It’s the start of a new month, which means it’s time for a roundup of lesson ideas to carry you through November. Since it’s also peak concert season, these activities are designed to be fun, movement-based, and help minimize off-task behavior. This month’s posts feature a lively folk song about turkeys, an art music connection for teaching timbre, a winter-themed lesson using One Cold and Frosty Morning, and a free, no-prep lesson perfect for those inevitable sick days.
Shoo Turkey is a lighthearted folk song that’s just right for November. In this post, you’ll find ideas for turning it into a singing game, along with movement and rhythm activities that get students up and moving while reinforcing steady beat and form.
Learn the Movement Activities →
If you’ve been looking for new ways to teach timbre, this post walks through how to use a listening map with a piece of art music to guide students’ attention. You’ll find simple strategies for helping students describe tone color in their own words, plus a free printable listening map to try in your next lesson.
Download the Free Listening Map →
When you’re ready to settle back into routines after fall break, this winter-themed lesson is a good place to start. It centers around One Cold and Frosty Morning and includes ideas for movement, an Orff bordun accompaniment, and free visuals to keep students engaged and creating music together.
Download the free bordun visuals →
Concert season often overlaps with cold season, so it helps to have easy sub plans ready to go. This free resource includes video links and print-and-go worksheets for grades K–8. They work well for sub days or anytime you need a simple, no-prep plan that still keeps students learning.
Download the Free No Prep Sampler →
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