In first grade, as in kinder, we play LOTS of games: pretend, partner and circle games, dancing and moving activities. It is essential to begin the fun side of music early through experiencing it in our bodies. In addition to continuing concepts such as steady beat, high and low, etc., students begin to learn that music is organized into rhythms and form.

We teach students to feel the music through movements, as well as using manipulatives, such as scarves, popsicle sticks, stuffed animals, and others. 

Students will play small percussive instruments, such as egg shakers, rhythm sticks, claves, triangles, jingle bells, and several others. This introduces them to the different sounds, as well as playing the instruments when it's their turn.

First grade dances every day in music! Students are uninhibited at this age, so we encourage lots of movement.

Throughout the year, students are introduced to our Music Memory selections, which covers sixteen different composers from different musical eras dating back to the 1500's, and teaches them to listen for different aspects of music as well as proper audience behavior.