Week 4: PLN Post 2

Free Music Education Printables

Click here to download free music worksheets.

I know most of the technology that we're focusing on in this class is far more advanced than downloading free music worksheets, but I found this website last Tuesday and I immediately thought of sharing it with all of you for one of my PLN posts.

We all know that "busy work" worksheets are a far cry from deeply meaningful musical experiences; however, worksheets like the ones available on this website (e.g., word searches and crossword puzzles) have helped me in two specific circumstances.

First, what happened to me this past Tuesday is that a school-wide standardized testing schedule changed, causing me to be in two buildings at once (I'm in 5 buildings). Tuesday also happened to be the first day of the 4th marking period, meaning the 7th graders were coming to music for the very first time. They didn't have anything they could work on from a previous class period; in fact, it was their first day of music since elementary school! Unfortunately, I had to be at an elementary school teaching kindergarten and another teacher covered my class for me. I gave her all the "getting to know you" paperwork I usually use on the first day of music, but what was she supposed to do with the students if they finished early? Usually I take them over to the keyboard lab on the first day to introduce them to the instruments. I can't ask another teacher to do that for me, though, especially if I can't guarantee that the teacher covering has any musical background. I left a supply of worksheets like the ones on this website and said the students could choose some to complete.

Second, teachers in my school district are encouraged to have "anchor activities" for students who finish things early. I try to have a variety of these activities available for students of different ability levels. Many of my anchor activities involve playing the keyboards or completing reading assignments, but I've also included some of these worksheets for variety.