Starting the new year in your music classroom? It’s the perfect time to reconnect with students, reignite their excitement for music, and lay the groundwork for a successful semester. My go-to strategy? Begin with engaging music-making activities to energize the class and wrap up with a reflective exercise that helps students share and connect. This approach allows students to ease into the year, build trust, and establish a positive classroom dynamic.
Returning to the classroom after a long break can be challenging for students and teachers alike. Starting with structured yet fun activities creates a welcoming environment and helps students adjust back into the rhythm of school life. Here’s why this approach works so well:
Here’s a simple yet effective plan to get your first music classes of the new year off to a great start:
Kick off your first class with an interactive activity that gets students excited about music again.
Recommended Resource: Check out the Ukulele Beginner Basics Package for fun, accessible activities to get students strumming and singing together.
After the music-making session, shift gears to a quieter activity that encourages personal reflection. This helps students process their thoughts and reconnect with the classroom community.
Activity Idea: Use a printable worksheet where students can answer prompts like:
Recommended Resource: Music-Themed Reflection Printables are perfect for helping students express their thoughts while reinforcing music concepts.
End the class by inviting students to share their reflections. This fosters trust, builds connections, and sets the tone for a supportive and collaborative classroom culture.
Ready to implement these ideas in your music classroom? Explore these helpful resources available in the Teach from The Stage Shop:
Planning your first week back doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a mix of engaging music-making activities and thoughtful reflection, you’ll create a classroom environment where students feel motivated and connected. What are you planning for your first week of school? Share your ideas and let’s start the year on a high note!
My name is Alessandra and I am a Kindergarten-Grade 8 Teacher of the Arts, specializing in music and dance education. Based in Toronto, Canada, I teach 800+ students a week and am a huge advocate for the arts. I graduated with a Bachelors of Music Therapy & Masters of Education, and I am passionate about fostering a quality music education program for every learner.
