ | Basic Skills Music Theory Board Game
Flash Frog™ Flashcards
Pirate Quest™ | Basic Music Terms Game
Treble Clef Flashcards
Bass Clef Flashcards
Viola Clef Flashcards
Memory Game | Treble Clef Note Names
Memory Game | Bass Clef Note Names
Memory Game | Viola Clef Note Names
The Rhythm Store™ Game | Rhythm

DIY Musical Instruments

Build your own DIY musical instruments with our easy step-by-step plans.

Build a DIY Orff Xylophone: Step-by-Step Woodworking Plans
Make Your Own DIY Trumpet: Step-by-Step Instructions

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Free Elementary Music Lesson Plans and Resources

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Music lesson plans that are jam-pack with fun for the elementary music classroom. MMF Lesson Zone music lessons plan and worksheet packs make lesson planning as easy as click, print, teach. Save on premium music lessons plans with MMF Print. Everything you need to start teaching or learning about your favorite music composer.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Blog posts about elementary music, practicing music, and teaching Children's Church! You may think those things go together, but they do! Check it out!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
You can take almost any art activity outside, but these ten art ideas from the Kid's Co-op were made for the great outdoors. Some use natural materials and others make such a glorious mess that the only place for them is outside the house. Either way, you can grab some supplies and head outside with your kids to create some art and memories.

Thanks so much to everybody who linked up great ideas for kids last week. Can't wait to see what you've got this week!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
You can take almost any art activity outside, but these ten art ideas from the Kid's Co-op were made for the great outdoors. Some use natural materials and others make such a glorious mess that the only place for them is outside the house.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
I can't believe summer is gone and it's time to go back to school. I think the best part of going back to school is getting new things for my classroom and scoring some back to school freebies. So I think you will love this Please leave a friendly comment below and let me know what other kinds of
Welcome back everyone,
back to school freebie I created (see picture below).

Instant lesson plan freebie:
All my teacher friends really love my kindergarten/1st grade lesson plans and keep asking me to post them so they can use the fun games and visuals in their classrooms. So I'm giving away a fun lesson to use with your younger students. This lesson comes with an exciting cup game, includes free sheet music, visuals and activities. The great thing about this lesson is you can use it for several grade levels and use the game in other lessons throughout the year.

Thanks for visiting my teacher blog. Have a great school year! Want more freebies? Sherry Stucki :)
freebies you would like me to create. ( If you like this lesson plan, please send your friends to my website to get their own music lesson & lesson visuals for free).

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
I can't believe summer is gone and it's time to go back to school. I think the best part of going back to school is getting new things for my classroom and scoring some back to school freebies.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Help students strengthen their visual-spatial skills by working on these projects.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This is a simple wind pipe that children can make in just a few minutes.

With the straws we had there was an opportunity to discuss patterns and order.

Simply lay out a line of sticky take with the sticky part facing UP.

Lay each of the straws on the sticky tape.

Fasten the straws with the tape.

Cut one end of the straws on a diagonal.

This will give the straws various lengths.

And there you have your wind pipe instrument.

Children can clearly hear their breath change as it passes through each straw.

Hope you enjoy this. Feel free to comment. I love hearing from you.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Wind Pipe Instrument - Laughing Kids Learn

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Children love to play instruments and there are many you can make at home. This is a simple wind pipe that children can make in just a few minutes. With the straws we had there was an opportunity to discuss patterns and order. Simply lay out a line of sticky take with the sticky part ...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We Make Teaching Art easier

KinderArt is a free resource with hundreds of art activities for kids of all ages.

The KinderArt Club is a premium, time-saving, art lesson plan membership portal for teachers, parents, homeschoolers, art studio owners, librarians and anyone else who teaches art to children ages 5 to 12yrs. ALL of our Art Lesson Bundles are unlocked and ready for you to access as soon as you become a member. Relax, you've got this. Join us today.

POPULAR!

So much fun!

Our Books

KINDERART NEWS

OUR STORY

I'm Andrea, that's me on the left! When my mother Jantje (to my right) and I created KinderArt in 1997, we were leading children's workshops at a local art gallery. One day we decided to look online see if there were any resources for art teachers and found that there were very few (hello Ken Rohrer and The Incredible Art Department!). Not long before, we had made the move into "cyberspace" by placing our Art Studio business online. So, along with that, we created what was at that time a modest resource for art teachers, with about 20 art lessons...

THE KINDERART CLUB

You are currently on the KinderArt.com site which features lots of free art activity ideas for kids (I hope you are enjoying them!) HOWEVER, if you are looking for more detailed art lesson plans, drawing lessons, printables, sketchbook starters (and more) provided monthly, you will LOVE The KinderArt Club - a membership portal designed for parents, homeschoolers, classroom art teachers and studio instructors.

Inside the club you will find hundreds of printable PDF art lessons designed to work in small or large group settings, with a range of ages (from 5 to 12 years). Get creative teaching kids at home, instructing students in a classroom, leading workshops in a studio, or sharing online, as you explore artists, art periods, science, nature, history, cultures and themes, with creativity and flexibility in mind.
Find out More at TheKinderArtClub.com

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
KinderArt Elementary Art Lesson Plans Projects by Grade and Age

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Art lesson plans, projects, curriculum and crafts for kids in preschool elementary and middle school. For teachers and parents.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
T he Toolbox currently features grade-specific music education resources addressing fundamentals of rhythm, meter, singing, form, dynamics, articulation, tempo, pitch, and performing.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Welcome to the home page of elementary level art lessons! The lessons are now categorized by grade level, subject, integration, art period, artist, and medium. (See below) Do you have a lesson to contribute? Just click on the " Submit a Lesson" link here or in the side column.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Welcome to the home page of the elementary level art lessons! Lessons are now categorized by grade level, subject, integration, art period, artist, and medium. Lessons are submitted by teachers and artists across the world.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
I hope this blog post finds you relaxing, with your feet up during the winter break. If not, I hope you'll at least sit down for a cup of coffee and a quick read of today's post!

The other day I was browsing Pinterest when I came across this post by Jodi from Fun in First (a fellow Indiana TPTer), in which she discusses how she practices sight words using paper plates. I loved the idea and think it could easily be modified for the music classroom.

First, I bought paper plates. Knowing how much they'll be used, I opted for sturdy ones. I wrote one rhythm on each plate.

Then, I placed a green star sticker on one of the plates.

To play the game, have students sit in a circle and give each student one plate.

Then, play the music you've selected (something with a strong downbeat that reinforces the rhythms you're working on) and ask students to pass the plates to the steady beat.

When the music stops, the student with the green star plate will speak/clap/tap their rhythm first, then all the other students will follow (one at a time) reading the rhythm on their plate. The students will continue to read their rhythms until they've made it all the way around the circle. Then, the music begins again. I wrote the rhythms on the bottom of the plates purposefully so that students could tap the plates like a drum

If you have a particularly competitive class, set a winning point total at the beginning of class. Then, award points each time the students complete a full circle. If they reach the point total before the end of class, then they win.

If you have a class that needs an extra challenge, add rhythm instruments to the mix. Ask students to place their instruments behind them until the music stops, then grab and play. Each time they complete a circle, they can pass their instruments one person to the left, so that students get to play a different instrument each time.

If students are struggling to read the rhythms, reduce the variety to the rhythms they know well, then slowly add in new ones until they're proficient.

Because I think this game can be played with many different grade levels, I've opted to include a free worksheet rather than my usual lesson guide template. Download the free worksheet by clicking on the image below. Enjoy!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
I hope this blog post finds you relaxing, with your feet up during the winter break. If not, I hope you'll at least sit down for a cup of coffee and a quick read of today's post!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
You now have access to 999 free download credits. You do not need to select a plan or take a free trial in order to use your credits. Simply search for and open the item that you want. A counter will appear when you view an individual item.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Search Or Browse The Music Teaching Idea Bank

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Free music teaching ideas and music teaching resources for kindergarten through 8th grade school music teachers. Topics include lesson plans, classroom management, alternate lyrics, games, dance movements to Music K-8 and Plank Road songs, and much more. Updated often.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This lesson is based off of the book " Zoozical" by Judy Sierra and inspired by Artie Almeida. It is appropriate for Grades 1-3. I did it with 2 nd Grade this year. You could even do it with Kindergarten by the end of the year.

First I read them the book front to back and just let them listen. After we read the book we summarize the story. Then we assign instruments to the words "Magical" "Musical" and "Zoozical" I have a variety of instruments available and each class will choose different instruments to be magical, musical, and zoozical. Next we practice saying: "on a Magical Musical Zoozical Night" playing the chosen instrument when we say the words. Once we can do that successfully we re-read the story playing the instruments whenever the word appears in the story as well as saying "on a Magical Musical Zoozical Night" after each page- this gives every student the opportunity to play.

I love lessons like this because the students have to be engaged during the entire story or they'll miss their "entrance" or turn to play (and they hate to miss a chance to play an instrument! )

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This lesson is based off of the book " Zoozical" by Judy Sierra and inspired by Artie Almeida. It is appropriate for Grades 1-3. I did it with 2 nd Grade this year. You could even do it with Kindergarten by the end of the year.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
INSPIRING Art Educators SINCE 2011

Art educators deserve support at every stage of their careers. Discover a rich K-12 visual arts curriculum, professional development, relevant resources, online graduate courses, and rigorous master's degree programs.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
INSPIRING Art Educators SINCE 2011 Art educators deserve support at every stage of their careers. Discover a rich K-12 visual arts curriculum, professional development, relevant resources, online graduate courses, and rigorous master's degree programs.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
montana office of public instruction website

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Incorporate music into your curriculum and keep your students engaged with these music activities. Subscribe to TeacherVision to get access to countless resources!