Every music teacher’s worst nightmare is writing sub plans, especially if you’re only writing them after already feeling sick, or if you know you have to write for a non-music sub. As we’re getting ready for back to school, check out my 5 recommendations of great music videos to leave with a substitute teacher!
5. Symphony Storytime
Age Group: K - 4
This is an entire channel of 10 to 15 minute videos produced by Oregon Symphony where a storybook is read, and various instruments from the orchestra accompany the reading of that story. There is also a little time at the end of the video to learn more about whatever the featured instrument is and to hear it play. You can leave 2 of these videos to fill a class, or leave the video for one half and then an activity reviewing instruments of the orchestra in the second half of class (I would suggest my Orchestra Instrument I Spy or Orchestra Instrument Guess Who)
4. An Orchestra Adventure
Age Group: Gr 2 – 5
These videos are a favourite of mine and I actually sometimes use them as part of my Instruments of the Orchestra unit. Each of the 4 videos takes students through one section of the orchestra, with explanations of each instrument by actual players from the Calgary Philharmonic. I actually have a sub plan for sale for one of these videos, but you can also just leave the video as is, with a short activity before or after to fill up remaining time. This could be really good if you are gone for a few days in a row!
3. Magic School Bus
Age Group: Gr 3+
I’m constantly amazed at how even my older kids love watching The Magic School Bus. This episode on the science of sound is so much fun, it’s educational, and it easily fills a whole class period! I usually write up a few questions for students to answer as they watch along to make sure they are engaged and don’t give the sub any problems, but it’s a fun enough video that you probably don’t even need to do that.
2. Biscuit Brothers
Age Group: K – 2
These videos are my absolute favourites to leave for my youngest learners – the kids LOVE them every time and always ask for more! I sometimes will also leave colouring sheets for students to occupy their hands with as they watch.
1. Swick’s Classroom
Age Group: Gr 3+
Mr. Swick is an absolute GIFT to the music teacher community for all the amazing play-along videos he puts on his channel. If you have a sub who is brave enough to let the kids take out the Boomwhackers, these videos never fail (I even leave them with my middle school band kids if I can’t get a sub who knows anything about band!) Make a list of a few that need similar boomwhackers/instruments and tell the sub to play them – the kids will be engaged the entire time, and they’ll ACTUALLY be making music!
Want something a bit more active than videos? Check out some of my storybook based sub plans on my TPT Store:
.png)
No comments:
Post a Comment