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By Kevin Tuck
 One very important thing that every teacher is taught is that you always need to be prepared for every lesson you teach. Of course, that is if you want to end the day in a stress free fashion!
A lesson plan can be very simple, in fact experienced teachers can almost do it without even writing it down, however they do always have something ready and a lesson plan in their head or on paper.
In our area of music there are a few tips that make elementary classes much more fun, both for the students and the teacher.
1. Do a variety of activities
There is a saying that goes “Too much of a good thing….”, and in teaching is is very apt! Even if the children love a particular game or song they will eventually lose interest in it, so make sure you stop while they are still liking it and move onto a new one.
2.Each segment should be short and to the point
Depending on the nature of the lesson it it always best to structure your lesson into short 5-10 minute segments. For example if you are doing a choir/singing type lesson you will want to do one or two songs, then break it up with perhaps some rhythm work or percussion instruments then come back and do songs again and perhaps some movement at the end.
3. Break up the routine with something unexpected!
Its definitely a good thing to keep the students guessing about what they might expect next! You should always keep some stability of course, but you may wish to break it up by heading out to the playground for a lesson with some games, or visiting another class to sing them a song. Do something unexpected and you’ll suddenly find that some students really love coming to your class!
4. Have a surprise around every corner
All children love surprises, especially young children! Get your students inspired by having a reward for the best singer one class, then the most well behaved the next! Incentive schemes always work, but mix it with surprises and you’ll find they’ll respond even better.
5. Call it a “game”
Any activity will be more fun if you approach it like you would approach playing a game! So if you’re going to do rhythm clapping for example, instead of saying “Let’s do some rhythm work”…. say “Lets play a rhythm game!” with a big smile on your face! One small change to your expressions and what you say will make a huge difference!
Always have plenty of “spares” up your sleeve!
Whenever you’re lesson planning make sure that you keep plenty of material in reserve, and always have far more than you need for each lesson. This isn’t that hard - just have a couple of songs that you know well that you can pull out if you need them, and a few music theory worksheets that you know will be fun and easy.
Your music lesson plans will be much more fun and enjoyable for your students with a couple of these simple ideas.
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Kevin Tuck has taught music at elementary and high school levels and also in his own private music studio. Kevin is now editor of music teaching materials for the Fun Music Company.
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