Routines, Behavior Tips, and Lesson Ideas That Actually Work
I will never forget the first time it happened to me.
There I was, sitting in my classroom, just finishing my preparation for something you really can’t prepare for – 15 kindergartners barreling through the door!
The first thing that hits you is the energy – imagine a bounce house at a Chuck E. Cheese birthday party with a pen full of puppies chasing after a single bone.
I mean… Is there a cuter age? The confidence, the nerves, the energy…and just enough naughty to keep you on your toes!
And trust me, on your toes is exactly where you need to be to make your kindergarten classroom work for you and for your students.
The Secret Weapon: Routines That Ground Your Kindergarten Music Class
Preparation is your best friend!
Have your room laid out with small rugs or “sit spots” (one for each child). Make sure you have all the materials you need accessible and ready for 8-9 activities. That may sound like a lot, but with short attention spans, you’ll need to stay flexible and ready to bail on any activity that flops.
Cue up all your music before the class starts. And here’s a big one: Stand by the door and greet every student when they walk in.
This one move does three magical things:
- It helps build instant connection.
- It creates a ritual and transitions them from chaos to focus.
- It opens up creative possibilities as the year goes on.
Soon, your simple hello might evolve into hopping to sit spots with a “ta-ta-ti-ti-ta” rhythm or dragging feet like a whole note. It’s a subtle way to teach musical concepts while setting the tone.
Go-To Activities That Actually Work
When teaching kindergarten, I am a big believer in the power of routine.
Start every class with:
- A Hello Song
- A Fingerplay
- A Movement Song
One of my favorite pitch-matching warm-ups is “A Solfege Hello”. Reinforce pitch matching gently, consistently, and supportively.
Know Your Audience: Pacing is Everything
Minimize downtime. I plan 6-8 activities, even though we may only get through 3-5 of them. Most activities will last 3-5 minutes. The goal isn’t to race through content; it’s to connect kids to the material you do present.
From Chaos to Concert: Getting Kindergarteners Performance-Ready
In the middle of the year, try introducing your class to their very first musical! One great option we have is “The Monkey Who Lost His Tail”. It’s a sweet story about friendship and cooperation – perfect for Kindergarten.
Tips for performance prep:
- Pick a song to learn over several weeks.
- Revisit performance etiquette, quality singing, and responding to cues often.
- Use our PDF: Getting Ready for a Performance for step-by-step help.
Behavior Management in Music Class
Kindergarten and music are a magical match—but there will always be a few wiggly friends who need support.
Helpful tips:
- If you don’t have an assistant, seat kids who need reminders close to you.
- Praise good examples out loud: “I love how Bobby is sitting and listening so quietly right now.”
- Ask classroom teachers to ensure bathroom and drink breaks are done before music. Managing bathroom trips mid-lesson? Not ideal.
Small Voices, Big Wins: Wrapping Up Your Kindergarten Music Plan
In my experience teaching Kindergarteners (many since age 2!), I’ve learned they hold a special pride in what they already know. Games involving solfege and traditional note writing? Favorites!
Have fun, stay flexible, and never forget: joy meets joy in the kindergarten music room.
You can find tips and strategies for other grade levels in the “How To Teach” section of our website.
If you have questions, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to help fellow music teachers make the magic happen!
