The Happy Music Teacher Jeanette Shorey

In this episode of The Happy Music Teacher, Jeanette sits down with the amazing elementary music teacher Erin Elliott to discuss the critical role of creativity and joy in music education. Erin and Jeanette chat about how important it is to lay a solid musical foundation while making the learning process fun and engaging for young students. They share practical strategies on the best way to strike a balance between work and family life, and offer insightful tips to prevent burnout among music teachers. They also shed some light on why it’s necessary to rethink traditional music education methods to prioritize joy and creativity in the classroom.
Erin and Jeanette explore new and creative ways to incorporate improvisation, composition, and storytelling into an innovative music curriculum, aiming to create a joyful learning environment. They highlight the significance of meeting the diverse needs of all students and fostering a love for music that extends beyond the classroom. Tune in to this enlightening episode to discover how you can transform your teaching approach and spark a lifelong passion for music in your students.

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What we talked about:
Erin’s Website & Blog
Erin’s TPT Store
Follow Erin on Instagram
The Happy Music Teacher Academy is open for new members! Learn more and join here: https://storiesthatsing.net/jointhehappymusicteacheracademy 
Send me an email: jeanette@storiesthatsing.net
Visit my website: https://storiesthatsing.net/ 
Sign up for my newsletter and receive THREE FREE Lesson Plans: https://storiesthatsing.net/lessonplansampler 
Join my Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themusicteachergroup
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These show notes may contain Affiliate links to certain products.  The Happy Music Teacher receives a percentage of the sales of these products.

Everyone knows that the first year of teaching is the hardest. That’s why in this episode of The Happy Music Teacher Podcast, I tackle the common struggles faced during the first year of teaching elementary music.   I explore practical tips to try for managing the unique challenges that new teachers encounter, including classroom management, battling loneliness, and overcoming the fear of making mistakes. By addressing these issues head-on, I aim to provide first-year teachers with the tools and confidence they need to create a positive and effective learning environment.
My discussion also covers strategies for embracing imperfection and finding support within the teaching community. Whether you're feeling isolated or overwhelmed, this episode offers valuable insights and advice to help you navigate your first year with greater ease and resilience. 
Join me as I share stories, experiences, and expert tips to empower new teachers and ensure that their first year of teaching is a stepping stone to a fulfilling and successful career.
The Questions:
Hi all, Looking for reassurance here. I’m in year 1, and it is definitely my dream job, but its also very difficult. Since graduating and moving to a new place where I know no one, it’s been a tough year. Everyone says year 1 is the worst. I know its almost over, but as I reflect on this year, I feel unhappy. I love the job but I didnt realize how lonely post-grad is, and just how many mistakes I would make this year. I went from feeling very secure and having high confidence, feeling valued and part of a huge community, to feeling like I know nothing about anything and messing up every day trying to balance it all.Hi! I’m about to be a first year teacher and have been told by many sources that in my new school I will need to be very on top of my classroom management. This contrasts with my more relaxed teaching style. I know I’ll have to be strict and well prepared to allow for faster pacing. The school utilizes PBIS and school bucks as an incentive and they are provided to the specials teachers as well. The previous teacher utilized outside time as an incentive. Any tips and tricks would be very appreciated. — feeling nervous.
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What we talked about:
The Happy Music Teacher Academy

Send me an email: jeanette@thehappymusicteacher.com
Visit my website: https://storiesthatsing.net/ 
Sign up for my newsletter and receive THREE FREE Lesson Plans: https://storiesthatsing.net/lessonplansampler 
Join my Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themusicteachergroup
Follow me on IG: @thehappymusicteacher
Follow me on TT:  @thehappymusicteacher

Smooth Sailing to the End of the Year with Special Events
In this episode of The Happy Music Teacher Podcast, we explore the transformative power of incorporating special events into the classroom routine to ease the end-of-year. We’ll talk about three ideas—Talent Share, Movie Day, and Karaoke Day—delving into how these events not only spark joy and excitement make the end of your school year feel effortless. With a focus on simplicity and organization, we discuss how these events offer a structured but flexible approach to rounding off the school year on a high note.
Listeners will discover practical strategies for implementing these special events, ensuring smooth sailing through the final weeks of the academic calendar. From fostering creativity to promoting camaraderie among students and reviewing important skills like good audience behavior and making beautiful music, each event serves as a catalyst for meaningful learning experiences while alleviating end-of-year stress for both teachers and students alike. 

Tune in to learn how to harness the power of special events to create a positive and memorable end-of-year atmosphere in your classroom.
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What we talked about:
Get on the Waitlist for THE MAKE MUSIC MAGIC SUMMIT
Grab your Talent Share & Karaoke Day Sign-Up Forms
Mr Henry’s Four Corners Instrument Family Version
Microphone
Karaoke Machine
The Happy Music Teacher Academy is open for new members! Learn more and join here: https://storiesthatsing.net/jointhehappymusicteacheracademy 
Send me an email: jeanette@thehappymusicteacher.com
Visit my website: https://storiesthatsing.net/ 
Sign up for my newsletter and receive THREE FREE Lesson Plans: https://storiesthatsing.net/lessonplansampler 
Join my Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themusicteachergroup
Follow me on IG: @thehappymusicteacher
Follow me on TikTok: @thehappymusicteacher

Get ready to ease into the end of the school year in the elementary school music classroom!  In this episode, you'll hear 5 game-changing tips to salvage your sanity as the school year winds down. 
Do Nothing New - Review, Review, Review -  I’ll tell you all about the power of revisiting familiar material to streamline your lesson planning and infuse your classroom with a sense of continuity. Plan easy - use drumming activities and project based learning. Done-for-you Games & Brain Breaks - check out these engaging activities & gamesDon’t Teach How To’s - how you can still review without standing in front of the class teaching Special Events - plan some simple activities like karaoke day or a talent share

This episode promises to equip elementary music teachers with the tools you need to sail through the end of the year with ease and enthusiasm. Tune in to this episode of The Happy Music Teacher podcast and prepare to say goodbye to end-of-year chaos.

What we talked about:
Mr Henry’s Four Corners Instrument Family Version
Bucket Drumming episode 
George Meets the Orchestra
Music games:
Hoops Hoop Dancing
High and Low Game
Guess the Musical Instrument Game
Guess the Disney Song
Yoga Playlist 
Microphone
Karaoke Machine

The Happy Music Teacher Academy is open for new members! Learn more and join here: https://storiesthatsing.net/jointhehappymusicteacheracademy 
Send me an email: jeanette@storiesthatsing.net
Visit my website: https://storiesthatsing.net/ 
Sign up for my newsletter and receive THREE FREE Lesson Plans: https://storiesthatsing.net/lessonplansampler 
Join my Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themusicteachergroup
Follow me on IG: @thehappymusicteacher
Follow me on TikTok: @thehappymusicteacher

On this episode of Music Teacher Dilemmas, we delve into 
The Questions:
Something I have come to notice at my school is our students give more respect to their classroom teachers than they do the “specials” teachers. I know they are spending more time with their classroom teachers but I don’t feel as a specials teacher we should be disrespected. Is this something other people deal with too? If so, how do you make the situation better?Beth - In the middle of a "favorite songs" unit with my 3rd/4th graders.  I figured if we're incorporating some of their favorite songs, I would throw in some of mine, too. Played some Alanis Morissette for them today and was told "this is old lady music" and "she sounds like a knock-off Taylor Swift". Oh man - I don't take much a third grader says too seriously, but those comments hurt!!Does anyone know of some engaging ways to incorporate watching a musical during music class? But also keep the students engaged during and not talk during the movie. I’d like for my students to watch a rated G musical and complete something with it. Has anyone done something like this before?
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Do you have a question you'd like me to address on a Music Teacher Dilemmas episode? Email me so I can help: jeanette@thehappymusicteacher.com.
The Happy Music Teacher Academy is open for new members! Learn more and join here: https://storiesthatsing.net/jointhehappymusicteacheracademy 
Send me an email: jeanette@storiesthatsing.net
Visit my website: https://storiesthatsing.net/ 
Sign up for my newsletter and receive THREE FREE Lesson Plans: https://storiesthatsing.net/lessonplansampler 
Join my Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themusicteachergroup
Follow me on IG: @thehappymusicteacher
Follow me on TT:  @thehappymusicteacher

  In this episode of the Happy Music Teacher podcast, get ready for a world of storybooks where we're exploring seven enchanting storybooks perfect for May.
These stories are not just any stories—they've got all the summer vibes and easy-to-teach music skills to wrap up the school year and set the stage for a fun-filled summer ahead. 
From the magical glow of "Ella's Night Lights" by Lucy Fleming to the steady beat action of "The Animal Boogie" by Debbie Harter, each book offers a delightful blend of adventure, imagination, and music that will captivate both you and your students.
We’ll also talk about "Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears" by Verna Aardema, "The Happy Crab" by Patricia Grossman, and Commotion in the Ocean and Rumble in the Jungle by Giles Andreae.  
Whether you want some fun stories to wind down the year or musical inspiration to entice your students to move and play instruments, this episode has something for everyone. 
Don't miss out on the chance to add more joy to your classroom through storybook lessons —tune in now to discover how these awesome storybooks can enrich your end-of-year activities!
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What we talked about:
Commotion in the Ocean
The Happy Crab  
Crab Rave song 
Love this song?  Maybe not, but your kiddos will!  Here’s a link to my bundle so you can keep the fun going with some easy lesson plans.
Why Mosquitos Buzz in People’s Ears
Mosquito Burrito
Ella’s Night Lights
The Parrot Tico Tango
YouTube read aloud
The Animal Boogie  
YouTube read aloud
Rumble in the Jungle
Find Artie’s Lesson Plan for Rumble here 

The Happy Music Teacher Academy is open for new members! Learn more and join here: https://storiesthatsing.net/jointhehappymusicteacheracademy 
Send me an email: jeanette@storiesthatsing.net
Visit my website: https://storiesthatsing.net/ 
Sign up for my newsletter and receive THREE FREE Lesson Plans: https://storiesthatsing.net/lessonplansampler 
Join my Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themusicteachergroup
Follow me on IG:...