3rd graders play barred instruments

3rd graders have started learning the barred instruments. Here is our music rug set up with xylophones, glockenspiels, and rainbow bells. 

This week students will be learning the basics of how to hold their mallets and play the instruments, then playing a rhythm on note "C" to the book "Commotion in the Ocean".

Classroom Setup!

The music room is decorated and ready for students to arrive tomorrow! Here are some pictures of the room:

I decorated my stool and music stand!

We are fortunate to have a SMARTboard in the music room. 

Music room expectations: 

Make good choices

Use kind words

Show respect

Involve yourself

Care for our room and instruments

The whiteboard with "dynamics" above and musical time periods below.

Barred instruments and exit rhythms and songs.

The bulletin board in the music hallway. "Welcome Rockstars"! Each star says a verb having to do with music, such as "play", "sing", and "create".

Our new ukulele wall waiting to be filled! We hope to have ukuleles later this school year and are very excited to have some ukuleles already in the music room.

Lots of boomwhackers!

Sound opposites bulletin board in the music room.

Wonderful shelves to store musical instruments and supplies. I like using colorful bins with labels.

Lots of books to incorporate music into, stuffed animals, and tissue paper flowers!

The instruments of the orchestra grouped into families.

Tempo posters (how fast or slow the music is).

This is a movement circle made from masking tape! It's SO helpful to have the class make a quick circle, play circle games, and do lots of movement activites.

A resting spot for when a student needs a rest or some space from the activity, while still being able to watch and engage in the lesson.

The "line up" line.

View of the music room when walking in the door.

Another view of the music room.

Welcome to the Mitchell School Music Blog!

Hello and welcome to the Mitchell School Music Blog! I am excited to be making my first post for Mitchell School. Grades 1-3 start school tomorrow and I can't wait to meet everyone! This is my third year teaching elementary school music and my first year at Mitchell School. I will also teach 7/8 Chorus at Shapleigh School. My classrooms are set up and eagerly awaiting students to fill them and make music!
I will make posts regularly to update parents and the community as to what is happening in music class and to remind about upcoming events. Check back frequently! :-)
Some helpful info can be found in the tabs at the top of each page. Here is a brief explanation for the different tabs:
Music Curriculum- Tells an overview of Mitchell general music and some grade-level specifics.
Music Games Online- A list of fun musical online games for students categorized by grade level.
Meet the Teacher- A brief bio about me (Ms. Moon).
Why Music Matters- Shares some reasons why music is important to our school and children.

Here's to a musical year!