Okay, let me spill some tea: elementary music crafts are the bomb. Yep, I said it. If you haven’t tried using crafts in your elementary music classroom, stay tuned! I’m here to give you some reasons (and details) on why you should be incorporating crafts into your music lessons!
Independence is Golden 🌟
Remember those glorious moments as a kid when you were in charge? Maybe it was a lemonade stand or being the leader in a game. That’s the feeling our students get when they’re handed a craft project. They become the maestro of their tiny universe, deciding on colors, materials, and how to bring their vision to life.
Beyond the fun, this independent time is teaching your students so much. Responsibility, decision-making, problem-solving – all packed into that craft time. It gives them a breather from group activities, allowing them to shine on their own and even discover their personal style. Plus, as a bonus, a moment of quiet concentration for everyone!
Crafty = Smarty 🤓
Testing without the pressure? Yes, please! Say you’ve been teaching about musical symbols. If you hand them craft supplies and they come up with a perfectly crafted treble clef, you know they’re on track. But if they’re struggling, you can spot it without any test-induced anxiety.
Crafts as assessment tools are great because they’re relaxed and organic. When kids are busy having fun with crafts, they’re letting their guard down, making it easier for you to spot where they might be struggling or, better yet, thriving. Plus, visual and kinesthetic learners get a chance to shine since they can express their understanding in a tangible way.
Who Doesn’t Love Making Stuff? 🎨
Seriously, who? We all have a little artist in us. Letting kids mesh their love for music with crafting? That’s like mixing peanut butter and chocolate. Pure magic.
Marrying music and crafts caters to different learning modalities. Auditory learners benefit from the music, while kinesthetic and visual learners thrive with the crafts. By fusing these, you’re ensuring a more inclusive classroom where everyone gets a shot at understanding and enjoying the lesson.
It’s Like Homework, But Fun 😜
Who would’ve thought the words ‘fun’ and ‘homework’ could be in the same sentence? By letting students craft based on their lessons, you’re giving them a homework-like review but without the usual groans. They’re revisiting concepts in a creative way, ensuring the lesson sticks.
Studies have consistently shown that hands-on activities lead to better retention. Crafting enables students to reinforce their learning in a tactile manner. When they’re crafting, they’re not just having fun; they’re embedding that concept deeper in their memory.
Hallway Fame 🏆
Transform those drab school hallways into vibrant, ever-changing galleries. Displaying crafts isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a testament to the hard work, creativity, and learning happening in the music room.
Beyond boosting the kiddos’ pride (and let’s be real, yours too), these displays serve an educational purpose. They subtly educate other students and teachers about musical concepts. Imagine a third-grader stopping by a display of crafted instruments and then recognizing them in a song they hear later. Magic, right?
In wrapping up, there’s one more thing I want to share with you. We’ve talked a lot about the wonders of crafting in the music classroom, but the journey starts with having the right resources. For those days when you’re juggling a hundred tasks and need high-quality, music-themed craft kits, guess what? You don’t have to look far.
My store is stocked with crafts designed specifically for music educators like you. Each craft is not just a fun activity but a bridge to deeper musical understanding. Whether you’re looking to illustrate the intricacies of rhythm, the beauty of different instruments, or the basics of notation, there’s a craft set waiting for you. Plus, these kits save you time, offering a ready-to-go experience so you can focus on what you do best – teaching and inspiring.
