The Best Elementary Movement Activities for the Music Classroom

Cover image of elementary movement activities outside and inside with props.

Here’s a BIG list of elementary movement activities for K-5 music with DETAILED lesson plans and creative options for your students. Music & movement activities inspire play! You’ll find movement activities that integrate with the Orff approach, Dalcroze, Kodaly, and First Steps in Music.

Finding GOOD elementary movement games & activities for grades K-5 can be a challenge. Ideas need to be engaging and repeatable. If they offer a creative component, they get the ALL-STAR status! Here are my best multi-layered lessons for some of my favorite movement activities.

The best elementary movement activities are integral to a quality music education experience for children by providing ways to express, explore, and learn.

🎯 Key Takeaways

  • Activities/lesson plans sorted by grade level
    • K-5
    • Prek-2
    • 3-5
  • Challenging Behaviors and Movement Ideas
  • Movement Books & Music
  • How-To Teach Movement Video

👇🏽 Skip to the video

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A My Name is Alice – Popular Books, Activities, and Music

Blank Booklets to Create Your Own Verses

This TpT resource includes

  • a presentation with mp3s to learn the song
  • a simple Orff arrangement for xylophone, glockenspiel, and guiro
  • a booklet template for students to create their own verses
Lyric Writing Booklet for A My Name Is Alice Jump Rope Chant and Song
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The One-Beat Diner for Remarkable Rhythms


The One-Beat Diner is a 2-page rhythm writing music resource that features a menu full of one-beat (building brick) yummy foods that can be turned into a delicious 4-beat take-out order. Page 1 is a place to create your one-beat foods and page 2 is where you put them into 4-beat patterns.

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America the Beautiful, Lyrics & Song Lesson Plans

Find elementary music lesson plans for K-5 to teach the history and meaning of the America The Beautiful lyrics.

One of the top ten songs EVERY child should learn to sing.


The PLAYLIST

America, The Beautiful Lyrics

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