Valentine's Day in the Music Room

Valentine's Day is just a week away! How are you celebrating in your classroom? I've got a list of Valentine activities that you can easily use in your Music class next week.

1. Cinnamon Heart Listening Activity

Check for allergies!!! I used those Sweetheart candies as they were peanut free but I didn't realize that they contained gelatin so some of my students couldn't eat them due to religious reasons. Also, the internet told me there might be a shortage due to the company being sold. If giving out candy is a no-no in your school you can always substitute with heart-shaped erasers or stickers.

Pass out 4 candies/stickers to each student and have them lay them out in front of them (use a paper towel if using the candy).

Play a piece of music in 4/4 time and have students tap the beat on each candy.

Switch to a piece in 3/4 time and have the students eat a candy or put a sticker on their hand. Tap the beat and feel the change in pulse.

Do the same with 2/4 time.

2. Valentine's Day Rhythm Flashcards

I use this activity with my recorder students but it could easily be adapted for vocal music (clap back instead of play back) and band.

Split students up into 6 groups. Give each group a Valentine box (check your local dollar store for some) and 12 rhythm cards. Click here for the rhythm cards I use. Make sure each group gets the same cards and have a copy for yourself.

Play one of the flashcards on a recorder or other instrument if using with Band students. All students play/clap the rhythm back. One group member takes a turn finding the card that matches the rhythm that was just played and places that rhythm in the box. Take up the answer.

3. Musical Hearts

Click here for my detailed post about this game (and a freebie!). Write out gross motor movements on foam hearts that are set up in a circle face down. Split the class up into teams and play some music. Send one representative to move around the circle and when the music stops they grab the closest hear and bring it back to their team. The whole team does the movement on the heart and repeat.

4. Steady or Not Steady Beat Game

This freebie comes from Aileen Miracle and you can get it here.

Students listen to embedded sounds and decide whether or not they have a Steady or Not Steady beat. You can easily make some Steady or Not Steady signs for students to hold or give them a green popsicle stick for Steady and a red popsicle stick for Not Steady. This makes sure that all students are participating (even if they are checking out what their neighbour is doing).

Connect with me on Instagram. I'd love to know if you try out one of these activities!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!