"Let's
Play" is a sweet tune to help you build your classroom community and
reinforce Social Emotional Learning objectives. Below you can find the
lyric video featuring cute animals along with links to the song on
various streaming services.
Play the video or recording for students to sing along at the beginning of music time or before a group activity (such as a parachute activity).
Play video or song to transition to recess / playtime
Party and celebration music
Literacy + Music Arts Integration lessons
Circle “greeting” game (2nd-4th grade) to encourage socialization:
Two circles of students facing each other. During the chorus, they walk in opposite directions to the steady beat. When the verse begins, they stop and sing to the student they are facing. After the second verse, they can incorporate a clapping pattern or movements of your choosing during the instrumental break. After the final chorus, they get to high five the person they are facing at the end of the song.
Did you try it with your class? Let us know how it went!
Substitute Lesson Plan for Elementary Music Classes (TK-2nd Grade)
Emergency Substitute Lesson Plan for TK-2nd Grade Elementary Music Classes
Ideally, the music teacher you’re subbing for would leave an easy to follow lesson plan and all the resources you need to ensure continuity in the students’ learning. When life happens and you are not provided with a lesson plan, here are some suggestions to prepare and a sample lesson plans for k-2nd grade.
Recommendations: Information - Try to get as much information about the class as you can from the teacher you’re subbing for or from the school secretary. If you know
the class size
what resources are available in the room
Population - students’ primary language, cultural background, any special needs
It will make it easier to prepare! Bring as many visual aids as possible, prioritizing your class agreements and pictures of musical instruments.
K-2 Music Lesson Plan 45 mins to 1 hour
Introduce yourself and demonstrate your musical ability in any way you feel comfortable. Wowing the class with your voice, your guitar or by playing the piano will spark interest in what you have to teach them.
Class Agreements: explain that you want us to have a great class and you want to know if any of them want to share what instruments (including singing) so to ensure that you’re going to go over your class agreements.
Allow time for students to share with you what instruments they have played before or if anyone in their family plays an instrument.
Quick song they probably know: if you are able to find out a song from their regular repertoire that you can lead, great! If not, try “If You’re Happy and You Know It.“
“H-E-L-L-O” chant to establish echo pattern, emphasize steady beat, and practice different voice volume levels.
Name Game:“I Can Keep the Beat” or your favorite name game sitting in a circle. For TK-1st I would use the "Twist and Shout" name game from my previous post. Here's one I have used for 2nd grade:
Let’s Move! Have students stand (in a circle) and have them turn towards the direction they will be moving. Emphasize safety and space to move comfortably.
TK\Kinder/1st grade: play “Listen and Move” by Greg and Steve for them to move along in a circle.
2nd Grade: lead the class in the “Seven Jumps” movement game
Review and ask students to share their favorite activity from today’s lesson
There is a dire need for culturally responsive materials for elementary music education. Ms. Cosquilla is an award-winning songwriter who has a Certificate of Achievement in music with Mariachi Specialization from Southwestern College, a BA in Latin American Studies from Harvard University, is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Music - Music Education, and 19 years experience in music education that includes curriculum writing and arts integration with a focus on Social Emotional Learning. She currently teaches general music in Los Angeles and works closely with Chicx Rockerxs South East Los Angeles and the Mariachi Women’s Foundation.