Implementing instructional software in elementary music can be a bit tricky or even overwhelming. In this blog post (and on episode 146 of The Elementary Music Teacher podcast) I share 3 ways you can easily do this with videos to walk you through how to use some of these tools with your students.
Drill and Practice
Drill and practice is an instructional software that doesn’t necessarily teach your students something new, but allows them to practice the skills they’ve already learned. In this video, I’ll show you an example of musictheory.net and how it let’s students use exercises to learn.
Tutorials
A tutorial shows your students how to do something. During virtual learning, tutorials are great, because they help your students learn regardless of if you’re doing the teaching or not. The Prodigies site is an example of a tutorial. It is a paid program and there are other great examples of sites that use tutorials to teach your students something new. In this video, I’ll take you behind the scenes to explain how to best use a tutorial.
Simulations
A simulation is a type of instructional software where students can practice something they’re learning. For example, if students are learning to play the xylophone or boomwhackers, a simulation for virtual learners or for students just wanting more practice at home will allow them to do just that. In this video, I’ll show you an example of some simulations and how your students can use them.
What instructional software do you use in your music classroom? Tell me about it in the comments below or share your thoughts on social media as you share this post. I’d love for you to share this post or any of the resources on my website with a friend or colleague who you know NEEDS to see it too.
P.S. Are you feeling frustrated or stuck as an elementary music teacher? Check out these free resources to help you teach elementary music with confidence!
Also…I wrote a book called “Make A Note: What You Really Need To Know About Teaching Elementary Music” to help music teachers move forward in your teaching career. You can get your copy here.
I have been using Prodigies with TK, K and 1st graders. They love it. The desk bells are easy for them to play and easy to sanitize. The videos allow them to play along, see the music on the staff, learn solfege and train their ears to pitch and scale steps. Using Prodigies has allowed them to learn this material without me having to sing in the classroom during Covid restrictions. Most of the videos use C as do, but they are also beginning to produce videos with movable do. The 12.99 per month subscription comes with many free printable downloads of music and workbooks for all levels and instruments.
I love that you’ve had a good experience with Prodigies! They’re a great site for sure!