Setting the Tone on Day One in Elementary Music Class

It’s a new school year. If you’re a returning teacher, you might be soaking up the last few days of your summer. If this is your first year, you might be feeling nervous and excited for what’s to come. The first day of elementary music class is like a blank canvas. It’s your chance to create that vibrant and welcoming space for your elementary music students. In today’s post, I’ll share some tips for setting the perfect tone on Day One of elementary music class.

Getting To Know You

The first day of your elementary music class should be warm and personal. It’s a time to welcome back old students and greet new ones. Make this a personal experience for your students, where you show your enthusiasm for music, learning, and the upcoming school year. This is also a perfect time to share a little about yourself with your students and give them the opportunity to do the same. Additionally, I recommend using the first day as an opportunity to learn and remember names. I try to incorporate name games and songs into first-day activities. Try songs like Hello, Hello What’s Your Name, The Hello Song, or Bee, Bee Bumblebee for K-2 and Jump In, Jump Out for 3-6.

The image includes sheet music and lyrics to the hello song, "Hello, Hello What's Your Name?" — A classic icebreaker song for elementary music classes, ‘Hello, Hello What’s Your Name?’ helps students learn each other’s names and feel more comfortable in the classroom.

The Hello Song - First Day of Music Class Song — The Hello Song: A simple and engaging song to greet students on the first day of elementary music class.

Bee, Bee Bumblebee song for first day in elementary music class — Bee, Bee Bumblebee: A fun song and activity for the first day of elementary music class to help students learn each other’s names.

The image includes sheet music and lyrics to the rap "Jump In, Jump Out" a fun icebreaker activity ideal for grades 3-5. — A unique icebreaker activity for elementary music classes, ‘Jump In, Jump Out’ encourages students to express themselves through freestyle rapping.

Create That Positive Atmosphere in Music Class

If your students remember anything about their first day in your elementary music class, it should be your warm and welcoming smile. Try incorporating some icebreaker activities or collaborative playing experiences that will set the tone for how students should interact in your class. This is a good time to start establishing routines too. I always meet my students by the door and will verbalize how I want them to enter the room and where they should go. If there are issues with students entering the room, we’ll practice it again. Similarly, you can apply this to distributing/collecting musical instruments, movement activities and other class routines.

Show Your Students That Elementary Music Is Fun

Even with a busy schedule, it’s important to remind students that music is fun, especially on the first day. Growing up, the music room was my favorite place, full of magic and excitement. We can create that same magic for our students by getting them singing and making music right away. A simple trick that works with all grades is using a sing-song voice for directives and redirects. As a result, this keeps students more attentive and often makes them laugh, sometimes singing back. If possible, incorporate instruments on day one to reinforce expectations and create a unique musical experience.

Set Clear Expectations on the First Day

This bulletin board helps create a positive and productive learning environment in an elementary music class by clearly stating the rules and rewards.

It goes without saying that you should have your expectations ready on the first day of music class. There are many ways you can do this, but make sure that whatever you do, supports the outcome that you want. I’ve seen teachers create their expectations with their students as part of the first day activities. I’ve seen others write up their preferred class rules in advance. Personally, I like to use an acronym:

Make Good Choices

Use Good Manners

Stay On Task

Involve Yourself

Care For The Instruments

I keep these rules intentionally vague because they’re really easily adaptable for any situation you might encounter in music class. Someone’s hair got pulled? Let’s go over making good choices again. Your students like to talk during the lesson? That’s a good opportunity to discuss using good manners. I also keep these same rules year to year so it’s easy for my students to remember as they advance in grade levels. If you like this set of expectations, you can download a printable set of posters from my Chamber of Freebies. If you aren’t signed up for access to the Chamber of Freebies, it’s easy and free!

All things considered, it’s important to put your best foot forward on the first day to set the tone for future music class experiences. Aim for a welcoming, fun, and engaging environment where students can’t wait to return each week. By following these tips, you’ll soon be on your way to creating that magical experience we want all our music students to have ❤️️