Amazing Free Lessons to Kickstart Your Year!
All these fantastic lessons are available as a FREE download! Try them out and see how they can transform your music class from day one!
Let’s Get Started
The beginning of the school year is the perfect time to set expectations, learn students’ names, and show them what an amazing time they will have in music class! Establishing clear MUSIC expectations is crucial for a successful year. If you want to know more about my approach to creating a classroom environment that’s all about movement rather than management, check out my blog on using visuals and setting high standards. But for now, let’s dive into three fantastic first lesson plans that will get your students excited about music.
#1″How to Speak Moo” by Deborah Faber
For grades K-2, “How to Speak Moo” is an engaging story that gets students moving and learning the fundamentals of music in a fun, memorable way. In this story, students will explore different types of “moo” – quiet moo, loud moo, bouncy moo, smooth moo, and more! Each type of moo introduces a fundamental concept of music, helping students connect these ideas to their bodies through movement. This lesson is perfect for getting young learners up and moving while they discover the basics of music in an exciting and interactive way. Check out my video walkthrough of this lesson plan here or watch the video below
#2. “Mortimer” by Robert Munsch
For grades 2-4, “Mortimer” is an excellent lesson plan to introduce students to the joy of singing. This story features small, simple singing experiences that make it fun and stress-free for students. It’s also a great way to introduce beginning solfege. The lesson ends with a magical movement break entitled “Leaves are Falling,” where students can start learning about whole notes, half notes, and more in a fun fall-themed activity. If singing isn’t your student’s strong suit, don’t worry! My Professional Development session, “How to Take the Stress out of Singing,” can help. It’s part of a larger PD package with over 20 hours of content, including sessions on “Culture in the Classroom,” “Talking to Admin,” and “Beat the Back to School Blues.” Watch the video walkthrough of this lesson here or watch the video below!
#3. “Too Much Noise” by Ann McGovern
Introducing instruments to your classroom can be a daunting task, but this lesson plan makes it simple and enjoyable. Using the hilarious book “Too Much Noise,” students will focus on dynamics and timing rather than complex rhythms. Through repetition, they’ll learn when to come in and play their part, making this an excellent introduction to playing instruments. This lesson ensures that students understand dynamics while having a blast. Ready for the video walkthrough? Click here or watch the video below!
These three lessons will bring joy, creativity, and a great start to the school year. They’re all free to download below! Check them out and see how they can transform your music class.
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