If there’s one thing that has completely transformed my classroom management, it’s this: Make everything musical or rhythmic. Music activates both hemispheres of the brain and instantly creates a playful, engaging tone. And when things feel playful, students are so much more likely to participate and follow expectations. Here are some of my favorite ways to bring music into your daily routines: 🎶 Beginning of Class Songs Start your class the same way every day with a simpl

From two certified elementary music teachers and parents, we know that music is more than fun — it’s magic for growing brains. Welcome songs help little ones with language skills, movement milestones, social connection, and feeling safe — all through playful repetition and routine. These songs are simple, wiggly, and made for tiny humans — perfect for Baby & Me classes, morning circles, or special moments at home. Here are our favorite feel-good welcome songs that build brain

Nothing sets the tone for the day like a joyful, movement-filled welcome song! As certified elementary music teachers and parents, we’ve seen firsthand how kids learn better when movement and music are combined — and how building social-emotional skills into songs helps students feel safe, seen, and ready to engage. These plug-and-play tunes are perfect for your SEL routine, whether you’re just dipping your toes in or ready to shake things up with your classroom energy. 1) He

We are so excited to share our top 7 (Surprise! We had to throw in a couple of bonuses!) Spring Songs & Lesson ideas for kiddos. 1) Storm’s-A-Comin’ Our weather-themed song is a perfect tie-in to Spring. You could show this Youtube video and have students listen for the meter change, then move their bodies by stomping feet when they hear the 4/4 meter, and waving hands in the air when they hear a ¾ meter! I also love talking about feelings, weather and how they tie-in togethe

As a music teacher, I am tasked every year with creating a Winter program for my students. I’ve found that it’s challenging to find songs for Pre-K & Kindergarten that are not too lengthy or wordy. Over the years, my students and I have finally found success with these simple and fun Christmas programs! 1) “Jingle Bells” Themed Program This is a great program idea if you’d like OPTIMAL student participation! All you need is some jingle bells for your kiddos and you’re ready f

Hey, I’m Adrien Palmer, half of Narwhals & Waterfalls. I currently live in Dallas with my wife Lizbet , my son “O”, and my dog, Tyler. I do all kinds of things, odd jobs here and there, but my main work is writing music and managing communications for a nonprofit here in Dallas. After being forced to take a summer job at McDonalds when I was 18, I was determined to do anything but that the next summer. I ended up working at a summer camp in Gaston, a small town 20 minutes out

Hey, I’m Paige and I’m half of Narwhals & Waterfalls. I live with my husband Matt, two kids Ezra and Zoey, & my blue-heeler dog, Luna.I love songwriting, journaling, being outside and reading books about self-growth and business. I am a K-5 Music Teacher in Dallas, TX. I can still remember the first day I stepped into my elementary school campus. As a baby-faced 23-year-old who was fresh out of student teaching, I was scared and unsure of how I was going to manage 700 student

As a Music Teacher, I find myself trying to explain the importance of respect to my students at the beginning of every school year. I’ve found that respect can be quite an abstract concept for younger students. We tell them to show respect, but forget to tell them HOW. It’s important to give kids practical steps for showing respect so that they can be successful. We are happy to inform you that we’ve created a song, lesson plan, activities and PowerPoint slides just for this

***This post was written during COVID-19, but the ideas and exercises expressed remain relevant and invaluable during both personal and communal times of stress for our students.*** This past week has already been such a blur, with school cancellations and constant updates. We're showing up to let you know that we are right there with you, trying to navigate "at-home learning", and helping kids cope during this complicated time. Here are some practical tips to help you & your

One of my favorite things about Mr. Rogers was his ability to dialogue with kids. On “Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood,” he would always propose thoughtful, open-ended questions to kids. He would ask intentional questions, then express genuine interest in their answers. Mr. Rogers would often engage in vulnerable storytelling that helped the viewers understand the larger concept he had in mind. And most importantly, he would always remain calm. It’s important to dialogue with the kid

Breathing. It’s so simple, yet so integral to human life. We don’t often think about our breathing until we exercise or are distressed. But what if we did? Studies show that conscious breathing, meditation, and mindfulness are linked to decreased levels of stress, helping to control emotions, and slowing down our heart rate. This is why conscious breathing is a huge part of Social Emotional Learning. By teaching kids breathing techniques, they can learn how to regulate their

“How are you feeling today?” A simple, yet powerful, question. Sometimes we can go through an entire day without being asked or asking ourselves this question. As a teacher, when I ask my students how they’re feeling, they are given the opportunity for self-assessment. When kids assess their own emotions, they are more likely to effectively manage stress, control impulses, and achieve goals. An emotional check-in also forges a stronger rapport between teacher and student, or

Trust. Respect. Smiling Faces. Impactful Relationships. These words don’t need to be reserved to describe some Utopian, Pinterest-ready, picture-perfect classroom. They are all indicators of a positive learning environment that you can have with your students. You might be thinking, “Not my kids….you don’t know the kids at MY school…” But what I’m about to share with you has been researched and proven to work in the 20 largest urban school districts in the United States. No m

Imagine your students walking into class on the first day. They are nervous and excited to start the year with YOU as their teacher. If you’re like me, you want the first day to be full of positive experiences and to set a great tone for the rest of the school year. One of the best ways to calm the nerves and establish positive connections is MUSIC! Which is why we have compiled a list of the Top 5 Welcome Songs you can use in your classroom on the very first day of class. Yo