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

Goodbye song of your choice.  Here is an example:

 

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Did you try some or all of this lesson plan?  Let us know how it went!