March 25, 2026

High Engagement, Low Energy: Planning music activities for after spring break that won't drain your battery

Show Notes

If you’ve walked back into your classroom after spring break and felt like you’ve hit a wall, you aren't alone. Between testing season, gorgeous weather, and "May-grade" behavior, the struggle is real.

In this episode, Jeanette shares her "Golden Rule" for the end of the year and how to use a "Fluffy Toolbox" to keep your students engaged while protecting your own energy.

In this episode, we discuss:

The Reality Check: Why it’s okay to feel "done" and why your students are feeling it too.
The Golden Rule: Why Jeanette advocates for no new concepts after spring break.
Mastery Over Novelty: Moving from the conscious to the subconscious mind through repetition and review.
The Fluffy Toolbox: Redefining "fluffy" as high-engagement, low-stakes, and happiness-focused lessons.
The "Yes, But" Strategy: How to protect your boundaries and say no to end-of-year projects that drain your battery.
Strategic Resets: Using GoNoodle, the Mirror Game, and student leaders when the class (or the teacher!) needs a brain break.

Activities available in the Happy Music Teacher shop: