Routines are important in every classroom. Now that I’ve been teaching online, I’ve found that I need something quick and consistent to start my online lessons. And I think I’ve found the perfect virtual music class routine… these musical prompts!
As a (very sudden remote) music teacher, I am constantly jumping into a new class meeting every 40 minutes. And honestly, I need a few minutes to take attendance, open up the files I need, and just get organized for my next class.
That’s why these start-of-class routines are so great. I share my screen to display a prompt. My students know I expect each of them to answer either in the chat box or out loud by raising their hand. It’s a great way to get your students engaged and participating right from the start.
It’s an easy routine to implement at the start of your virtual music classes.
Even when I was still teaching in person, I used these prompts. I would post a slide on the board as the students came into the room. It gave them something to think about as we were getting settled. Sometimes we would take a few minutes to share, other times we would just move on with the class.
These prompts are a great way to connect with my students and get them thinking about music beyond the classroom. A lot of the questions also tie in really nicely with the material that we have been learning in class, making them a great Minds On activity. These prompts have allowed students to have rich and thought-provoking discussions, which is always a plus!
What I also love is that there are 64 prompts to choose from. Since I see my classes once a week, I can use one prompt a week, which is enough to last me an entire year! I keep track of which prompts I have already used by check-marking them on the tracker sheet.
Want to try out these music-themed prompts? Sign up for my newsletter and get seven days of free prompts sent directly to your inbox!
Want the entire printable, digital, and no prep resource with enough musical prompts to last the entire year? Click here!
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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.
