The start of the school year brings a special kind of chaos: new supplies, new faces, and lots of bulletin board paper.

But let me ask you this: How much of what you hang on your walls actually helps you teach?

If you’ve ever printed, laminated, and posted something just to realize... you never actually use it—this post is for you.

Here’s how to choose decor that does more—helping you reinforce routines, build independence, and save your teacher voice all year long.

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The first week of music class is a wild ride. New faces, new routines, and let’s be honest—maybe a few “accidental” drum solos before you’ve even said hello. 🎶 If you’re looking for a way to bring structure, creativity, and collaboration to those first few classes, I’ve got a rhythm-packed idea that checks all the boxes: whole group rhythm reading that leads to small group student compositions.  

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How storytelling and music can strike the right chord together in your classroom.

If you’re thinking about adding harmonica to your elementary music curriculum, don’t overlook one of your best teaching tools: picture books.

When I started using harmonicas in my classroom, it wasn’t long before I realized something: all that breathing—blow, draw, repeat—can leave students a little winded, especially in the early lessons. I needed natural stopping points to rest, refocus, and still keep the musical momentum going. That’s when I started pulling out books.

Not just any books, though. I looked for stories that connected to our harmonica journey—books with characters who played the harmonica, found their voice through music, or had something valuable to say about sound and culture. It turned out that these stories did more than just fill a break—they added depth, connection, and a whole lot of meaning.

(This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. I only recommend products that I love!) 

Why pair books with your harmonica unit?

• They provide breathing breaks with purpose. Students need time to reset. A compelling story gives them rest and re-engagement.
• They create cultural and emotional connections. Books like The Music in Derrick’s Heart and The Harmonica bring context and heart to the instrument.
• They open the door for cross-curricular learning. You’re not just teaching music—you’re linking to literacy, culture, and history.

My go-to harmonica-themed books

Stories about playing harmonica

📖 The Music in Derrick’s Heart by Gwendolyn Battle-Lavert
A moving story of a young boy who longs to play music like his uncle. This one connects powerfully with students who may be seeing themselves in the classroom narrative for the first time.  The Music in Derrick’s Heart by Gwendolyn Battle-Lavert, pub. Holiday House, 2000. ISBN: 0-8234-1353-5.

📖 The Old Cotton Blues by Linda England
A humorous take on blues music and storytelling. Great for a lighthearted moment that still centers the harmonica.  The Old Cotton Blues by Linda England, pub. Margaret K. McElderry Books, 1998. ISBN: 0-689-81074-1.

📖 The Harmonica by Tony Johnston
This haunting and beautiful picture book tells the story of a boy in a Nazi prison camp who finds hope through music. It’s a powerful way to show students how music can provide comfort in hard times. The Harmonica by Tony Johnston, pub. Charlesbridge, 2004. ISBN: 1-57091-547-4.

📖 Whale Brother by Barbara Steiner
Set in an Alaskan Inuit community, this lesser-known title adds cultural diversity to your unit.  Whale Brother by Barbara Steiner, pub. Walker and Co., 1988. ISBN: 0-8027-7460-1.

📖 Lentil by Robert McCloskey
A classroom classic! Kids love the story of Lentil and how his harmonica saves the day. A great early read to hook your students.  Lentil by Robert McCloskey, pub. Puffin Books, 1940. ISBN: 0-14-050287-4.

📖 Apt. 3 by Ezra Jack Keats, 

Sam finds the source of the music in his apartment building...and a new friend! Apt. 3 by Ezra Jack Keats, pub. Aladdin Paperbacks, 1971. ISBN: 0-689-71059-3

Sing-along Song Lyrics Books

Some books become even more fun when paired with harmonica sounds or mini play-alongs:

Fiddle-I-Fee Refrain: “fiddle-i-fee” (5-5-4-4/blow-blow-draw-blow) Cat Goes Fiddle-I-Fee by Paul Galdone, pub. Clarion Books, 1985. ISBN: 0-89919-705-1

He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands Refrain: (6-6-5-6-6-5-4-4/blow-blow-blow-blow-blow-draw-draw-blow) He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands by Kadir Nelson, pub. Dial Books, 2005. ISBN: 0-8037-2850-6

Hokey Pokey Refrain: “That’s what it’s all about” (4-4-4-4-5-5, blow, blow, blow, draw, blow, draw) Croaky Pokey by Ethan Long, pub. Holiday House, 2019. ISBN 0-82344150-4

Old MacDonald Refrain: “e-i-e-i-o” (5-5-4-4-3/blow, blow, draw, draw, blow) Old MacDonald Had a Farm illus. By Jane Cabrera, pub. Holiday House, 2020. ISBN 0-82344478-3. Old MacDonald in the City by Suzanne Williams, illus.-Thor Wickstrom, pub. Golden Books, 2002. ISBN 0-307-10685-3. Old MacDonald Had a Truck by Steven Goetz, illus. Eda Kaban, pub. Chronicle Books, 2016. ISBN 9-78145213260-0

Ten in the Bed Refrain: “roll over, roll over” (6-5-4-6-5-4/blow, blow, blow, blow, blow, blow) Ten in the Bed by Penny Dale, pub. Discovery toys, 1988. ISBN 0-939979-10-1 Ten Monsters in a Bed by Rozanne Lanczak Williams, illus. Kathleen Dunne, pub. Creative Teaching Press,1995. ISBN 0-916119-90-4

Today is Monday Refrain: “Wish the same to you” (5-5-4-4-3/ blow, blow, draw, draw, blow) Today is Monday by Eric Carle, pub. Philomel Books, 1993. ISBN 0-399-21966-8 

There Was an Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly Refrain: "Perhaps She’ll Die" (6-6-7-7/blow, draw, draw, blow) There Was an Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly by Lucille Colandro, pub. Cartwheel Books, 2014.  ISBN ‎ 0-5457866605

The Animal Boogie Refrain: "What's that creature shaking here and there" (6-6-6-5-5-4-4/blow, draw, blow, draw, blow, draw, blow) This song is NOT written in the key of C, so you would not be able to play along wth the included recording with a C harmonica,. The entire song only uses do-re-me-fa-so-la, however, so you could transpose down to the key of C and sing without the accompaniment.   The Animal Boogie by Debbie Harter, pub. Barefoot Books, 2000. ISBN: 1-902283-67-3.
 

Harmonica Sound Effects with Storybooks

Adding harmonica sound effects to picture books is a fun way to deepen listening skills and bring stories to life. Try using glissandos or pitch slides for books with up/down action, or create rhythmic background “chugga-chuggas” and train whistles for transportation tales. These little touches help students connect sound with story in creative, engaging ways.

Harmonica Sound Effects

Use glissando effects on the harmonica (slide L–R while blowing) to match words like up, down, or unexpected events in the story.

Mortimer by Robert Munsch, pub. Annick Press, 1983. ISBN: 1-55037-038-1
Up, Up, Down by Robert Munsch, pub. Annick Press, 2001. ISBN: 1-55037-778-5
Up, Down, and Around by Katherine Ayres, illus. by Nadine Bernard Westcott, pub. Candlewick Press, 2007. ISBN: 0-7636-2041-8
Fortunately by Remy Charlip, pub. Aladdin Paperbacks, 1964. ISBN: 0-689-71788-0

Train Sound Effects & Rhythms

Teach harmonica “chugga-chugga” background rhythms (try holes 1-2-3) or high/low train whistle sounds (try holes 6–7–8) to match train-themed stories.

Shortcut by Donald Crews, pub. Greenwillow Books, 1992. ISBN: 0-688-09642-6
Freight Train by Donald Crews, pub. Greenwillow Books, 1978. ISBN: 0-688-06537-6
The Little Engine That Could: 90th Anniversary Edition by Watty Piper, illus. Dan Santat (Illustrator), Dolly Parton (Introduction) pub. Grosset & Dunlap, 1954. ISBN: 0-59309439-5
Down by the Station by Jennifer Riggs Vetter, illus. Frank Remkiewicz, pub. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2006. ISBN: 0-15-205619-3
The Train Rolls On by Jodi Adams, illus. Christina Wald, pub. Jodi Adams, 2020. ISBN: 978-1-7347305-0-0

Want to see how it all fits together?

I share these strategies (and more) in my session, “Hooked on Harmonicas: Easy Wins for Student Motivation.”

👉 Click here to watch the video and download the free handout.

 
I’m also putting together a full resource with harmonica tab charts for 10 familiar classroom songs—perfect for teachers who want a jumpstart on using this tiny but powerful instrument. Join my list using the form at the bottom of this page to be the first to know when it launches!

New to harmonica in the classroom?

If you’re wondering why and how this little instrument fits into elementary music, start here with this post on the basics, benefits, and tips for getting started—even if you’ve never played before.

Final thought: Harmonicas and books may seem like an odd couple at first—but in the music room, they work together beautifully. One gives kids a voice, the other tells them a story.

I would love to hear your experience with teaching harmonica in your elementary music classroom!

Musically yours,

  

  

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Looking for a fresh way to boost engagement, confidence, and musical skills in your classroom? Try a tiny tool with big impact—the harmonica.

I first introduced harmonicas to a group of high-energy fourth grade boys who needed something different to capture their attention. It worked. They were hooked, and honestly—so was I.

Harmonicas have now become one of my favorite tools for helping students connect with music on a deeper level. Here’s why they work—and how to get started.

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. I only recommend products that I know and love. 

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🟣 From Blank Stares to Musical Magic

Let’s be real—teaching composition can feel like handing your students a blank page and saying, “Okay, now invent Beethoven.” 😅 Between standards, time constraints, and varying musical abilities, it’s no wonder many music teachers push composition to the side.

But what if I told you there’s a way to spark real creativity without the overwhelm… and without needing a conservatory degree yourself?

💭 What Kind of Composition Are We Talking About?

In this post (and in Epic Room Rescue), “composition” means creating sound-based responses to a story—not writing traditional sheet music.

Students will use classroom instruments, vocal sounds, or body percussion to build what’s often called a sound story. Some may sketch their musical ideas using iconic or graphic notation—like lines, shapes, or symbols—but the real focus is on expressive sound, not formal theory.

The result? Music that feels meaningful, creative, and accessible to every learner.

🔴 Why Teaching Music Composition Feels So Hard

Many music teachers love the idea of student composition—but dread the logistics.

🧠 Students don’t know where to start.
😩 You’re already managing behavior, rhythm skills, and limited instruments.
🎶 And let’s be honest… "Compose a melody" doesn’t exactly get kids jazzed.

The result? We either skip it, rush it, or settle for copying exercises that don’t actually teach students how to create.

⚠️ The Problem with Playing It Safe

But here’s the catch: when we skip composition, students miss out on a huge piece of their musical identity.

Without a chance to create, music can become just another subject to memorize—not a form of self-expression. And you? You miss the magic of watching your students light up when they say, “I made this!”

💡 How Picture Stories Unlock Student Creativity

The good news? You don’t need to reinvent the wheel.

One of the easiest ways to inspire original music-making—especially for elementary students—is to anchor it in storytelling.

Instead of focusing on traditional notation or writing notes on a staff, students create sound stories using instruments, body percussion, or their voices. They’re composing in the sense of organizing sound to tell a story, not crafting a classical sonata.

Think about it: kids naturally tell stories all the time. What if their music was the story?

That’s exactly the thinking behind my favorite classroom trick: using picture stories to guide musical creation.

📚 Meet Epic Room Rescue: Music Meets Adventure

One of my go-to resources for this is Epic Room Rescue: A Musical Composition Picture Story.

In this engaging activity, students follow a visual adventure—complete with characters, settings, and events—and compose musical responses to match each scene. They might use drums to echo suspense, shakers for footsteps, or high tones for surprise moments.

Think of it as composing through sound design, not staff paper. Some students may even use iconic or graphic notation (like shapes or lines) to record their ideas.

It’s like a comic book meets music class… with your students as the composers.

✅ Why Teachers (and Students) Love It

Let’s break it down teacher-style:

🎨 Feature: Picture-based story with built-in composition prompts

✨ Advantage: Kids always know what kind of musical sound to create—no blank page panic

🎉 Benefit: You get an entire lesson (or week!) of creative music-making, minus the overwhelm

Plus:

• Aligned with National Music Standards
• Perfect for grades 3–5, but adaptable for younger or older
• Works great for sub plans or enrichment
• Printable and no-prep (hello, time-saver!)

🎵 Creative Ways to Use It in Your Music Room

Need some inspiration? Try this:

✅ Mini unit finale – After learning about rhythm, melody, or dynamics, let students “compose the soundtrack” to the story.
✅ Gallery walk – Post students’ compositions and let classmates interpret each other's musical choices.
✅ Cross-curricular creativity – Pair with a writing or drama project for a full STEAM experience!

📚 Want More Story-Inspired Ideas for the Music Room?

If you’re loving the idea of using books and stories to spark music-making, don’t miss this post:
👉 Bringing Pages to Life: Making Stories Musical

It’s packed with ideas for turning read-alouds into musical experiences—plus a curated list of book titles that are perfect for your music classroom sound stories, rhythm explorations, and more.

💡 Bonus tip: Many of the books in that post work beautifully with the free Sound Story Planning Sheet, too!

🚀 Try Epic Room Rescue in Your Classroom

Ready to ditch the composition chaos and give your students a creative adventure they'll never forget?

👉 Grab Epic Room Rescue here on TPT and give it a spin this week:
🎵 Get the resource

✨ Grab a Free Planning Tool to Get Started

💌 Want a freebie to use before or alongside the full resource?

Download my Sound Story Planning Printable—a student-friendly template to sketch out the “plot” of their composition before they start. It’s the perfect primer for any storytelling-based music lesson.

🎬 Help Your Students Discover Their Inner Composers

You don’t have to be Mozart (or magic) to help your students become composers.

All it takes is a little structure, a lot of imagination, and a story worth rescuing. 😉

Let your next music lesson be the one where your students say:
“I didn’t know I could do that!” 🎶💡

Musically yours,

  

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Have you ever read a story in class and suddenly realized every kid is glued to the page, waiting to see what happens next? That’s the magic of storytelling—and when we bring that same energy into the music room, it’s a total win.

One of my favorite ways to make an elementary music lesson meaningful and fun is by turning well-loved folktales into full musical experiences. Not only does it boost engagement, but it also naturally supports music literacy, performance skills, and cross-curricular learning. And it’s easier to pull off than you might think.

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Ever teach a lesson that just clicks—where the kids are totally into it, you’re having fun, and everything flows?

That’s exactly what happened when I introduced Japan to my students during Season 2 of the Secret Chicken series. If you're not familiar, the Secret Chicken is a (very mysterious) world traveler who hides in different countries. Each episode gave me a new excuse to build a quick cultural music lesson—and when we landed on Japan, I knew it was time to go all in.

We sang Japanese children’s songs. We learned the Tokyo Ondo dance and clapped our way through taiko drum beats. And my students ate it up. They were totally immersed, moving and listening and asking great questions. After that lesson, I pulled together all the best kid-friendly videos I used—and created A Musical Visit to Japan, a free Wakelet collection that makes it easy to bring this experience to your own classroom.

If you’ve been looking for an easy way to weave world music into your teaching without hours of prep, here’s how to do it—Japan-style.

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