Originally published July 8, 2022
Latest Update June 29, 2026
Here are some tried, true, and new beginning of the year elementary music activities with the perfect combination of Engagement with Expectations!
You’re a new teacher, new to elementary, or ready to freshen up your day and week-1 elementary music activities. You’re nervous about getting started on the right foot. You don’t want to do too much talking but make expectations clear. Here are the details for that perfect purposeful play!
Beginning of the Year Activities That Work
You want your beginning-of-the-year music activities to be that perfect combination of fun and learning while teaching routines and expectations. Here you’ll find some name games and activities that will have your students interacting on the very first day in music class.
Here’s a plan that worked for me year after year and is the perfect example of- “Variety is the spice of life.”
My Perfect Lesson Plan
- CONNECT: A very short bio about yourself that lets kids make a connection. Share whatever you’re comfortable sharing but they love to hear about hobbies, music taste, pets, and family.
- ROUTINES & PROCEDURES: Choose the routines and procedures that will be important for your teaching
- NAME GAMES: Pick one or two name games (below) that interest you and add it to your lesson plans. Using someone’s name is personal and a great way to connect to each other.
- SINGING GAME: End with a singing game! Check out singing games to immediately get kids singing and having fun.
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