SEL Music Lesson "I Got a Letter This Morning"

I used a new lesson with my 3rd graders at the beginning of the year this year to help build and re-establish their relationships with each other, and it was a huge success! I highly recommend this for any time of year as a great way to introduce and practice whole notes, the "syncopa" rhythm pattern, and same and different phrases, but most importantly...

Read more "SEL Music Lesson "I Got a Letter This Morning""

Bebe Muke (Bebe Moké): Congolese Song for Elementary Music

In typical Elizabeth fashion, I was searching this past summer for a new song to use to teach one specific musical concept and ended up stumbling on a wonderful song from a country I didn't have represented in my curriculum yet that is accessible and engaging for elementary age students AND can be used to teach several different musical concepts besides...

Read more "Bebe Muke (Bebe Moké): Congolese Song for Elementary Music"

End of Class Routines in Elementary Music

Since my very first year of teaching, I have always had a set end of class routine for my elementary music lessons. But what I include in that routine has evolved over the years, and in the last few years my routine has changed again, so today I'm sharing my current routine for the end of class.I am a firm believer in the benefits of class routines...

Read more "End of Class Routines in Elementary Music"

Elementary Music Classroom Management

Classroom management has always been a challenge, with very few comprehensive resources or training that is specifically for elementary music teachers. Part of the problem is there isn't one single strategy that will magically make everything run smoothly- there are so many facets to building and maintaining a positive, productive elementary music...

Read more "Elementary Music Classroom Management "