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
Category: Orff
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
Mixing up the Meter
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
Davy Dumpling
I love doing this song this time of year because winter is always a great time for baking and talking about baking. This is another one of those songs that you can take in a million different directions. I have some favorites that I’m going to share with you. Ingredient Sounds With my littles we… Continue reading Davy Dumpling
Mallets, Music, Movement and More 