The first few days back to school are very important for relationship building. Teaching becomes easier when your students trust you, trust the space, and trust each other. Establishing routine and expectations are also necessary and take a lot of time to practice. But this helps the music-making and exploration processes. Here are some easy back to school activities to do in your music room! 1.) Musical Would You Rather? It’s like normal would you rather, but with music! Create “yes” and “no” spaces in your room. This could be sitting vs standing, this wall vs that wall, different colors of hula hoops, etc. Ask a question using music- such as “Would you rather listen to loud music or quiet music?” and students will have to make a decision. Click here for premade slides with questions! 2.) Student Summer Reflections It has been a long time since you last saw your students. There have been weeks that passed with lots of opportunities for them (and yourself) to encounter music! These can include movies, shows, video games, concerts, shopping, radio, festivals, sporting events, the list goes on and on! Have your students think about their favorite experience and draw it for you! They can draw the instruments they heard, what they were doing when they heard the music, or who they were with! Click here for journal reflection pages! 3) Bop or Flop Another get-to-know-you game shows you the kind of music your students are interested in. Play a short piece of a song and ask your students if it’s a bop (👍🏻) or a flop (👎🏻)! Also insist that they have a reason- usually one to do with the musical elements. This game is easy to change up often and works well with themes! Have fun bonding and getting to know your students with these back-to-school music activities!