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This year was my first year doing spring performances! When I was planning my performances, I wanted them to be different from the Christmas Concert. I wanted them to give parents a glimpse of what our daily music class looks like. So, I programmed it differently from my traditional concert and called it a Spring Showcase!
The traditional Christmas concert at my school features all the classes, from kindergarten to grade 5. The students come on the stage, sing their song, and wait in the classroom for the remainder of the concert. This was the first thing that I wanted to change when planning a Spring Showcase. I wanted the students to stay in the gym the entire time. That meant planning 2 concerts. One for Kindergarten to Grade 2 students and one for Grades 3-5 students. The Kindergarten to Grade 2 concerts were Under the Sea-themed, a definite hit with parents, students, and teaching staff alike.
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Are you looking to bring some springtime fun—or just a splash of silliness—into your elementary music lessons? Frog songs are a hit in my classroom year after year, and I’ve rounded up my absolute favourites in this post. From games that get students giggling and moving, to songs that sneak in musical concepts like sol-mi and sixteenth notes, these tunes are as educational as they are entertaining. Whether you’re teaching rhythm, pitch, movement, or just need a fresh idea for your spring concert, there’s something here for everyone.
PLUS—Don’t miss the freebie with sheet music and lyrics for every frog song I mention below. Grab it now and hop right into your next lesson with confidence! Teaching students to compose music independently can feel chaotic, complex, and even a little risky. Some kids dive in with excitement, while others freeze, unsure of where to begin. That’s why, when we start teaching composition, we break it down and provide plenty of scaffolding:
Folk songs are a cornerstone of my elementary music lessons. They're simple, catchy, and easy to sing—plus, they’re packed with cultural and historical value. But what turns a good folk song into a great one?
For me, it’s all about versatility. The best folk songs can be used in multiple ways and easily extended into different learning activities. One of my all-time favourites is “Lemonade.” I use this playful and engaging song with my Grade 1 and 2 students to:
You’ve just taken your bow to a standing ovation after the Christmas Concert—your students nailed it, parents are showering you with compliments, and the holiday spirit is buzzing in the air. But then it hits you: you still have to teach tomorrow. And all you want is some simple, ready-to-go lessons that won’t drain your energy.
Sound familiar? If so, you’re definitely not alone—I've been there a time or two. That post-concert glow often comes with a side of exhaustion, so to help you sail smoothly through those busy December days, I’m sharing my favourite go-to activities for Kindergarten through Grade 6 elementary music classes. These tried-and-true lessons keep students engaged without overwhelming you, so you can enjoy the season while keeping the music alive. |
AuthorMiss Jayna is an elementary music teacher in Dauphin, Manitoba, Canada. In addition to being a public school teacher Miss Jayna also has a private piano studio and teaches a Children's Music Program. Categories
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