In this podcast episode, I’m addressing the challenges elementary music teachers face in December with random events, field trips, and holiday festivities disrupting the normal routine. The focus is on maintaining effective teaching despite the chaos. I have three rules to help you survive the weeks leading up to the break:

1. **No New Learning:** Review during this hectic time is better than doing any new learning.  You’ll hear about a whole bunch of great activities you can use for review.

2. **Keep it Fluffy:** We’ll talk about "fluffy" lessons—engaging activities unrelated to units or extensive learning—that allow students to have fun without the pressure of retaining new information.

3. **Practice Your Silly:** Let’s incorporate  more silliness into the classroom to keep students engaged and excited. I’m going to share examples of quirky teaching methods and suggests finding inspiration from other silly music teachers.

The episode concludes with a preview of the next installment, teasing insights into easing students back into learning after the break with fun activities like name games and the "Back from Break" song. Be sure to listen to find some practical tips for maintaining an enjoyable and effective music education experience during a hectic time of the school year.

Lesson Plan Links:

Everyone Wants to be a Reindeer Bundle

Holiday Ukulele Workshop

Russian Dance bouncy ball activity

The Back from Break Song Bundle

Bear Stays Up for Christmas lesson plan

Rudy’s Windy Christmas lesson plan

Waltz of the Flowers - a Meter of 3 Adventure lesson plan

Rhythm Play Alongs & Other Easy-to-Use Activities  

Mr Henry’s A Year of Holidays

Santa Dance Song: The Santa Rap

Winter Rhythm Play Along

Free Nutcracker activities from Inspired and Wired Music

Nutcracker Escape Room from Inspired and Wired Music

How to Learn 300 Names by December podcast and blog  

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CHANGING THINGS UP FOR THE BEGINNING OF THE SCHOOL YEAR - What to make different, why to make it different, and how to introduce it.

 

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