Episodes

The origin story of the Happy Music Teacher! In this episode I share what my classroom was like during my first few weeks of teaching and believe me, it wasn’t pretty. But I figured it out, and I want to help you figure it out too! My three secrets to figuring out how I wanted to manage behavior in my classroom: Read Harry Wong’s “The First Days of School: How to Be an Effective Teacher” Watch other teachers. Trial and error Episode quotes: [4:10] I knew things needed to change and I knew...

Five Steps to Start the Second Half of the School Year Off Right Get back into the routine with a fluffy lesson. Review your procedures and transitions - inside of an actual lesson if you can. Revamp and change the things that aren’t working - transitions, lessons, whatever. Review your seating chart and make changes if needed. Make a plan for the rest of the school year. Today’s tip: Teach a rest position for when your students are using instruments but not playing them so they can listen...

7 Types of Lesson Plans to Make the Second Half of Your Year So Much Fun Review Transitions and Procedures by incorporating them into your lessons. Icebreakers Form lessons All play around the circle using Orff instruments Review the last skill you were working on before break Do a movement activity that teaches a music skill Use body percussion or hand games. Today’s tip: Body percussion and hand games help your students work on hand-eye coordination, a skill they are still developing i...