Using Books in the Elementary Music Classroom
There is an ever-increasing need to make music visible in schools and cross-curricular. Every subject, including math, science and literacy, can be integrated into the music classroom. When I was younger, music was a separate subject from everything else; however, today music and literacy go hand in hand. Using books in the elementary classroom is a strong belief of mine. The “Reading Corner” in my music classroom consists of about 100 books that help teach music. Many of these stories are non-musical and can be made musical by adding instruments or singing a song about it.
There are millions of children’s books out there and only a tiny portion of those are music related or can be used in the music classroom. So how do you know which ones to use and what musical concept to teach with them? Use my Elementary Music: Book List & Musical Concepts spreadsheet to help you get an idea of some books and what musical concepts I use them for!
Also, find out more about my “Reading Corner” and tips on Music & Literacy in the upper right navigation bar.
Lesson Plans
Looking for K-4 lesson plans? Well, look no further because I have some for you!
These pages are a constant work in progress. Currently uploaded are my lesson plan templates with Arkansas and National Music Standards for each grade. Also, I have a few K-4 PDF lesson plans uploaded. Please feel free to download them, print them, use them, take ideas from them, and change them to fit your specific style! They are located in the drop-down menu beneath the “Lesson Plans” tab in the upper right. Just click on the grade desired!
Also, several lessons can be used in other grades depending on what level your students are. So, some I have posted in multiple grades. Or, if you like a lesson geared toward the younger grades, you can always add something more challenging to it for your older students.
On my lesson plans, I include a couple resources and abbreviations that may peak your curiosity when you see them. Here they are with a link to where to get them/learn about them:
RRR = Rockin’ Rhythm Rap (learn more or purchase it here or here)
Echo Chain = A way to warm-up voices and teach solfege pitches/hand signs at the same time. I cannot find this resource online, but students echo a 4 pitch pattern and follow along with a chart.
Expectations Rap = Be Respectful! Follow Directions! Raise Your Hand and Wait Your Turn! Always Participate! Stay In Your Seat! Huh!
Sitter Chant = 1, 2, 3, 4, Put your sitters on the floor. Fold your hands into your lap. Now before I clap clap clap!
