by Music Is Elementary | Oct 3, 2025 | General Posts, Resources, Teacher Talk |
This season is the perfect time to explore soundscapes with your students! Soundscapes are musical environments that capture a mood, setting, or atmosphere. They’re not about structured rhythm or melody; instead, they use layered sounds to create an almost cinematic...
by Jennifer Shaw | Mar 10, 2025 | Resources, Teacher Talk |
In my classroom, I drew and cut out two objects that looked like toolboxes. One is called the rhythm toolbox, and the other is the melody toolbox. I often tell students that they have two toolboxes at their sides, one for rhythm and the other for melody, to help...
by Jennifer Shaw | Feb 20, 2025 | Lessons, Teacher Talk |
For a long time, I watched my colleagues, who were homeroom teachers, regularly implement learning centers in their classrooms. I loved what I saw: students demonstrating independence, experiencing different opportunities for socialization, and receiving one-on-one...
by Jennifer Shaw | Jan 27, 2025 | Lessons, Teacher Talk |
February 2nd is National Ukulele Day! Yes, it’s true! A day made special for ukulele! Thinking about incorporating the ukulele into your curriculum? Ukuleles can be an excellent tool for teaching melody, rhythm, harmony, form, and style concepts. And simply...
by Jennifer Shaw | Dec 2, 2024 | Teacher Talk |
I am consistently surprised by the magic that puppets bring to the music classroom! What I mean is that the connection kids make, including separating my voice from the puppet’s character, always pleasantly shocks me! The puppet can request just about...
by Jennifer Shaw | Nov 18, 2024 | General Posts, Teacher Talk |
Proactive advocacy No matter your situation, building a foundation of support that underscores the value of your program is an important priority. We know music programs often face scrutiny during budget cuts, shifts in curricular philosophy, leadership, or a...
