135. Tips for Classroom Teachers: Music For Kiddos Podcast

In this final episode of the season, I'm talking about some of my favorite calming and mindfulness songs for kids, including It's Been a Long Day and The Rain Falls Down. I share the intentional movements and sensory-regulation ideas behind these songs, along with tips for using them to gradually help kids move toward a calmer state. Thank you so much for listening and for being part of this season! Get free music, ideas and early childhood music resources every month and be a part of our Song-of-the-Month Club by signing up to our newsletter! Join us here: www.musicforkiddos.com/newsletter THANKS FOR TUNING IN TO THE MUSIC FOR KIDDOS PODCAST! Thanks for joining us on the Music for Kiddos podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please tell us what you think by leaving a review! Don't forget to sign up for the Song-of-the-Month-Club to receive a free, high-quality original song every month, or hang out with us on Instagram to stay connected.

In this episode, I'm taking a little departure from music to talk about something deeply personal: nervous system regulation. I share my own journey from chronic dysregulation to learning how to slow down, regulate, and care for myself, and why our own regulation matters so much when we work with kids. My hope is that this episode reminds you that caring for yourself isn't selfish; it's part of caring for the children we serve.

In this episode of the Music for Kiddos Podcast, I'm sharing some of my favorite songs for teaching kindness, empathy, and self-advocacy with kids. I talk through three songs that help children identify and express their own emotions and develop empathy for others. I also share ideas for using these songs across different ages and settings, including music therapy and the classroom.

In this episode of the Music for Kiddos Podcast, I'm diving deep into one of my favorite tools: egg shakers! I share creative ways in which you can use egg shakers and other unconventional props with kids. From balloon balls and pool noodles to paper plates, I'm sharing my favorite ways to make movement playful, engaging, and not overstimulating.

In this episode of the Music for Kiddos Podcast, I'm going beyond my beloved scarves to share five of my favorite props for early childhood music. From stretchy bands and balloon balls to pool noodles, weighted stuffed animals, and even simple paper plates, I'm sharing how I use these inexpensive tools to support creative movement, sensory regulation, music listening, and connection without overwhelming students. I'll also share a few of my favorite activities and songs to try with each prop!