1. Use online resources
There is a wealth of knowledge on the internet these days! When I first started teaching, I had to build up a library of resources by going to various different music stores to find kid-friendly classical tracks. From blogs, to YouTube to online music lesson plans, there is so much available online to get you started now.
If you are a preschool teacher and haven’t done music with your class before, sometimes the idea of a ‘proper music lesson’ can be a bit daunting. It was with this in mind that I created my lesson plans. They guide the teacher through a structured weekly programme, explaining and building up musical skills while also being a weekly highlight in the classroom.
2. When it comes to music lesson length, short and sweet is best
Each plan is at least 30 minutes long. They can take longer depending on the number of children you have in the group and how many times you need to repeat things. I rotate my themes so that the subject changes each week.
There are always some regular activities that we always do on a weekly basis. Young children love the familiarity of repetition and luckily it’s also good practice. It’s the best way to build basic musical understanding. The key is to get the right balance between familiar activities and interesting new ones to keep the kids engaged. Switch longer activities up with shorter ones to keep the kids interested.
3. Planning for multiple ages? Stick to one theme to make it easier for planning
4. Flexibility is key
5. But repetition will reinforce principles.
- Recognising the steady beat.
- Listening to rhythms and repeating them.
- Learning the note names and understanding their values.
- Learning the solfège scale.
- Pitching and singing notes and intervals and many more things besides.
- These ideas are introduced and practiced week by week and as the children become more familiar with them, their skills and confidence grows.
6. Don’t worry if you can’t play an instrument
Plan a Music Lesson Using My Lesson Plans
You can find out more information about my series of Lesson Plans here. They have been written with teachers in mind, but they can be used at home too.
What’s inside the lesson plans?
The plans include a step by step outline of each lesson with full teaching support and tips. All the printable resources needed and a full list of any recommended materials or suggested music links.
What order should I do your lesson plans in?
The order you choose to do the classes in doesn’t really matter, unless you are doing one of the seasonal ones where of course it makes sense to time these right.
Check out our full set of Lesson and Activity Plans over in our store.
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