I am always striving to get my older kids engaged in meaningful ways. I want them to be as creative as they once were in their early years, but it becomes increasingly difficult to get them out of their shells. One method I always turn to is steady beat work, especially just moving around to… Continue reading Mixing up the Meter
Category: Movement
Children’s Books & Music: Carnival of the Animals
I love doing Carnival of the Animals in first grade. I use Carnival of the Animals to teach concepts like fast/slow, loud/soft and high/low. It also gives the first-graders a chance to learn how to listen to music and analyze it. Sometimes I also add in some extra "animal" lessons that aren't necessarily a part… Continue reading Children’s Books & Music: Carnival of the Animals
In the Hall of the Mountain King
This is a seasonal favorite in my room for each grade level! Special shout out to Traci Patterson for the body percussion idea I now use with my older kids. For my little students( 1st/2nd) I love to use the song "In The Hall of the Mountain King" with the story We're Off To Find… Continue reading In the Hall of the Mountain King
Star Unit…Part 1
I have been working on this “unit” in my classroom for many years. Tweaking lessons, adding things, and trying new stuff out. This year I finally felt like I found a set of lessons that clicked with my students and the goals that I set out for them to learn. I have loved doing this… Continue reading Star Unit…Part 1
Leaf Man
Fall in Ohio is beautiful! There are so many colorful things to see outside. I have a lot of trees in my backyard so it is a symphony of colors everyday once the leaves start to change. This means it is a great time of year for my lesson associated with the book "Leaf Man". … Continue reading Leaf Man
