Teaching music in an elementary classroom can be a lot of fun, but, having the right music teaching supplies can make all the difference. A properly equipped classroom not only makes the lesson more interesting, but also allows the young student to experience music as close as possible. From simple as flutes and whistles to as complex as calculators, having tools gives the student every opportunity to have practical lessons in rhythm, melody and at least the basics of music.

1. Rhythm Instruments

Rhythm instruments are one of the requirements to have in the elementery school music classrooms. Tambourines, hand drums or rhythm sticks are easy to handle and are ideal for teaching matters concerning rhythm to the young students. These tools help students introduce simple beat/patterns to the task of teaching timing and coordination among students.

Other possible small percussion instruments are also portable and can be incorporated into many music lesson plans for teaching music to elementary-level students. Ideally, they can be threaded into singing exercises or as support to general music unit plans on rhythm and tempo. They help to structure lessons, and they help to maintain student interest.

2. Melodic Instruments

Percussion instruments, including the xylophone, recorder, and small keyboard introduce the students to pitch and melody. Teaching xylophones and glockenspiels in K-8 music curriculum is appropriate for young students as it is easy to teach music scales and musical patterns using the instruments. Recorders can be taken after the later part of the elementary grades once students have become accustomed with carrying melodies.

3. Supporting Visuals and Other Music Theory Resources

Tangibles are especially important while teaching such concepts as notes and rhythms on the instance of learning music. Musical notes, rhythms and scales as displayed on posters help the students to refresh their understanding as new concepts are presented. Furthermore, flash cards and simple music textbooks for elementary students to revise what they have been taught in class.

4. Sheet Music and Songbooks

Sheet music and age apropos song books should be made available to both the teacher and the students. To help the student to notice different styles and types of songs, one should include folk songs as well as songs that are popular nowadays. It is incredibly handy for developing rather general music curriculum for music classes, as well as to find songs which can be used in classes with references to certain holidays or events.

5. Music Journals and Reflection Tools

Music journal enables students to write down what they learn in every lesson including new song, rhythm or an instrument. It also should include journaling wherein the student can participate in drawing, writing or describing several experiences with music. This makes the habit of journaling increase the student’s self expression and helps teachers to understand each student’s progress.

Conclusion

Music teaching supplies should be selected properly and with their help music classrooms at elementary can be bright and filled with more creativity. Starting from the rhythm instruments to the music journals, almost everything on this list is useful in some way to enable students to find meaning in music. My Music Journal hopes to be of assistance to teachers and parents with materials that supplement our music education. Use these in your classroom and you’ll see how the students’ love for music increases with each lesson taught.