Music Teacher Coffee Talk

MTCT #177: Outside Singing Games, Part 2 by Carrie Nicholas and Tanya LeJeune

Tanya and Carrie talk about strategies and lesson ideas that help when managing Spring Fever behavior challenges in the music room.

Carrie and Tanya talk about their takeaways and favorite moments from the 2025 Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE) national conference that was held in Chicago in March, 2025.

Carrie and Tanya talk about recent grade-level performances they've led at their schools.

Carrie and Tanya share some ideas and tips for when you need to leave sub plans in the music room.

The hosts share creative Valentine's Day lesson ideas and reflect on the importance of student engagement in music education. They discuss inspiring fifth graders through solo auditions and effective formative assessment strategies. Innovative methods for rhythmic and melodic activities are explored, emphasizing minimal grading and the use of manipulatives. Engaging students with call and response songs and heart-themed lessons adds fun to learning. Membership benefits and new opportunities for collaboration are introduced, highlighting resources for music educators.

Carrie and Tanya talk with Anne Mileski about developing the singing voice in the elementary music classroom.

Carrie and Tanya share songs and activities they are doing with 5th grade this week and this semester.

Carrie and Tanya discuss plans and goals for the second half of the school year.

Carrie and Tanya share songs and activities they are doing with 4th grade this week.