Music Lesson Plan for First Day of School

Before you check out the lesson plan below, make sure to also see music activities for the first day of school where you can find lots of ideas for back to school.

The lesson plan is created for orchestra however it could be easily modified for other subjects as the first day of school is similar for all music disciplines. If you need more information on elementary music lesson plan and bundles check here. For an orchestra bindle with materials and ready parent letters check here.

1. Greeting students at the door

When the first bell rings the teacher stands by the door and greets the students. If the teachers has a parent information form, then that is given to the students as they are walking in. This way they will be busy filling out the form while waiting for all students to take their seats.
In a beginning music classroom I love having music on or playing playing as the kids are walking in.

 

2. Introductions (10-15 min.)

At the second bell, the teachers introduces him/herself.
Then students are being asked to introduce themselves.

Activity:
Instead of asking each student to introduce themselves, make it into a game. Have each student “interview” their neighbor. Instruct students on the questions they would ask (have you played an instrument before, what did you do ever the summer, etc.) Give them specific amount of time to complete their interview (usually about 3-5 min.) Then they have to remember the info and introduce their neighbor to the whole class. See also Get to Know Each Other Icebreakers

 

3. Instruments (10min)

Teacher shows the students the instruments available. It is always great if the teacher plays the instrument and shows students a progression from easier to more advanced pieces. Students need to get a lot of music and see their teacher play at the beginning. This is what will motivate them to learn.

Activity:
Depending on time, the teacher could ask students to come up and play/pluck these instruments a bit.

Related Reading:  Posture Games for Orchestra 

 

4. Forms and Rules  (20-30 min depending on information and class size)

The teacher distributes the forms needed for the class. With younger students it is important to go over each detail. Students need to be clear on which form to have signed, what to do in terms of getting an instrument, etc. Students also need to know the rules of the class from the very beginning. They need to know about practicing, how are they going to be graded and what is expected of their behavior.

Activities:
At the end of these activities the teacher might play games to see if the students have remembered the information.
True and false. The teacher presents a statement. If it correct the students can do something silly. If it is not correct the students don’t move.
Left and Right. The same activity but the students have to move to the right or left corners of the room depending whether the statement is correct or not.

Related Reading:  Star Wars Conducting Unit for Beginning Orchestra and Band

5. Closing Time (till the end of class)

Leave time for questions
Thank the students for a good first class and share your enthusiasm about the new school year.
If you have a specific procedure for dismissal, this is the time to let students know about it and practice it.

Related Reading:  How to Help Students Adapt During The First Days of School

Update: If you need a beginning letter to parents, I uploaded one on the Teachers Pay Teachers Site for FREE! Grab it here.