The Happy Music Teacher

Five Ways Music Help Kids Learn and Grow 

In this episode, we dive into how music impacts children’s learning and development. Music not only entertains but also strengthens cognitive abilities, enhances brain growth, and boosts focus. We explore how learning music encourages creativity, improves memory, and helps with language skills. By incorporating music into the classroom, teachers can unlock a wide range of benefits that extend far beyond just playing notes.

We also share expert insights, including research from renowned scholars such as Dr. Anita Collins, who highlights how music can increase student engagement and improve their overall academic performance. Through five practical ways that music helps kids learn and grow, you'll gain valuable tips for using music as a tool to support and enhance students’ educational experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or new to the world of music education, this episode offers great takeaways to boost your classroom’s success.

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The Happy Music Teacher Academy is always open for new members! Learn more and join here: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/jointhehappymusicteacheracademy 

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Teaching preschool can be a joyful (and sometimes challenging) experience, but with the right tools, it can be incredibly rewarding! 🎶 In this week’s training, I’m sharing my best strategies and music activities for preschool that help you create a classroom routine to keep those little learners engaged and excited. We’ll talk about setting up a daily structure, using fun themes to guide your lessons, and covering skills that not only support music development but also help preschool teachers meet curriculum goals.

Members of The Happy Music Teacher Academy get exclusive access to trainings just like this one every month, filled with practical ideas and resources tailored to their classrooms. In this episode, you’ll also discover some of my favorite storybooks to use with music activities for preschool, perfect for keeping young children captivated and learning. Whether you’re looking to refresh your approach or are new to teaching preschool, this episode will inspire you to bring fresh energy into your classroom and make music a magical part of every child’s day.  

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What We Talked About:

Woosh & Chug, by Sebastien Braun

Doggone Dogs, by Karen Beaumont

It’s Mine, by Leo Leonni

Inch by Inch, by Leo Leonni

Have You Got My Purr, by Judy West

Thump, Thump, Rat a Tat Tat, by Gene Baer

Do Like a Duck Does, by Judy Hindley

The Happy Music Teacher Academy is open for new members! Learn more and join here: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/jointhehappymusicteacheracademy 

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Ever wonder how some music teachers seem to handle every challenge with ease? In this episode of The Happy Music Teacher, Christy Clark shares her secrets to thriving amidst the chaos. Find out how one simple strategy transformed her toughest teaching days and discover the key to unlocking a supportive community that lifts you up when you need it most.

We also explore the power of collaboration within The Happy Music Teacher Academy and how sharing experiences can spark creative solutions you never considered. If you've been looking for ways to work through challenges as a music teacher and build your confidence in the classroom, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

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The Happy Music Teacher Academy is open for new members! Learn more and join here: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/jointhehappymusicteacheracademy 

Send me an email: [email protected]

Visit my website: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/ 

Sign up for my newsletter and receive THREE FREE Lesson Plans: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/lessonplansampler 

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These show notes may contain Affiliate links to certain products.  The Happy Music Teacher receives a percentage of the sales of these products.

In this episode, I sit down with Happy Music Teacher Academy member Shannon Pringle to uncover how her experience in the Academy has transformed not only her classroom but also her music teacher journey. Find out how Shannon has embraced the inevitable music class chaos and turned it into a source of excitement, creativity, and deeper student engagement. She also shares why she joined the Academy, why she stays, and the unexpected benefits she's gained from being part of this supportive community.

Curious how embracing the unpredictability of the music room can actually lead to more fun for you and your students? Shannon reveals her strategies for letting go of perfection, accepting the chaos, and creating a more joyful and dynamic environment where students thrive. You won't want to miss this insightful conversation filled with tips, laughter, and the power of community!

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What we talked about:

• Elementary Music Curriculum Guide

The Happy Music Teacher Academy is open for new members! Learn more and join here: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/jointhehappymusicteacheracademy 

Send me an email: [email protected]

Visit my website: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/ 

Sign up for my newsletter and receive THREE FREE Lesson Plans: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/lessonplansampler 

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These show notes may contain Affiliate links to certain products.  The Happy Music Teacher receives a percentage of the sales of these products.

Lesson Plans to Help Kids Fall in Love with Music

Let’s help your kiddos fall in love with music!  In this episode of The Happy Music Teacher, we dive into some engaging lesson plans to help. Picture books like Leaf Trouble by Jonathan Emmett, There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves by Lucille Colandro, and Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson will be the backbone of your fall music lessons. Learn how these stories can inspire creative movement, storytelling, and imaginative play in your music classroom.

We'll also explore how incorporating instruments can engage your students even further. You'll hear how giving them a choice in how to play the instruments and move to the music not only increases participation but keeps them excited about learning in the music room. Using these strategies, you'll have your students falling in love with music in no time!

Curious about those strategies? You can check them out here:

🎵 Give them choices – Giving your students the power to choose how they participate helps foster creativity and boosts engagement.

🎵 Play as many instruments as possible – From tambourines to maracas, letting students explore a wide range of instruments keeps excitement high and attention focused!

🎵 Bring out props – Adding fun, interactive props like scarves or puppets makes your lessons more hands-on and helps students connect with the music on a deeper level.

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The Happy Music Teacher Academy is always open for new members! Learn more and join here: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/jointhehappymusicteacheracademy 

Send me an email: [email protected]

Visit my website: https://thehappymusicteacher.com

Sign up for my newsletter and receive THREE FREE Lesson Plans: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/lessonplansampler 

Join my Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themusicteachergroup

Follow me on IG: @thehappymusicteacher

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Transcription:

One of the biggest struggles for educators is the unique challenges elementary music teachers face. From managing large groups of students to finding ways to keep them engaged with a variety of musical activities, it can often feel overwhelming. In this episode, we’ll explore three common challenges, including classroom management, student engagement, and lesson planning, along with practical solutions to overcome each one.

We’ll also dive into how addressing these challenges elementary music teachers face can transform not only their teaching experience but also their students' learning outcomes. With the right strategies, you can bring more joy and excitement into your music room while making your day-to-day routine more manageable. Tune in to learn how to tackle these challenges head-on and feel more confident in your teaching!

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What we talked about:

Videos to teach kids about how music affects the brain -

How Music Makes Kids Smarter

Learning Music Makes Kids Smarter

Could Playing Music DRASTICALLy Change Your Brain

5 Benefits of Music

How Music Affects the Brain

The Happy Music Teacher Academy is always open for new members! Learn more and join here: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/jointhehappymusicteacheracademy 

Send me an email: [email protected]

Visit my website: https://thehappymusicteacher.com

Sign up for my newsletter and receive THREE FREE Lesson Plans: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/lessonplansampler 

Join my Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themusicteachergroup

Follow me on IG: @thehappymusicteacher

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Being an elementary music teacher comes with its own set of challenges, but sometimes the biggest hurdle is our own mindset. In this episode, I talk about three common mistakes we all make: focusing too much on our own missteps, dwelling on the negatives we see in our students, and worrying about what we haven't accomplished. These habits hold us back from seeing the positive impact we have in our classrooms every day.

I also share personal stories and insights on how to shift our focus. By giving ourselves grace, celebrating our students' joy, and recognizing our achievements, we can start building more confidence in our teaching. Tune in to hear how making these small changes can have a huge impact on your experience as an elementary music teacher!

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The Happy Music Teacher Academy is always open for new members! Learn more and join here: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/jointhehappymusicteacheracademy 

Send me an email: [email protected]

Visit my website: https://thehappymusicteacher.com

Sign up for my newsletter and receive THREE FREE Lesson Plans: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/lessonplansampler 

Join my Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themusicteachergroup

Follow me on IG: @thehappymusicteacher

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In this episode of The Happy Music Teacher, we explore 3 powerful ways to engage kids with classical music.

The discussion begins with the concept of using listening maps. These visual aids help students follow along with musical pieces, making complex compositions more accessible and enjoyable.

By providing a structured way to track the music, students can focus on the elements of sound and emotion, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of classical works.

The episode also delves into the importance of how to engage kids with classical music by using movement and props into classical music lessons. Movement can transform a passive listening experience into an interactive one. Students can express themselves physically while connecting with the music.

Using props, whether it be scarves, instruments, or simple hand motions, encourages engagement and helps students internalize the rhythm and dynamics of classical music. This approach is an excellent way to engage kids with classical music in a fun and memorable manner.

Finally, we discuss the effectiveness of play-along videos or rhythm play videos in the classroom. These resources not only provide a platform for students to practice their rhythm skills but also create an exciting atmosphere where they can actively participate in the music-making process.

Integrating these strategies allows educators to create an engaging and lively environment that fosters a love for classical music among their students. This ultimately helps to engage kids with classical music as an integral part of their musical education.

Tune in to discover how you can easily implement these ideas into your lessons and ignite a passion for classical music in your classroom!

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What we talked about:

Play-along Videos:

William Tell Overture Cup Rhythm

William Tell Overture Rhythm Play-Along

Can Can Percussion Play-Along

Eine Kleine Nacht Musik Percussion Play-Along

Alla Turca (Turkish March) Rhythm Play-Along

D. Shostakovich "March" Rhythm Stick Play-Along

Vivaldi Rhythm Play-Along

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The Happy Music Teacher Academy is open for new members! Learn more and join here: https://storiesthatsing.net/jointhehappymusicteacheracademy 

Send me an email: [email protected]

Visit my website: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/ 

Sign up for my newsletter and receive THREE FREE Lesson Plans: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/lessonplansampler 

Join my Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themusicteachergroup

Follow me on IG: @thehappymusicteacher

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These show notes may contain Affiliate links to certain products.  The Happy Music Teacher receives a percentage of the sales of these products.

✨ **New Podcast Episode Alert!** 🎧

Classical Music Activities for kids are a huge part of teaching in the elementary music classroom. 🎶

That’s why in this episode of The Happy Music Teacher, we explore creative ways to introduce classical music to students using popular media. From movie soundtracks to video games, these classical music activities for kids make classical pieces fun and relatable. Whether through animated cartoons or social media challenges, your students will engage with timeless music in a way that feels relevant and exciting.

Get ready for hands-on activities that include creating movie scenes, storyboards, commercials, and even video game soundtracks—all set to classical music. These classical music activities for kids will inspire creativity, storytelling, and a deeper appreciation for music, making it a must-listen for any elementary music teacher! 🎶

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Check out these Classical Music Activities for engaging lesson plans that use Classical Music:

Classical Music Activities for Kids - 3 Lesson Plan Bundle

Autumn Adventures - A Fall Leaf Storybook Lesson Plan Bundle

The Happy Music Teacher Academy is now open for new members! Learn more and join here: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/jointhehappymusicteacheracademy 

Send me an email: [email protected]

Visit my website: https://thehappymusicteacher.com 

Sign up for my newsletter and receive THREE FREE Lesson Plans: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/lessonplansampler 

Join my Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themusicteachergroup

Follow me on IG: @thehappymusicteacher

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Let’s dive into the magical world of books for the elementary music classroom In this episode of The Happy Music Teacher podcast.  The talented Theresa Cocci is a two-time children’s book author and a music teacher, and she shares her journey of creating delightful stories centered around her dog. 

She and I explore how these adorable tales can be the perfect addition to your elementary music classroom, offering engaging storybook lessons for music teachers. 

Discover how Theresa’s creative process can inspire you to bring more literacy-based activities into your music lessons, making learning even more fun and meaningful for your students.  Bringing children’s books into the music classroom will give you and your students new adventures every week!  🎶📚

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What we talked about: 

Theresa’s website

Lesson plan bundle using Theresa's books and music!

Want to read more about how to use Theresa's picture books? Check out this blog post.

Harry's Horrible Hair

Henry the Hungry Hound

The Happy Music Teacher Academy is now open for new members! Learn more and join here: https://storiesthatsing.net/jointhehappymusicteacheracademy 

Send me an email: [email protected]

Visit my website: https://thehappymusicteacher.com 

Sign up for my newsletter and receive THREE FREE Lesson Plans: https://storiesthatsing.net/lessonplansampler 

Join my Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themusicteachergroup

Follow me on IG: @thehappymusicteacher

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