Introducing various musicians to my students is always a fun process. They have probably heard "older" songs before but they don't know what kind of music it is or even who is performing. I want to give my students a bigger understanding of the world and introduce them to music they might not always listen… Continue reading Aretha Franklin
Author: Allison Croskey
Creative Movement – Shapes
I always begin my music lessons with a movement activity. This could be a folk dance, body percussion, steady beat listening, or just some good creative movement. Creative movement is my favorite of all; I love seeing my students personalities come out in their movements. I work hard to develop a feeling of safe space… Continue reading Creative Movement – Shapes
Adaptive Music
Music brings such joy to all children. I am passionate about encouraging all of my students to participate in music classes no matter their ability level. I am fortunate enough to work with 3 amazing Multiple-Handicap units in my building. I see these students on a rotation just like their typical peers' classrooms. These “units”… Continue reading Adaptive Music
Engine Engine #9 Melody
Engine, Engine #9 is always a staple in my elementary music classroom. I use it every year, but needed a refresh this year. Check out my first post about this song to see how we started and what we did with rhythm reading. After doing the "Trains" with the Tubanos and rhythm cards we transferred… Continue reading Engine Engine #9 Melody
Engine Engine #9 Rhythm Trains
Engine, Engine #9 is one of those staples I use every year. But after doing it for over a decade I needed to find other ways to incorporate the concepts I wanted covered. I was getting bored with what I was teaching, and I knew that would come across in my delivery to the students. … Continue reading Engine Engine #9 Rhythm Trains
Mallets, Music, Movement and More 