Find easy elementary music sub plans non-music substitutes can teach – listening activities, music games, worksheets, digital music lessons, worksheets, and more.
Fun Elementary Music Activities
Elementary Music Sub Plans: Easy Activities for Substitute Teachers
When an elementary music teacher is absent, the substitute is often not a music specialist. That makes it important to leave elementary music sub plans that are simple to follow and easy to manage.
The activities below include engaging elementary music lessons and sub plans that work well for non-music substitutes while keeping students actively involved in music.
1. Start with a Ready-to-Use Sub Tub
Leaving plans for a substitute can be stressful. A well-prepared Sub Tub helps ensure you are ready for any unexpected absence.
2. Easy Listening Activities
Listening activities work well for elementary music sub plans because they are simple for substitutes to lead and help students stay focused while learning about musical concepts.
- Listening Maps for Elementary Music: 21 Ready-to-Use Activities
- A Virtual Field Trip to the Symphony: Learning About Musical Instruments
- 17 Inspiring Picture Books for Music Teachers (Video Storybooks)
- Best Jazz Books for Elementary Music Class (YouTube Read-Alouds)
- Music Storybook Videos for the Elementary Music Classroom – Perfect for Sub Plans
3. Games for Elementary Music Sub Plans
Music games can be a great option for elementary music sub plans. They keep students actively involved while giving substitutes a simple activity to manage.
4. Printable Activities and Worksheets
Printable activities are helpful for elementary music sub plans because they give students clear tasks while the substitute manages the class. These printable resources are easy to include in a Sub Tub and require little explanation from the substitute.
Browse printable music activities available in my TPT store:
5. Digital Activities
Digital activities work well for elementary music sub plans, especially when students have access to Chromebooks or tablets. These activities allow students to practice music skills independently while the substitute supervises.
Bonus: Students can use the FastPlay feature, so there are no logins required.
6. Movement and Rhythm Activities
If you are lucky enough to have a music substitute, or a substitute with strong classroom management skills, these activities can keep students moving and engaged while reinforcing rhythm concepts. They are also simple to lead and require little preparation.
7. Tips for Successful Elementary Music Sub Plans
A few simple strategies can help your elementary music sub plans run more smoothly. Clear directions and familiar activities make it easier for substitutes to manage the class and keep students engaged.
- Leave simple, step-by-step instructions.
- Choose activities students already know when possible.
- Avoid complicated instrument setups.
- Include one or two backup activities in case time allows.
- Always leave clear expectations for classroom behavior.
Conclusion
Planning for an absence is never easy, but having a collection of reliable elementary music sub plans can make the process much simpler. With clear directions and engaging activities, substitutes can keep students learning and participating even when you are away.
Use the ideas on this page to build a set of go-to elementary music activities for substitute teachers so your classroom continues to run smoothly.
Meet the Author
Terri Lloyd is a former K–5 music educator with more than 30 years of experience teaching elementary music.
Her credentials include:
- Bachelor of Music
- Master of Science in Education with an elementary music focus
- Missouri State Teaching Certificate, Vocal and Instrumental Music, Grades K-12
- Kodály Certification Levels I–III
- Instructional Technology Certificate in Curriculum and Design
Through Frau Musik USA, Terri helps elementary music teachers build students’ music literacy and performance skills with practical lessons and activities grounded in real classroom experience.
She develops music curriculum resources, presents music education workshops, works as a church musician, and K–5 Sunday school teacher. Terri also performs with a local big band, pit orchestras, and at community events.