Beware the Music Teacher!: Book & CD

These 11 originals feel written by someone who actually works with elementary students, not someone imagining what kids might enjoy. The accompanying activities transform each song from a performance piece into a teaching tool that lands with real classrooms. Songs like "Hola Means 'Hello'" and "Sing a Song for Nature" address topics you're already covering, so the music integrates naturally into your curriculum rather than feeling like an add-on.

Energetic and optimistic without being saccharine. The songs move between themes of fun and encouragement, building toward a sense that singing together matters. Melodies stay accessible enough for developing singers while harmonies remain interesting for teachers and parent volunteers singing along.

Elementary music teachers in Grades 2-5 who need flexible, age-appropriate repertoire that serves both performance and classroom teaching. This collection works equally well for general music classes, special events, holiday programs, and informal assemblies where the goal is engagement and joy alongside musicality.

• Layer the accompaniment tracks strategically. Start with just the vocal line a cappella or with minimal backing, then bring in full accompaniment for verses students know well to build confidence and energy.
• Teach lyrics before introducing the melody so students own the message. Songs about attitude, kindness, and environmental stewardship land harder when kids understand what they're singing about.
• Use the reproducible lyric sheets to support early readers and English learners. Seeing words on the page removes barriers to participation and lets everyone sing together from day one.
• Anchor the bonus classical listening tracks into your regular class routine rather than using them as fillers. Play them during transitions or quiet work time so students build familiarity without it feeling like "listen to this serious music now."

Scatter these throughout your concert calendar. "Beware the Music Teacher!" and "The Boredom Blues" open a show with humor and grab audience attention immediately. Place thematic songs like "Hola Means 'Hello'" into cultural learning units or heritage month celebrations. Reserve "Christmas Can Last All Year Long" for your winter program, and close end-of-year concerts with "We Are the Future" or "We Are the Now" for an uplifting send-off.

• Melodic reading through accessible vocal lines with clear phrase shapes
• Rhythmic accuracy with consistent pulse in accompaniment-supported singing
• Call-and-response and ensemble listening through layered vocal arrangements
• Cross-curricular connections to themes of community, nature, multilingualism, and social-emotional learning
• Performance confidence through kid-tested material designed for elementary voices