Preparing for Music Class

In first grade, students start to learn the basics of note names, beats, and rhythms. A common learning activity would be for the children to clap along with the teacher to recognize when they have a rest or different rhythm. First they learn the basics: eight note, quarter note, quarter rest, half note, and whole note. Then they will move on to learn about dynamics and singing different songs that show these changes. Then they move on to technique, like how to breathe properly when singing. Many teachers introduce opera to children in this area because opera takes a lot of organized breathing a pronouncing words. 


Here is a chart made to show students what to look for and recognize when reading or singing music: 

Music songs to have in the classroom

Simple songs like the ones below can help a child to remember the important dates, holidays, subjects, animals, and more. Have Cd's, tape players, and charts around the room. This is just another way you can encourage music while in the class room.

• days of the week
• months in a year
• songs that sing about animals
• rhyming songs
• the alphabet 
• and more...

Any of these simple songs can help a child with memory and they can be fun! 

Here is just an example of a song to encourage body movement and it can help children learn their ABC's.... Watch here!

Types of Instruments to include in your musical library 
(adult assistance)

• trumpet - the trumpet is played in several eras and continued to use today. Click here to hear!

• Piano - there are several types of pianos and keyboards in today's music (clavichord, harpsichord, etc). Each one having a different sound. Click here to hear!

• Stringed Instruments - such as the violin, cello, bass, etc. These instruments can be listened to in classical, jazz, folk ,music and more. click here to hear!

• Drum  - the drum is used in many countries in different ways. It can be played by hand or with two sticks. Click here to hear!

Matching Activity 

Tips for teaching music to children with special needs

• Know your stuff and don't be afraid to ask questions: the more you understand the child and their needs, the better you will be able to help them and assist them anyway you can. Secondly, don't be afraid to ask the parents questions about their child. Find out background information, or what kind of learner they are. Anything that can help you to help them be successful in the classroom.

• Always have a back-up plan: every day is different; what worked yesterday might not work today. Also remember that every child has different needs. So, something that works for one child will not always work for another. 

• Be Positive!: every child always appreciates a "good job!" or a high five now and again. Rewarding children for good deeds or improvement can show that you believe in them. 

• Think outside the box: It's okay to shake it up sometimes or to try something now now and again. Be playful and silly sometimes, anything to keep your students attention. 

• Finally, be simple, patient, and loving: Say what you mean, don't beat around the bush. Especially with younger children, your words need to be straight forward, not confusing. There is going to be times where you will get impatient with your students if something isn't going right or one of your students wont listen to you... Well, those are the times to breath and remind yourself "It's okay" and "we'll just have to keep working on it". Lastly, love your students. They are people too. 

Special Education Music here....

 A Library of Variety  

Children love music! It's a fact. But you want to make sure you're providing a appropriate listening environment for your young child... and here's how you can do that. 

• When picking the songs four children, make sure that they are not only appealing to their ears, but to their brains and bodies too. Meaning, pick a variety of music that will get them moving, singing along, and has meaning to it. 

• It's important to remember that you have to listen to the music too. If you don't enjoy yourself, neither will your child. 

• Include different styles and genre's of music. This can help them determine what kind of music they enjoy and you're opening them up to new cultures.

• When choosing music for your little one, thing back to what you grew up listening to and start there. Such as nursery rhymes...

• To help expand your library, try listening to short segments of classical music. Not long boring pieces, but short, sweet, and simple.

• OFF LIMITS!!! Don't waste your money on those "just for kids" CD's. Even though they are meant for children, that type of music is often poorly produced, sang by adults that sound like children, and only stay in the major keys. You want something for you and your child. That's why you should stick to the rule: "If you think it's bad, it probably is" 

• Guide your child. Until they are old enough to choose their own library of music, give them choices that you approve of. 

• Finally, let your child explore. Take them to different (appropriate) concerts with different artists or have a variety of music in your car. The point is to open them up to many types of music, instead of just a few, so they understand and respect the artists and their meaning in their music. 

More information about music for you & your child

How does music affect the development of children?

If you haven't been able to tell already, I am a huge supporter in music and the relationship it has with children. I believe music plays a key role in helping a child develop. As I have said in the newsletter attached to this post, I have grown to understand how music can also help children with special needs. Planning and making ourselves aware of what children need to be comfortable and successful, using music, makes a huge difference in how that child can grow as a person. If we, as parents and teachers, can open opportunities up, through something as simple as music,then it is our responsibility to do the best we can for those children. I also, in my newsletter, have come up with ways that parents can help and be involved in their child's life. 

 How to make your own 

unique Rain Stick at home!

(for parents/teachers)

What is a rain stick first of all? A rain stick is a long, mainly hollow tube that makes a quiet sound when
tilted from side to side, very much like
running water or gentle rain.

Step 1: choose recycled old mailing tube or poster container. There very common items, so if you don't have any at home, ask neighbors or family. 

Step 2: To create a rain stick, we need  to make an obstruction - or blockage - in the tube to keep the materials inside your tube from falling all at once. You can use pipe cleaners, toothpicks, etc. Just push them through each side to create blockages throughout your tube. Just make sure your blockages are long enough to go through and they're sturdy. 

Step 3: The materials you put in your rain stick will determine how your stick sounds. For a quieter rain sound, add materials like seed beads, bird seed, or tiny pasta. For a louder sound, add materials like rice, small buttons, or paper clips. Also, by adding just the right amount of materials, you can have a beautiful sounding instrument. 

Step 4: After you have taken care of the inside, take care of the outside! Decorate it with color, design, and things around your home to make it stylish and colorful. 

Step 5: After you have made your rain stick, don't forget to have fun while testing out your new instrument. Turn it horizontal, vertical, sideways, anyway you want.