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Here are some online resources for music learning at home:

Pitch Pattern Practice:
In music class, we always start with an Echo Circle, where the students echo different rhythms and pitch patterns. This helps practice the patterns that come up in the songs we learn in class, making it easier to learn new songs and easier to learn how to read music. Here are some YouTube videos to practice these pitch patterns at home. Singing and listening:
  • Che Che Koolay (or Kye Kye Kule): This call and response song from Ghana is great song to sing at home. Students can learn the song by echoing the video. They can also learn one of the instrument parts on an at home instrument or using body percussion (clapping, patting, stomping). For a translation of the song, go to: https://www.mamalisa.com/?t=es&p=3215
  • Beth's Notes: A resource for children's songs and song games.
  • Mama Lisa's World: You can find children's songs from around the world as well as singing games on this website. For most of the songs, there are links to YouTube videos or audio clips to help you learn the song at home!
  • Nursery Rhymes: This site provides lyrics for many nursery rhymes that can me sung or chanted with 2nd graders as well as younger siblings.
  • In the Hall of the Mountain King: Here's a live version of Grieg's In the Hall of the Mountain King, a song we move to and study in class.
  • The Nutcracker: This famous ballet and Russian children's story is performed year after year around the holiday time. Here's a full version on YouTube from the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia.
  • Fantasia 2000: Fantasia 2000 is a remake of Disney's original Fantasia, a serious of animate films set to classical music. These films are charming and appropriate for the whole family. Here are some YouTube clips from the movie: Carnival of the Animals, Shostakovich Piano Concerto No. 2, Pines of Rome, and Firebird Suite
  • Peter and the Wolf: This is a YouTube clip of the famous children's story/musical work Peter and the Wolf. This version has story book pictures to help narrate the story. Here's a version that shows a video of an orchestra performing Peter and the Wolf: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfM7Y9Pcdzw
  • Carnival of the Animals: This is another famous children's classical music piece. These YouTube clips show each movement and pictures of the animals they represent. Kids love to move and dance to these short pieces! You can play one of the songs, and have the students guess what animal it is! Or have students draw what they hear.
Online activities:
  • Over in the Meadow: There are many great children's songs and videos on YouTube. Here's a great one that everyone can sing along to! There are also many more to choose from here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf_8ZTFvJeS8U60W8C8PGhA
  • Ideas for music apps: This website lists a couple of good apps for iPads that will give your kids a chance to explore music electronically.
  • PBS Kids: Here are some interactive music games designed for kids. 
  • Classics for Kids: This is a program through the Cincinnati Public Radio that has weekly programs about different composers designed for kids to enjoy. The website also has some games and information about different composers.
  • Rhythm Practice: Students can practice their rhythm reading with this interactive quiz. 
Off-line activities:
  • Make your own musical instrument: This website has some great DIY musical instrument ideas, from the more simple paper plate shaker to the more advanced PVC pipe flute.
  • Note writing practice: Students can practice writing the rhythms we have been learning in class.
  • Make your own composition: With this sheet, your second graders can write their own music. They can either speak the rhythm after, or play it on a homemade instrument!