4 Fun Ways to Teach Elementary Music Classroom Rules
Back-to-school season means teaching rules and procedures. Use rhythm activities to make learning elementary music classroom rules FUN!
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Teaching elementary music classroom rules and procedures doesn’t have to be boring! Teachers and students shouldn’t dread this vital step to establish a positive classroom climate and set the stage for a productive school year.
Instead of spending the first days giving lectures or listing rules, try these fun, music-based classroom management ideas. These interactive music class activities help establish routines while building musical skills from day one.
What’s in this Post? Click to Open Table of Contents
Why Teach Rules Musically?
Believe it or not, teaching classroom procedures is one of my favorite music activities—especially with Kindergarten! I love using instruments on the second day of music class. That look of delight when students realize they get to play instruments is priceless.
Yes, there are silly stumbles along the way, but they’re all part of building classroom community and setting up a positive learning environment.
Keep it Simple and Limit Your Music Classroom Rules
When teaching rules and expectations in the elementary music classroom, simple is better. I use just four broad rules—easy to remember, especially when set to rhythm patterns:
- Follow directions the first time.
- Kahfooty (Keep all hands feet and other objects to yourself.)
- Be nice. Respect others.
- Do your best.
These rules work across all grade levels and serve as a foundation for more complex behaviors later.
Free Printable Rhythm Rules Posters
Download these FREE Printable Rhythm Rules Posters when you subscribe to our free email list. Mount them on colored paper to match your classroom decor and your first bulletin board is done!
Lay Down the Foundation with a Simple Drum Beat
Before introducing instruments, set your students up for success with a steady drum beat to keep everyone together. I use the Drum Beats+ app on my phone, synced to our classroom sound system. It’s simple to use and offers a variety of rhythm loops. If you already have GarageBand, that’s another great option.
Looking for more ideas? Check out this list of best drumming apps for iPhone and Android 12 Best Drumming Apps That You’ll Actually Use (2024).
Day 1 – Teach Rules Using Body Percussion Activities
Start the year with body percussion rhythm patterns for each rule. It’s an easy, no-prep way to engage students while teaching expectations.
Throughout the year, revisit these patterns as fun reminders. No need to nag—just perform the body percussion pattern, and students will often respond by recalling the rule themselves.
This keeps reminders positive, engaging, and student-led.
Day 2 – Practice Rules Using Classroom Rhythm Instruments
On the second day of music class, it’s time to add instruments.
Grades K-1
- Review patterns from Day 1.
- Have the whole class play together using rhythm sticks, egg shakers, or other simple instrument.
- Playing in unison keeps young students focused and successful.
Grades 2-5
- Divide your class into 4 groups.
- Assign each group one rhythm rule to play on their instrument.
- If ready, layer patterns in 2-part or even 4-parts.
- Rotate to play a different instrument.
💡 Tip: Choose instruments with contrasting timbres to help students hear their parts.
Day 3 – Practice Rhythm Rules Using Boomwhackers
Boomwhackers are always a favorite! For younger grades, focus only on matching rhythm. For upper elementary, introduce simple two-pitch melodic patterns that align with each rule.
No Boomwhackers? Use Orff barred instruments for a similar activity.
Tips for Creating Boomwhacker Rule Patterns:
- Use only two pitches per rule to keep it simple.
- Don’t repeat pitches across patterns so you have enough Boomwhackers for each rule.
- Focus on musicality, not perfection. It’s the beginning of the school year.
Focus on musicality, not perfection. This is still the first week!
Day 4 – Add Rotation Stations
Now that students know the rules and patterns, set up music station rotations for grades 1–5. Use a simple rhythmic chant to help students move from station to station while staying focused and engaged.
- Station 1: Rule 1 on rhythm instrument
- Station 2: Rule 2 on body percussion
- Station 3: Rule 3 on rhythm instrument
- Station 4: Rule 4 on Boomwhackers
Kindergarten students aren’t ready for rotations just yet, so continue with full-group play.
Differentiate by Grade Level
Use the same four rules across grades, but differentiate the level of performance:
Grades K-1
- Follow director cues to start/stop at the same time.
- Chant and play the rhythm of words by rote.
- Perform in unison.
Grades 2-3
- Follow director cues.
- Play rule rhythms with a steady beat in unison while reading rhythmic patterns.
- Perform in 2 parts, if ready.
Grades 4-5
- Follow director cues.
- Play rule rhythms with a steady beat in unison.
- Play rule rhythms with a steady beat in unison while reading rhythmic patterns.
- Perform in 2-4 parts, if ready.
This keeps your music classroom management consistent, while allowing flexibility for each age group.
Need Ready-to-Use Music Rule Lessons?
Strapped for time? Want something easy to prep and fun to teach?
Check out the Music Rhythm Rules Back-to-School Music Activities for Grades K-5.
Includes:
- Projectable presentation
- Printable music rule posters
- Editable templates
- 4 days of music activities aligned with music rules
Make Music and Memories from Day One
One of my favorite Kindergarten memories. . . .
A tiny boy proudly bangs away on his Boomwhackers… about five seconds too late. The look on his face when he realizes the music is over? Pure joy. He smiles ear to ear and returns his instruments like a pro.
Moments like that remind me why teaching classroom rules through music is not only effective—it’s unforgettable.
🎥 Watch Rhythm Rules in Action
Want to see how this works in a real classroom?
These short video clips show how I used the Rhythm Rules music lessons with different grade levels during the first week of school. They’re not polished performances, but they reflect real progress—and real joy!
Students are engaged, learning expectations, and making music together.
Enjoy! 🌞
Early Elementary Grades K-1
Mid Elementary Grades 2-3
Upper Elementary Grades 4-5
Need More Fun Back-to-School Multitasking Activities?
Check out these posts and the FREE resource guide.
- Subscribe to Our Email List and Get Free Classroom Rhythm Rules Posters
- Back-to-School Elementary Music Activities Blog Post
- Back-to-School Music Mixers Blog Post
- FREE Elementary Music Literacy Resource Guide with Music Skills Index
Boomwhackers: A Budget-Friendly Must-Have for Music Teachers
Boomwhackers are a classroom favorite—versatile, budget-friendly, and always a hit with kids. I purchased four classroom sets and added octavator caps to just two of them.
Octavator caps lower each tube by one octave, allowing you to expand to two full octaves. Just a heads-up: once the caps are on, they’re tough to remove. I recommend placing them on half your Boomwhackers and leaving them in place. 😊
Meet the Author
Terri Lloyd is an experienced music educator with over 25 years of teaching in elementary music classrooms. She holds a Master’s in Education, an Instructional Technology Certificate in Curriculum Design, and a Bachelor of Music. Her resources are designed to help music teachers develop students’ music literacy and performance skills while enjoying learning.
She presents music education workshops, develops curriculum, and writes for her blog. She is on the music staff at her church and leads a children’s program. She performs as a active community musician with a local Big Band, pit orchestras, and at various events.
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