Folk Songs for Elementary Music Classrooms

A blog for elementary music teachers with ideas and resources for teaching folk songs in the music classroom.

Introduction

Folk songs are a great way to teach children about melody, rhythm and Layout. They are also a whole lot of fun! Here is a collection of some of our favorite folk songs for elementary music classrooms.

What are folk songs?

Folk songs are songs that are passed down from generation to generation by people who share a common culture or heritage. These songs often reflect the values and traditions of the people who sing them, and they can be about anything, from love and loss to work and play. Many folk songs have been adapted for children, and they are a great way to introduce kids to the music of other cultures.

The benefits of teaching folk songs in elementary music classrooms

Folk songs are an excellent way to teach elementary music students about melody, harmony, and rhythm. These songs are often passed down from generation to generation, and can be found in many different cultures around the world. In addition to being a fun and engaging way to learn about music, folk songs can also help elementary music students develop important life skills such as cooperation, communication, and critical thinking.

How to teach folk songs in elementary music classrooms

Folk songs are a great way to teach basic musical concepts to young students. Many folk songs are easy to learn and can be adapted to any level of ability. Here are some tips for teaching folk songs in your elementary music classroom.

1. Choose a song that is appropriate for the age and ability level of your students. There are many great folk songs for elementary music classrooms, but not all of them will be appropriate for every class. If you’re not sure which song to choose, ask your students or another music teacher for suggestions.

2. Teach the song using simple, step-by-step instructions. Don’t try to teach the entire song at once – break it down into small, manageable pieces. For example, you might want to teach the melody of the song first, then add the lyrics, then add accompaniment if desired.

3. Use Orff instruments or other percussion instruments to help students keep the beat while they sing. You can also use movement or gestures to help students keep time with the music.

4. Encourage student involvement by having them help you with the teaching process. For example, you could ask students to take turns leading the class in singing or playing an instrument part.

5. Make practice fun! Try incorporating games or other activities into your lessons to keep students engaged and excited about learning their folk songs

A few popular folk songs for elementary music classrooms

Folk songs are a great way to teach music in the elementary classroom. They are usually easy to learn and sing, and they often have a historical or cultural significance that can be explored with students. Here are a few popular folk songs for elementary music classrooms:

-“The Wheels on the Bus” is a classic folk song that is popular with young children. It is perfect for teaching musical concepts such as tempo and rhythm.
-“This Old Man” is another popular folk song that is perfect for teaching about dynamics and instrumentation.
-“She’ll Be Comin’ ‘Round the Mountain” is a great song for exploring different vocal techniques such as harmonizing.
-“I’ve Been Working on the Railroad” is a perfect song for learning about beat and meter.
-“Oh Susanna” is a classic American folk song that can be used to teach about melody and composition.

Conclusion

Folk songs are a great way to teach elementary music students about other cultures while also providing them with a fun and engaging way to learn about music. By using these songs in the classroom, students will be able to gain a better understanding of how music is used in other parts of the world and how it can be used to express different emotions.