I’m here to share a primary reading secret. Okay, it might not be all that big of a secret any more as I have blogged about this amazing secret on more than one occasion. However, my FREEBIE packet just received a facelift so it seemed like a stellar idea for me to stand back up on my soapbox and revisit this “sorta secret.” What is this hidden gem you ask? SONG BINDERS!
Let me back up a bit and explain. If you follow me, you know I am a huge proponent of music in the classroom. Not only does it help you get those standards to stick, but it also fosters a classroom community, increases engagement, and provides perfect built-in brain breaks. What can I say? Growing up around educational music and parents who actually create it has rubbed off a bit . . . but, I digress (as usual).
The coolest part about music in the classroom is that it automatically touches three of the four modalities – auditory, kinesthetic, and tactual/emotional. With this said, you can still capture all of those visual kids by simply providing the lyrics in printed form. This is where my song binders come into play.
Song binders are a way to keep all of the lyrics of the songs you sing in an organized form for your students. However, over time, song binders also become “book” that your students can successfully read. How does this work? When you introduce a new song, provide lyrics in printed form for your students to track and sing (many of your go-to song peeps already provide these when you purchase their music). When finished singing for the day, store these sheets in a binder that your kiddos keep inside their desks. It not only makes is super easy to revisit favorite songs, but soon you will have a “book” that your children can read without the song. Just as we can remember what’s on a BIG MAC or our favorite songs in junior high, our students will follow suit with songs that teach concepts and standards. The best part is that students LOVE to pick up this “book” and read it over and over . . . many will actually beg to cozy up with these binders during their early finish and/or free time. It’s magical.
I know what you’re thinking . . . I DON’T HAVE TIME. I get it. I really do. We are expected to fit more than ever into our already jam-packed schedules. However, I’m here to tell you that it’s worth a second look. It takes less than 10 minutes 3-4 days a week. Not only will you build stronger readers, but you also will teach standards, increase fluency, and improve tracking skills.
Engagement goes through the roof during song time. It’s a rare sight to see most everyone focused during an activity. You don’t have to take my word for it. Just see for yourself . . .
Not too shabby, huh . . . just one in the bunch not really doing what is expected (at least he’s pretending). I’ll take that ANY day of the week! With this said, what do you have to lose? Give it a go this year and see for yourself. If you make the commitment and stick to it, I promise that you will see results!
On that note, I tried to make this process as easy as possible for you. Check out my FREE Song Binder download – it just received a much needed facelift too 🙂 It includes everything you need to get your binders set up for your crew. From step-by-step directions to B/W or full color dividers broken down by subject, this collection will walk you right through the process.
Alright, so there you have it. A wonderful freebie that is a must-have in primary. Sure, it requires a bit of work up front (putting them together will take you about two of your favorite shows on TV) as well as a small time commitment, but I promise that you won’t be disappointed. If you’re interested in checking this idea out a bit more and snagging a set for yourself, CLICK HERE to snag this sweet ditty. It even comes with a free tune from my pop about being in a New Grade (Ron Brown’s Intelli-Tunes). I couldn’t just hand out a song binder set-up and not hook you up with your first tune.
Thanks so much for taking the time to visit me today. I hope you feel inspired to give Song Binders a go this year. If you do, be sure to report back. I’d love to hear other stories about using these in classrooms 🙂