Open Shut Them is a classic fingerplay song for Kindergarten and 1st grade. It gives you a chance to talk about behavior and staying in control of your hands all while you teach a really catchy song. Fingerplays are short poems or rhymes that require the singer to use their hands and fingers to help act out the story. In the next few episodes I’ll be sharing some of my favorite fingerplays along with the process that I use to teach them! Resources mentioned in the podcast: Musical Mondays LIVE V...
Sep 19, 2018•27 min•Ep. 38
Little Bunny Foo Foo is one of my favorite fingerplays for Kindergarten and 1st grade because it gives you a chance to talk about behavior while you teach a really fun song. Fingerplays are short poems or rhymes that require the singer to use their hands and fingers to help act out the story. In the next few episodes I’ll be sharing some of my favorite fingerplays along with the process that I use to teach them! Resources mentioned in the podcast: Musical Mondays LIVE Videos: http://bit.ly/Music...
Sep 03, 2018•38 min
Back to school songs, games, tips, tricks, and more with special guest Aileen Miracle. Hear some fabulous new ideas and real talk about what it’s like to prepare to go back to school (the fun stuff and the stressful stuff too!). Resources mentioned in the podcast: Musical Mondays: http://bit.ly/MusicalMondays Aileen’s Name Games Blog Post: http://bit.ly/2wgqaVi David’s Name Game Podcast: http://apple.co/2un9wBq Aileen’s Ice Breaker Dice Freebie: http://bit.ly/2vU8kbd Classroom Management for Art...
Aug 18, 2018•45 min
Back to school songs, games, tips, tricks, and more with special guest Tracy King. Hear some fabulous new ideas and real talk about what it’s like to prepare to go back to school (the fun stuff and the stressful stuff too!). Resources mentioned in the podcast: TGIF Giveaway 8/3-8/5: http://bit.ly/TGIFGiveaway Tracy’s Steady Beat Swords Blog Post: http://bit.ly/2KwYTmU Tracy’s Newspaper Dance Blog Post: http://bit.ly/2Kucnj8 Tracy’s Pinterest Page: http://bit.ly/2OcpojG David’s Pinterest: http://...
Aug 04, 2018•51 min
Back to school songs, games, tips, tricks, and more. Hear some fabulous new ideas and real talk about what it’s like to prepare to go back to school (the fun stuff and the stressful stuff too!). Resources mentioned in the podcast: TGIF Giveaway: http://bit.ly/TGIFGiveaway Setting Goals Blog Post: http://bit.ly/2ydP6AW David’s Facebook Page: bit.ly/2kliYEv David’s Instagram: http://bit.ly/2lLe6Wy David’s Pinterest: http://bit.ly/2mzBkzH
Jul 28, 2018•40 min
Sweetly Sings the Donkey is one of my all-time favorite folk songs. Tune in to get lesson ideas about this fun folk song from the barnyard and hear about how I use it to connect with Westward Expansion, farm chores, and rounds/canons. I’ll also be talking about one of my favorite emergency backup YouTube channels from the band Ok Go! Don’t forget to let me know the topics/songs/ideas you’d like to hear about in future podcast episodes. You can email me at MakeMomentsMatter@gmail.com, leave a rev...
May 21, 2018•27 min
In this episode I’m talking with Lisa Hewitt, current Vice President of the American Orff Schulwerk Association. Our conversation is all about the world of Orff Schulwerk: what it is, what it isn’t, pedagogy, teaching ideas, what you can expect should you decide to do Orff levels training, why you should visit a local Orff chapter, ideas about starting an all-state Orff ensemble, and more. Resources mentioned in the podcast: Teaching With Orff Website: https://teachingwithorff.com/ AOSA Discussi...
Apr 29, 2018•48 min
In this episode I’m talking with Andrew Ellingsen about Orff Schulwerk and Kodály-inspired teaching. We talk about the similarities, differences, application of each teaching approach, teacher education levels training, and a lot more. Resources mentioned in the podcast: Orff and Kodaly Adapted for the Elementary School: https://amzn.to/2F8ms2s Organization of American Kodály Educator Website: https://www.oake.org/ American Orff Schulwerk Association Website: http://AOSA.org
Apr 23, 2018•1 hr 4 min
In this episode I’m talking with Lorelei Batislaong about Orff Schulwerk. In our conversation we talk primarily about how the ukulele can be introduced using the Orff approach and some tips, tricks, and lesson ideas for incorporating ukulele into your lessons. Resources mentioned in the podcast: AOSA Music Advocacy Resources: http://aosa.org/resources/advocacy/ Ukulele Underground: http://bit.ly/2vfXf6u Amazing Slow Downer App: http://bit.ly/2qzT7Je Ukulele Companion App: https://apple.co/2IXigE...
Apr 15, 2018•59 min
In this episode I’m talking with Laura Bercaw Petersen about Orff Schulwerk. In our conversation we talk primarily about how movement and dance function as a part of the Orff approach and ways that you can incorporate movement into your lessons. Resources mentioned in the podcast: General Orff Schulwerk Books -- The Schulwerk (Orff): https://amzn.to/2GG2PEJ Elementaria (Keetman): https://amzn.to/2IBW4QE Discovering Orff (Frazee): https://amzn.to/2GL3alt Exploring Orff (Steen): https://amzn.to/2H...
Apr 08, 2018•38 min
In this episode I’m talking with Karen Petty about the world of Orff Schulwerk. We talk about how to get kids started on the instruments, mallet exploration, recorder tidbits, some movement ideas, teacher education levels, and a lot more. Resources mentioned in the podcast: Teacher Education “Levels” Courses Directory: http://bit.ly/2uIRJJk Three to Get Ready for Recorder: http://bit.ly/2Jg4FcZ Hot Jams: https://amzn.to/2GRY7Ty Recorder Routes: https://amzn.to/2pEcHnL Recorder Revolutions: http:...
Apr 03, 2018•38 min
In this episode I’m talking with Josh Southard about the world of Orff Schulwerk and the instruments often used in Orff classrooms. We talk about how to get kids started on the instruments, pitched percussion exploration, instrument tips and tricks, how many/what kind of instruments to purchase, some instrument care ideas, and lots more! Resources mentioned in the podcast: Teaching With Orff: http://bit.ly/2pVegxK Instrument Repair Hospital with Lissa Ray: http://bit.ly/2uzSNPX Smoky Row Element...
Mar 31, 2018•50 min
In this episode I get a chance to discuss everything recorder with my friend Natasha Thurmon. In this conversation we talk primarily about ways to approach teaching the recorder, some common practices, resources to consider, and more! Resources mentioned in this podcast: Music For Children CD Recordings (English): https://amzn.to/2pDMzJD Musica Poetica CD Recordings (German): http://bit.ly/2DSllU0 Recorder Resources -- Recorder Routes (Carol King): https://amzn.to/2pEcHnL Recorder Improvisation ...
Mar 25, 2018•44 min
In this episode I’m talking with Beth Melin Nelson about Orff Schulwerk. In our conversation we talk primarily about how movement and dance function as a part of the Orff approach and ways that you can incorporate movement into your lessons. Resources mentioned in the podcast: American Orff Schulwerk Association Website: www.AOSA.org David’s Twitter: @MakeMomentsMatt AOSA Twitter: @AOSA1968 Popular hashtags to follow #OrffSchulwerk #Orff #OrffPosse #elmusiced #musiced #musiceducation
Mar 18, 2018•53 min
In this episode I’m talking with Jennifer Donovan about the world of Orff Schulwerk. Our conversation centers around what it means to be an Orff teacher, ways to include pitched and nonpitched instruments into lessons, tips for teaching recorder, ideas about teaching on a cart, and lots more. Resources mentioned in the podcast: Windsongs Series Recorder Books: http://bit.ly/2FRbNO8 Chris Judah-Lauder Recorder Games: http://bit.ly/2pg2Wvh Everyday Recorder: Recorder Everyday: http://bit.ly/2FzgFI...
Mar 14, 2018•57 min
In this episode I’m talking with Tiffany English, current president of the American Orff Schulwerk Association. Our conversation is all about the world of Orff Schulwerk: what it is, what it isn’t, pedagogy, teaching ideas, what you can expect should you decide to do Orff levels training, why you should visit a local Orff chapter, and more. Resources mentioned in this podcast: American Orff Schulwerk Association Website: AOSA.org Links to your local Orff Chapter: http://aosa.org/chapters/
Mar 06, 2018•46 min
I’m sharing about one of the most famous Spanish-language folk songs: Los Pollitos Dicen. Tune in to get lesson ideas about this fun Chilean folk song, ways to include puppets in the lesson, vocabulary tips, and some ideas for movement/actions. I’ll also be talking about one of my favorite finger puppet tricks to save time and sanity! Resources mentioned in the podcast: Los Pollitos Dicen Kit: http://bit.ly/LosPollitosFFS Around the World #1 Bundle: http://bit.ly/2BeYjWe My Facebook Page: bit.ly...
Feb 08, 2018•38 min
Here’s another song that’s perfect for the weeks leading up to the Olympics: Cockles & Mussels (aka Molly Malone). Tune in to get lesson ideas about this Irish folk song, ways to include movement, and a fun connection with nonpitched percussion. I’ll also be talking about one of my favorite toys, the Pick Punch, and how to incorporate it into open house and parent teacher conference nights. Resources mentioned in the podcast: Cockles & Mussels Teacher Kit: http://bit.ly/CocklesMussels Ar...
Jan 22, 2018•30 min
It's almost time for the Olympics so why not share some ideas for teaching music from around the world! Tune in to hear lesson ideas for the Brazilian folk song Samba Lelê as well as some handy tips and tricks for getting the most out of Pinterest! Resources mentioned in the podcast: Helping Hands Music Teacher Matchup: http://bit.ly/2zbjTtY Samba Lele Kit: http://bit.ly/SambaLele Around the World #2: http://bit.ly/2EKqRcc Jennifer’s Blog about Vivaldi’s Winter: http://bit.ly/2Ddpkiu Paper Snowb...
Jan 16, 2018•29 min
In this episode you’ll get TWO different lesson ideas to use during the holiday season. I talk about several different ways to teach Jingle Bells so that you can use the carol with all grades and some lesson ideas for We Wish You a Merry Christmas. I’ll also talk about how I take my students caroling through the school and make a surprise visit to the front office. Resources mentioned in the podcast: Jingle All the Way Blog Post: http://bit.ly/2BRahWt Jingle Bells FFS Kit: http://bit.ly/2yWGtsV ...
Dec 11, 2017•42 min
In this episode you’ll get TWO different lesson ideas to use during the holiday season. I talk about my movement lesson for primary students based around the “March” from the Nutcracker and then I share about how I teach the favorite carol “O Tannenbaum” and the movement ideas I’ve included with the song. As an added treat you get to hear me fail to pronounce both “Tchaikovsky” and also several German words and phrases. Resources mentioned in the podcast: O Tannenbaum Teacher Kit: http://bit.ly/...
Dec 05, 2017•42 min
This episode includes five different ideas to use with the folk song “Over the River and Through the Woods” including some movement ideas, rewriting the lyrics, nonpitched percussion, and more. I’ll also talk a little bit about how you can add a giving opportunity to your concerts to help connect your audience with your school community! Resources mentioned in the podcast: Over the River Teaching Kit: http://bit.ly/2zqKxj2 Over the River Blog Post: http://bit.ly/2Bp25gH General Winter/holiday Re...
Nov 26, 2017•29 min
This episode includes a variety of ideas to use with the folk song “Five Fat Turkeys” including some new and hilarious extension ideas for dancing kiddos and falling turkeys. I’ll also talk a little bit about your chance to connect with another music educator through the “Music Teacher Matchup” I’m hosting on my blog. Resources mentioned in the podcast: Helping Hands Music Teacher Matchup: http://bit.ly/2zbjTtY Blog Posts about Fall Songs: http://bit.ly/2zgNcwB Fall Song Resources: http://bit.ly...
Nov 05, 2017•21 min
I’m so excited to welcome Eric Litwin, the author of the original four Pete the Cat books, to the podcast to discuss his newest book Groovy Joe Dance Party Countdown. We chat about Eric’s experience as a teacher, what inspired him to write, and everything that’s included in his new book. Eric even takes us through how he would teach the book with kids and some tips for how to integrate Groovy Joe into your classroom. Listen to the end to hear about how you can win Eric Litwin’s newest book for F...
Oct 04, 2017•45 min
Watch out for BEARS! I'm singing my favorite bear song: "Grizzly Bear, oh Grizzly Bear, sleeping in a cave" and talking about the different games you can use with it. I also give a few tips and ideas about how to set up a music teacher web page/blog and what items you might want to include. Resources mentioned in the podcast: Teacher Website Blog Post: http://bit.ly/2h5tI91 Blog Post about teaching the four voices with puppets: http://bit.ly/2h5plr3 Forest Animal Vocal Explorations: http://bit.l...
Sep 15, 2017•24 min
One song, multiple dances, lots of options for lessons! Check out this episode to learn about 15 different ways to teach the song "Tideo" also known as "Pass One Window." I'll also talk about one of the ways that I divide up classes into teams/families. Resources mentioned in the podcast: Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/bMm9bD Instrument Families for Classroom Management: http://bit.ly/2gfUtau Folk Song Set for Tideo: http://bit.ly/2wgq5AN Rob Amchin’s Video for Tideo: http://bit.ly/2iALcKV Anth...
Aug 27, 2017•28 min
It’s Back to School season! This episode includes a variety of ideas to use during your first few weeks back including some “name games” and tips to help you get started and organized. Resources mentioned in the podcast: My website: http://bit.ly/DavidRowMMM My Instagram: http://bit.ly/2lLe6Wy My Facebook “Videos” Page: http://bit.ly/2pz95SM
Aug 07, 2017•30 min
This episode includes a variety of ideas to use with the folk song “Alabama Gal.” I’ll sing through the song, talk about how you might teach the folk dance, and give ideas for extension and “next step” activities. You won’t want to miss my teacher tips/rant about the “Magic of Mallets.” I hope to give you some ideas about how to incorporate mallets for day-to-day use in your classroom. Resources mentioned in the podcast: Alabama Gal FREE Folk Song Set: http://bit.ly/2p2uCCs My Instagram: http://...
May 01, 2017•30 min
This episode talks all about “The Instrument Bunny” and a ton of fun activities that can connect with this silly little rabbit! I’ll take you through my lesson and give some ideas for extensions activities. I’ll also share some great ideas to use with pool noodles (they’re on sale right now!) in the music classroom! Resources mentioned in the podcast: Pool Noodles ideas from Tracy King: http://bit.ly/2oPDizE My blog about the Instrument Bunny: http://bit.ly/2ofywrY My Easter/Bunny resources: htt...
Apr 09, 2017•24 min
This episode includes a variety of ideas to use with the folk song “John the Rabbit.” I’ll sing through the song, talk through some variations and adaptations you could make, and give ideas for extension and “next step” activities. I’ll also share about a fun, easy, and FREE manipulative you can make when teaching young kiddos steady beat: “Magic Snowballs” Resources mentioned in the podcast: Snowball Steady Beat blog post: http://bit.ly/2nSoJH5 John the Rabbit Favorite Folk Song Kit: http://bit...
Mar 19, 2017•28 min
