Shannon, a Kindergarten Teacher in Charlotte, North Carolina, loves to get her students movin’ and groovin’.  Read below to find out how she incorporates music into her daily classroom routine. When my students get antsy throughout the day, we perform music and movements that never fail to boost their attention levels and make transitions to
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It’s 4:30 in the afternoon and you have just spent another long day in the classroom.  As much as you love your job, adore your students, and feel like teaching is what you were destined to do, by the end of the day you are exhausted.  You have spent the last nine hours answering questions,
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  Looking for some new “get up and move” songs to give your students a brain break?  Check out the great suggestions from teachers all across the country.

by Steve Reifman, Monthly Columnist As frequently as possible, I add movement to my instructional lessons to engage students, enliven the classroom environment, and increase the likelihood that quality learning will occur. The easiest way to incorporate movement is through simple rhythms and chants. While this kinesthetic dimension positively impacts all children, it has a
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    by Barbara Gruener, Monthly Columnist   I just spent the most wonderful week teaching at my church’s summer Music Camp and you won’t believe what my assignment was: Recorder Class. I know, I know, that does NOT necessarily sound like your dream job, mid-July, trapped inside with fifty kindergarten-through-fifth-graders squeaking out notes on
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Idea by Karla, 3rd Grade Teacher, White Bear Lake, MN I like to tap into different areas of the brain and appeal to individual strengths through music. I use the book, Take Me Out of the Bathtub and Other Silly Dilly Songs by Alan Katz (Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2001). I find that music helps
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Idea By Susan, Kindergarten Teacher, Stephens City, VA This may not be a new idea, but everyone seems surprised when I tell them. I sing with my students every day. We sing about the calendar, numbers, colors, letters, and words or whatever we are studying. I also sing or do a fingerplay when I need to
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Idea By Dayna, Special Education Teacher, Hollywood, FL To make learning more fun and memorable, I share songs based on target skills we’re working on.  The music helps my students’ faces light up and it also helps them to remember the information at hand. In addition, I always smile, smile, smile! A friendly, caring teacher
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Music geared towards children has some of the most fun and interesting melodies around.  It can take the everyday occurrence and turn it into a funny tale.  It can also touch on difficult subjects and give students an opening for discussing everything from anger to learning difficulties.  The three musicians/groups below are some new and
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There is no denying that music lyrics are easier to memorize than some of the basic facts that your students are asked to remember.  Instead of fighting for their attention, integrate music into your lessons.  We have compiled a list of five great YouTube and TeacherTube videos that help you do just that.  As always,
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