Stations can be a bit daunting if you’ve never done them before. It can also be difficult if you have more students than stations. Think through the logistics before you do them. How many students do you have? How many stations do you need? Do you want to use technology? Do you have access to books? Are you wanting them to compose or to practice sight reading? Here are some easy no-prep ideas for stations!
Technology Station
This is a great way to encourage listening. I like to have one station, either iPads or Smartboard. Our favorite apps include Incredibox, Staff Wars, TuneTrain, Sketch-a-Song, and Rhythm Cat. Depending on the amount of iPads, we usually have to do partners so they can also learn by watching. Plus learning to take turns is always beneficial!
For the Smartboard, there are so many different things to do. My students love the games in Lumio. Our current obssession is the memory game which takes MINUTES to set up. It’s wonderful!
Books Station
Select a few books or give them full access to your library. Here students can “read by yourself” or “out loud with a partner”. Include books that feature musicians, composers, cultural music, or even lyric books! This year’s most read book in the music library is Olaf’s “In Summer”.
Another idea would be to combine reading with tech and have a read-aloud playing. Click HERE for elite access!
Coloring Station
This can also be turned into a listening station. Have students draw what they hear, create notation for the song, or create a story for the song to be a soundtrack to. If not, print off some fun coloring pages featuring characters with musical instruments or these color-by-rhythm sheets!
Assessment/Playing Station
Also known as, the Teacher Table. I LOVE stations because this gives me direct opportunity to accurately assess and monitor progress of each student. Granted, it takes some time, but it gives me the best information about their knowledge. My go-tos are roll-a-rhythm or roll-a-melody, rhythm/melody jumble, or instrument card games! Have students complete and perform each activity with instruments!
What are you favorite stations?