Back-to-school season is here—even if we’re not quite ready to say goodbye to summer! MusicplayOnline’s Back to School unit is a great place to start, filled with activities designed to make those first weeks fun and welcoming. This week, we’re highlighting resources that help you get to know your students and build community in your music classroom.
Name games are a fun and effective way for specialist teachers to learn—and remember—student names. This week, we’re sharing options for both primary and upper elementary students. We’re also highlighting a printable booklet from the All About Me activities in the Back to School unit, a simple way to learn your students’ interests and musical preferences—insights that can guide lesson planning and boost engagement all year.
|
Teaching Suggestions: Begin in a standing circle with the class chanting together: “Who stole the cookies from the cookie jar? (Say your name) stole the cookies from the cookie jar!” Respond with, “Who, me?” and the class answers, “Yes, you!” Say back, “Couldn’t be!” and the class replies, “Then who?” At this point, roll the ball to a student in the circle while saying that student’s name, then sit down. The class continues the chant, inserting the new name: “____ stole the cookies from the cookie jar!” The exchange repeats in the same pattern until every student has had a turn. Students sit after their turn. |
Game Directions: All begin by singing the first part of the song. After the line, “When you hear your name, the game begins!” the teacher sings their own name, followed by a student’s name. The student continues the game by singing their own name followed by a classmate’s name. See how many times your class can continue to add names without missing the beat. Once students are comfortable, you can attempt an elimination version of this game, and when a student misses a beat they are out. Students who are out can move to a xylophone and and keep the beat by playing "D" and "A" together.
In this webinar, Stacy will guide you through the powerful planning tools and resources available in Musicplay Online. You’ll explore the Lesson Planning section, dive into the Scope and Sequence and Year Plans, and learn how to customize lessons to fit your teaching style and your students’ needs. We’ll also walk through key features like Lesson Modules, Song Lists, and the Units section to help you streamline your planning and make the most of everything Musicplay has to offer.