Podcasts

In this episode I’m talking with Tiffany English, current president of the American Orff Schulwerk Association. Our conversation is all about the world of Orff Schulwerk: what it is, what it isn’t, pedagogy, teaching ideas, what you can expect should you decide to do Orff levels training, why you should visit a local Orff chapter, and more.  Check out the episode HERE.

Here’s another song that’s perfect for the weeks leading up to the Olympics: Cockles & Mussels (aka Molly Malone). Tune in to get lesson ideas about this Irish folk song, ways to include movement, and a fun connection with nonpitched percussion. I’ll also be talking about one of my favorite toys, the Pick Punch, and how to incorporate it into open house and parent teacher conference nights.  Check out the episode HERE.

In this episode you’ll get TWO different lesson ideas to use during the holiday season. I talk about several different ways to teach Jingle Bells so that you can use the carol with all grades and some lesson ideas for We Wish You a Merry Christmas. I’ll also talk about how I take my students caroling through the school and make a surprise visit to the front office.  Check out the episode HERE.

This episode includes five different ideas to use with the folk song “Over the River and Through the Woods” including some movement ideas, rewriting the lyrics, nonpitched percussion, and more. I’ll also talk a little bit about how you can add a giving opportunity to your concerts to help connect your audience with your school community! Check out the episode HERE!

I’m so excited to welcome Eric Litwin, the author of the original four Pete the Cat books, to the podcast to discuss his newest book Groovy Joe Dance Party Countdown.  We chat about Eric’s experience as a teacher, what inspired him to write, and everything that’s included in his new book. Eric even takes us through how he would teach the book with kids and some tips for how to integrate Groovy Joe into your classroom.  Listen to the end to hear about how you can win Eric Litwin’s newest book for FREE in a giveaway! Check out the Episode HERE! Resources mentioned in the podcast:  www.EricLitwin.com Groovy Joe Songs and Downloads:  http://bit.ly/2y1aLuF  Groovy Joe Book Giveaway:  http://bit.ly/2xhlv94  Groovy Joe/Amazon:  http://amzn.to/2xi9Cel Fantastic Scholastic Book Parade:  http://bit.ly/2xhmA0A The Learning Groove (Eric’s FREE Songs):  http://bit.ly/2xh2G62 PaperBackSwap:  http://bit.ly/2xSdirk

One song, multiple dances, lots of options for lessons! Check out this episode to learn about 15 different ways to teach the song “Tideo” also known as “Pass One Window.” I’ll also talk about one of the ways that I divide up classes into teams/families. Listen to the episode HERE Resources mentioned in the podcast:  Mailing List: eepurl.com/bMm9bD Instrument Families for Classroom Management: bit.ly/2gfUtau Folk Song Set for Tideo: bit.ly/2wgq5AN Rob Amchin’s Video for Tideo: bit.ly/2iALcKV Anthony Meehl’s video for Tideo: bit.ly/2w9R2I1 My Facebook Page: bit.ly/2kliYEv

This episode includes a variety of ideas to use with the folk song “Alabama Gal.” I’ll sing through the song, talk about how you might teach the folk dance, and give ideas for extension and “next step” activities. You won’t want to miss my teacher tips/rant about the “Magic of Mallets.” I hope to give you some ideas about how to incorporate mallets for day-to-day use in your classroom. Listen to the episode HERE. Resources mentioned in the podcast: Alabama Gal FREE Folk Song Set: bit.ly/2p2uCCs My Instagram: bit.ly/2lLe6Wy My Facebook “Videos” Page: bit.ly/2pz95SM

This episode includes a variety of ideas to use with the folk song “John the Rabbit.” I’ll sing through the song, talk through some variations and adaptations you could make, and give ideas for extension and “next step” activities. I’ll also share about a fun, easy, and FREE manipulative you can make when teaching young kiddos steady beat: “Magic Snowballs” Listen to the episode HERE. Resources mentioned in the podcast: Snowball Steady Beat blog post: bit.ly/2nSoJH5 John the Rabbit Favorite Folk Song Kit: bit.ly/2mFDYlm Folkmanis Dutch Rabbit Puppet: amzn.to/2nG9d1o

Learn about how to make an Instrument Petting Zoo work for you! I’ll talk about preparation, what to expecting during the zoo, follow-up ideas, and lots of organizational tips to make your petting zoo a great experience. Listen to the Episode HERE Resources mentioned in the podcast: My Instagram: bit.ly/2lLe6Wy Instrument Petting Zoo Kit: bit.ly/2mAEEsW Petting Zoo Blog Post: bit.ly/2l1FaDJ  

I share some lesson ideas to teach the famous folk song “On Top of Old Smokey.” It’s great for Valentine’s Day (as it’s a love song) or any time of year. You’ll also hear me talk about the parody song “On Top of Spaghetti” and I’ll share my favorite tip to save your sanity when teaching choreography for your grade-level concerts! Listen to the episode HERE Resources mentioned in the podcast: R&L Posters: bit.ly/2kNbfh5 Old Smokey FFS Set: bit.ly/2l9iWPG My Facebook Page: bit.ly/2kliYEv