What To Teach In August: Back-To-School Edition

The first few weeks of school are all about creating connections, establishing routines, and setting the tone for a successful year. That's why we've gathered some of our favorite back-to-school ideas to help you engage your students, support smooth transitions, and make planning a little easier.

 

1. A hello song: “Hey Everybody” (with PCS)

 

2. A playlist for the first day of school!

 

3. A name-learning song for the first week of school: Hickelty Pickelty Bumblebee

Hickelty Pickelty Bumble Bee is a popular chant that is used in classrooms to remember names! It’s also a great ice breaker to get the kids ready for music and acquainted to one another.

I turned this chant into a song, which you can hear in the video below:

 
 
 

4. A friendship song for the first week of school (ages 2-5)

 
 
 

5. A playful goodbye song: “Get Outta Here”

 
 

Get Outta Here is our playful, slightly sarcastic (but totally friendly!) goodbye song that helps wrap up a class or session with energy, laughter, and just the right amount of cheeky fun.

"Bam! Scram! Alacazam! 👏👏
It’s time to go, so we’ll say...
🐊 See you later, alligator, thanks for being here!
👋 See you later, alligator... get outta here!"

Here's why everybody loves this song:
• It provides a predictable and engaging transition cue
• It encourages participation right up to the very end
• It leaves kids smiling (need I say more?)
• Adds a little humor to your goodbye routine

And yes... they’ll definitely ask for it again next time. 😉

🎧 Stream Get Outta Here on Spotify and all major streaming platforms (search for Stephanie Leavell)!

 

6. A rhythm hello song for K to 2nd grade: “Good morning, Good morning”

 
 
 
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Songs For Teaching Body Part Identification In The Music Classroom