“This is boring.” “My fingers hurt.” You often hear students new to the ukulele relay their frustrations about learning the instrument. Getting away from direct instruction and using easy Orff ideas for your ukulele curriculum is a great way to re-engage your students when they hit a plateau in their ukulele learning journey.
Or, add an Orff approach all along to prevent burnout in the first place.
Let’s add movement and speech to our curriculum along with play, imitation, improvisation, and experimentation.
Originally published February 21, 2024 Latest Update April 7, 2026
Perfect for elementary teachers and substitutes, this collection of read-aloud videos of musical story books will engage and delight. Extend the learning with my BONUS follow-up activities for a complete lesson plan! Ready to teach!
Use the searchable musical elements, subject integrations, and grade levels for pre-school and elementary students. (below)
⭐️ Stars mark the BONUS: A FOLLOW UP for each video with a fun singing game/activity!
How is literature used in an elementary music classroom?
Some teachers purposefully focus on reinforcing both reading and music skills during lessons that integrate children’s literature, while others focus on reinforcing music concepts or skills.
Brown, Holly Ann, “Children’s Literature in the Elementary General Music Classroom” (2019). Theses and Dissertations. 2162. https://dc.uwm.edu/etd/2162
Table of Contents
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🟢 Creative OPTIONS for Read-Aloud Videos of Musical Story Books
Read-Aloud videos of musical story books are a great option when you need a screen presentation. Getting the hard-copy book is the perfect intimate setting to read and do your own interpretation, sound effects, and discussion.
Use literature to teach and reinforce specific music concepts (tempo, dynamics, tone color, etc.)
Use books to provide support for pre-reading, reading, and vocabulary exploration.
Great for one-off lesson needs or sub plans
Use related musical games/activities for follow-up interactive learning
Class starter, ender, or transition in the class flow provides routine and structure.
Let’s get away from the smartboards and screens and learn about rhythm in a more intimate setting! We’ll explore the benefits of using a rhythm activities board in elementary music class and provide a step-by-step guide on how to create one without breaking the bank.
In the world of elementary music education, sometimes the simplest tools can create the most magical moments. One such tool is the low-cost, no-tech rhythm activities board, a versatile resource that fosters an intimate learning setting, encourages student interaction, and adds a touch of hands-on magic to rhythm lessons.
Originally published November 10, 2023 Latest Update April 2, 2026
Here are some new ideas for music and STEM learning centers in the general and music classrooms using the TinkerTar!
The TinkerTar is an innovative instrument that provides a perfect starting point for kids in general AND elementary music classrooms. With a single string, its colorful fretboard, easy-to-read book, and sturdy construction, the TinkerTar (aff) is an excellent addition to any music and STEM learning center.
Designed as an alternative to the ukulele and guitar, it offers a beginning learning experience for students who may later try the guitar. Its simplicity also offers the chance for some great STEM learning as well.
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Whether you call them elementary music centers, stations, or small group activities, kids just call them FUN! Setting them up can be tricky, so here are my best tips for making music centers successful in your classroom.
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Why Learning Centers?
Music learning centers were always a HUGE hit with my students! I think there are a couple of reasons.
They loved the variety of the day but also the variety in the music curriculum. It was a SPECIAL day! I usually set them up about 4 times a year, once every 9 weeks.
Centers offer kids a chance to explore lots of musical objectives and are valuable and engaging learning tools.
