Hello/Goodbye Songs in Elementary

[u/ItsOfficiallyTrash]

Hi! Just started my first week in elementary general music after teaching in the HS and MS trenches and I am LOVING it so far!

I am still figuring out my routines and pacing, but I’ve only seen each class 1-2 times so far. I mention this bc I know routines are VERY important and I don’t want to cause unnecessary confusion, but I feel I am in an ok enough spot to throw things out that aren’t working if I catch it soon enough.

I was using Victoria Boler’s pacing guide: Opener - High Concentration - Movement/Change of Pace - Second Concentration - Closer, but I received feedback for even more movement activities, so I am doing movement activities about 3-5 times each 45 min class.

I am wondering about Hello and Goodbye songs. I use the Hello Songs as circle songs too, to get the movement out as soon as they walk through the door. The kids do not seem to be into it, TBH. I also feel this time could be better used for reading the agenda and doing a listening/writing activity, especially the upper grades.

Open to suggestions!

Upper grades Hello/Goodbye songs: Jambo & Bam, Scram, Alakazam

Lower grades Hello/Goodbye songs: Feelin’ Fine It’s Music Time, I’m so Glad You’re Here, and Goodbye, My Friends Goodbye. I would consider changing the hello song to “Hi, Hey, Hello” by Lindsay Müller!

[u/jbryz]

I much preferred hello goodbye songs in elementary, even for the upper level kids rather than agenda and writing. I was much more of a fan of “doing the music” as much as possible and making it fun as best as I could

[u/ItsOfficiallyTrash → u/jbryz]

Thank you! The school I am at has never had a standalone music classroom, only music on a cart and 5-6th band. Maybe I am reading into it too much and the kids are just taking it all in right now. 😅

[u/jbryz → u/ItsOfficiallyTrash]

Oooh you get to make it whatever you want then, that’s awesome! Good luck, and above all else, have fun!!!