This is a guest post by one of our teacher-authors, Katherine Miller.
Overview
2020 has taught educators to be ready for anything! Now that we are starting to get back into our spaces and making music with students again, we understand the value of the limited time we have with them and have learned not to take it for granted.
Although the expression “time filler” can sometimes have a negative connotation, we know these extra moments of unplanned time occur frequently within the reality of our in-person school schedules. For example, transition times, changes in your regular schedule, or just extra time created by your lesson pacing are all times when a well-placed time filler is needed. The challenge is to make this time useful by having some go-to activities ready to continue student learning even if they weren’t originally on the lesson plan.
Here are seven different activities that I use in my classroom to keep students engaged and learning every minute.
1. Silent Soldier
Although it is not a musical game, it is certainly a hit with my students and reinforces the expectations of traveling in our building. As students line up, the teacher keeps an eye out for students who are following the expectations (lined up behind the person in front of them, eyes forward, voice off/quiet, hands to themselves just like a soldier).
The teacher taps one student on their shoulder to recognize that they are ready to go. This student leaves their line spot to acknowledge another student who is also ready before returning back to their spot and so on. You can continue to play this game until their classroom teacher has arrived and they are ready to transition back with them.
2. Symbaloo
If you are not familiar with this site, you are missing out! Symbaloo is a website that allows you to organize a collection of videos and web links. So, if you find yourself with a few moments to spare in your lesson, you can quickly sign in to your account and have a variety of time filler activities in one place.
Here are some webmix ideas I use in my music class:
- treble clef practice
- listening examples
- school appropriate Just Dance videos
- cardio drumming routines
You can use this website for anything! 
3. Poison Pattern
Poison pattern is another one of my students’ favorite games and it is great to play again and again with any additional time you have because it does not require any additional resources.
To play poison, the teacher introduces a pattern, which becomes the “poison” pattern, meaning students CANNOT clap and say it. I usually do this by writing it down, showing it to students from a flashcard, or saying it to them.
Once students know what the poison pattern is, the teacher claps a variety of rhythms and students echo them. The game continues, the teacher clapping and students copying until they hear the poison pattern. At that point, if anyone repeats the pattern they have to sit down.
This could also be played with melodic symbols and has so many variations! You could only clap the rhythms, or clap and say them, or play them on a non-pitched instrument, and so on. Really, any games that students love are always a great way to keep them engaged from bell to bell.
4. Exit Tickets
Exit Tickets are another great option for using any extra time that you find in your day. This provides students with a chance to review the learning objectives from class and it provides the teacher with some instant feedback about what students have retained from the lesson.
I like to use Google forms as I can have exit tickets templates that are ready to go that can fit a variety of purposes for students to access quickly. Want to learn more about Google Forms in Music Education? Click here to watch a recent Midnight Music webinar on Google Forms.
5. Online Lesson Websites
If you are looking for quick and easy extensions to a variety of music learning objectives, you need to check out these two online resources: Little Kids Rock and Music Workshop.
Little Kids Rock is a nonprofit that is dedicated to kids unlocking their inner music maker. Along with a variety of other resources for educators, there is a part of the website dedicated to lessons plans for kids on guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, vocals, songwriting, tech, horns, and ukulele. The lesson plans have a series of videos that build upon one another to explore different skills that might not be on your curriculum maps but students love to experiment with.
Music Workshop is a FREE website that creates and provides inspirational, high-quality, and culturally responsive music history and appreciation lessons on a wide variety of musical subjects in grades K-8. Each lesson includes videos, activities, and question guides to using in your classroom at any time. Access to all of the materials on this website does require that you apply. You can find out more information about Music Workshop by clicking here.
6. SQUILT
SQUILT, or “super quiet, uninterrupted listening time” is a great way to prepare students to settle their bodies and minds before leaving the music room. This mindful activity could focus students on attentively listening for elements of music or just to provide an opportunity for them to appreciate a variety of music that they may not hear in other places.
Here is a link to a Teachers Pay Teachers freebie from the store, “The Yellow Brick Road” with some great prompts you can use with students if you have some time for music appreciation at the end of class.
7. Creative Movement
You can also use your extra time to provide students more chances to move to music, rather than quietly listen to it. This type of listening can still focus on the elements of music but allows students to express themselves creatively through movement. Looking for some ideas for creative movements? For other ideas, check out the article, “Six Alternatives to Freeze Dance” from the Melodious Intent blog.
What do you do to keep students learning during every moment they are with you? We would love to hear your ideas!
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About Katherine Miller
Katherine (Katie) Miller holds a Bachelor of Music in Education degree from Otterbein University (Westerville, OH) and a Masters of Educational Leadership from Antioch McGregor Midwest (Yellow Springs, OH). She has 15 years of professional musical experience as a music educator and performer.
She is currently employed by the School District of Waukesha in Waukesha, WI, where she teaches K-5 General Music and serves as a district model tech classroom. She was recognized in 2018 as a WPT Education Innovator by Wisconsin Public Television Education team. Twitter: K8TMiller
Looking for More Resources for Music Teachers?
Hello! I’m Katie Argyle – an Australian music technology trainer and consultant with a passion for helping music teachers through my business Midnight Music.
I’m a qualified teacher but no, I don’t currently teach in a school. I help teachers through my online professional development space – the Midnight Music Community – where there are tutorial videos, courses, links and downloadable resources.
I like to focus on easy ways to incorporate technology into what you are already doing in your music curriculum through a range of creative projects. I also run live workshops and have presented at countless conferences and other music education events.
If you want simple, effective ideas for using technology in music education, I would LOVE to help you inside the Midnight Music Community.
