May 23, 2025 | Classroom Management, Teachers
How to get their attention (musically)!
Visiting a friends new baby, my husband asked, “Why does the baby just look at you?” ME: “I‘m the one who sings to him!”
This is the same for my new student teachers in the 5 year old class. Stop talking to them, they will hear, listen and respond much better if you sing what you want them to do. “Time for a circle, time for a circle, time for a circle, here we go!” They hear talking all day long, everyday! Do the unexpected and sing your way through class!
Now the funny thing is if you want them to quickly learn a song, and participate in singing, STOP singing! “Grey Squirrel, Grey Squirrel, swish your bushy ________”
Here’s a great one for quick participation, babies – age 6.
Aug 13, 2024 | Activities
Drum Circles include “free play” for exploration, improvisation, enjoying the groove!
But having structured activities bring a lot of fun and satisfaction to the music making group.
One source that is very helpful is the Sound Shape Playbook. www.musicrhapsody.com
The activities are quick and easy to add for any type of drums, percussion, homemade instruments, kitchen music, etc.
1 2 Tie My Shoe – leader does one two, circle does words
Repeat with one side doing numbers, other side doing words
Repeat bass tone on numbers, rim tone for words
Play low drums verses high drums
Alabama Gal This activity is in the Sound Shape Play book, as well as the included CD. The free download in Lynn Kleiner’s Music Box also includes activity suggestions and free PowerPoint for classroom use too.
Ten Musicians Drumming – Play on the numbers and short solos make this exciting.
They played like this……….they played like that, they played with their friends, they played with their baby, they played in the kitchen, they played in the car, ten musicians drummmmmmming.
Video – During the pandemic, masked families enjoyed an outdoor event!
Listen to another rhythmic favorite from My Trip to the Mountains Book/CD, She’ll be Comin Round the Mtn.
For more on percussion favorites, see Lynn’s resources and training, musicrhapsody.com.
Aug 13, 2024 | Early Childhood, Orff Training
Come join me for a dynamic, highly interactive music teacher training course, covering early childhood through elementary (including Orff and recorder). Whether you come for the sandy beaches of Redondo Beach, California or the beautiful waterfront of downtown Newark, New Jersey — there will be moving, singing, improvising, laughing, and so much more!
Find out how to keep your students excited, engaged and learning at each level of development.
Who can attend? ALL music teachers at preschools, studios, elementary schools, daycare centers, libraries, and other schools are eligible. No membership or licensing is required.
Reserve your spot by March 15 to save $150 with the Earliest Bird Special Rate! Plus, returning teachers get half-off tuition!
2020 Teacher Training Workshops:
Redondo Beach, CA: June 25-28
Newark, NJ: August 17-20
Online Training: Anytime, Anywhere
