Building a Classroom Song List

Using “Spotlight on Music,” or any music text for your grade level, have students go through the book and choose one new song to learn each day. Write the names of songs they like on a class song list, and each day review one or two, then learn one new song. This is reading at its best.

Don’t shy away from non-English songs. The pronunciation is on the CDs, and the IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) provides an opportunity to experience many different languages. Repetition brings a sense of comfort and familiarity; new songs offer age appropriate challenge.

After a few weeks, invite a neighboring class to join you for sharing. Each class sing two songs for the other, practicing performance strategies such as standing in a tall but relaxed manner, and focusing on the text. Audience members have responsibility to attend quietly, and applaud at the end. You might start and end with pieces on both class lists

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