Laura Pollard is in her 10th year as a Music Specialist at Don Roberts Elementary of LRSD. We asked her to send us a few of her favorite ways to incorporate music education and activities while away from school. We love all the resources and activities she came up with! Check them out to add a little rhythm, melody and dance to your day.  

Online Music Resources  

• BroadwayHD - Right now, you can get a week-long free trial to BroadwayHD! This membership gives families access to performances from Broadway, the West End and other elite venues around the world. The best part? You don't have to leave your own living room. 

• Fender Play - The first 1 million users who create an account for Fender Play, their online learning platform, will get three months of free online lessons. While you will need to provide your own instrument, the lessons are available for acoustic and electric guitar, as well as bass and ukulele.

• Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Bedtime with Bach - Every night around 9 p.m. the Arkansas Symphony Concertmaster, Andrew Irvin and other members of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra have been uploading performances on their Facebook and Instagram pages. The series is called “Bedtime With Bach,” and it is Drew's hope that these bedtime performances can help sooth audiences during a stressful time.

• Elementary Dance Jams on Spotify - Do you need a brain break? Then pump up the Elementary Dance Jams! This Spotify list features 149 kid-friendly songs to tap your toes to. 

• GoNoodle - GoNoodle is another wonderful brain break or rainy day option. This free resource features videos to get kids moving and mindful. 

• Chrome Music Lab - Chrome Music Lab is a website that makes learning music more accessible through fun, hands-on experiments. 

• MusicplayOnline - During this outbreak, Musicplay Online is free for all students to use. There’s no need to create an account! Just enter the username snow and password 2020 to access 700+ songs, 4000+ song/concept movies, hundreds of interactive activities and games, weekly lesson plans for PreK-6, French and so much more!

• MusicTechTeacher.com - This site has music technology links, quizzes, resources and information for all students and music teachers interested in using technology to enhance music instruction.

• Little Kids Rock Jam Zone - The Jam Zone team is posting online lessons regularly on YouTube. Check out their collection of lessons and tune in for a daily for chance to learn more about music. 

• Ralph's World - Kids can tune in to this interactive dance party every day at 11 a.m.

At-Home Activities

Play Musical Clothes 

1. Arrange articles of clothing in a circle on the floor. Hats, socks, shirts, pants, dresses, etc.

2. Turn on music and dance around the house until someone pauses the music.

3. Stop dancing and put on the article clothing that is closest to where you stopped.

The person with the craziest outfit wins!

Make a Water Glass Xylophone 

Check out this tutorial on how to make your own xylophone! This activity combines creativity and even sneaks in a little math practice. To get started you really just need measuring cups, glasses and water. 

Create a Music Wall 

This DIY project can be a wonderful addition to your outdoor place spaces. You will need to gather recycled items that make interesting sounds. Think empty water bottles, retired colanders, old pots and unused pipe. Then, use hooks, screws or nails to attach your items to a piece of wood. After that, let your budding musicians make some music! Get inspired here. 

Laura Pollard, elementary Music Specialist, was selected Roberts Teacher of the Year in 2018. She graduated from the University of Central Arkansas with a degree in music in 2008. She’s also wife to Jason and mom to Kenley and Brooks.