In this engaging, movement-based session, participants will experience several classroom-ready folk dances that help students internalize musical concepts such as beat, tempo, phrase, and form. Through active participation, we’ll explore how structured movement reinforces rhythmic literacy, strengthens ensemble awareness, and supports expressive music-making.
Beyond musical skills, folk dancing fosters collaboration, community, and joyful risk-taking—creating a classroom culture where every student belongs. Attendees will leave with practical strategies, adaptable dances, and clear connections to standards that can be implemented immediately in their own music classrooms.
In this session, I’ll share how I introduce and develop ukulele skills in the elementary music classroom through intentional preparation and joyful music-making. Beginning with rich preparatory experiences—steady beat, chord readiness, singing games, and movement—students build the musical and technical foundation they need before ever picking up the instrument. I’ll demonstrate how I scaffold instruction over time, moving from exploratory play and single-chord accompaniments to confidently strumming along with age-appropriate pop songs. Participants will also see how I create space for student creativity, allowing children to compose, improvise, and arrange using the skills they’ve developed. This session highlights a process that builds independence, musicality, and genuine excitement for making music together.
