About
My name is Jane Rivera. Next year will mark my 30th and final year teaching Elementary Vocal Music to public school students between the ages of 5 and 11. Teaching music is so much a part of me that I’m not exactly sure who I’ll be once I’m no longer doing it. I believe that it is a vital and necessary part of a child’s education, and before I go, I want to leave something behind that may be of use to those who continue on or come after me. So, I’ve decided to blog my daily lesson plans in as much detail as possible. Maybe you’ll find something here you can use, and maybe add some ideas of your own!
Almost forgot…I have another blog on life in general at http://youonlyhavetogetthrutoday.wordpress.com/
Please stop by!
Aug 16, 2011 @ 16:29:52
Hi Jane,
Thanks for sharing Dooby Doo with the children and with those that read your blog!
You have tons of great ideas. Thanks.
Paul
Here are a couple more tunes of mine you might like.
http://www.tunecore.com/music/tythetrex
Aug 16, 2011 @ 16:41:13
Thank you, Paul! :0)
Apr 07, 2012 @ 12:09:49
Do you have ONE list of the items in your retirement sale? Saw several things I am interested in, but don’t want to miss something.
Apr 07, 2012 @ 15:10:37
I don’t at the moment, Christi. I’ve just been listing things as I finish with them, or know that I won’t need them again. I will sit down and consolidate everything that’s there so far into one new post. If you are subscribed, (click on “follow”), you’ll get an email anytime I post something, including retirement sale items.
Thanks for reading! :0)
Jane
Oct 24, 2011 @ 19:05:40
Jane,
I am a K-5 music teacher in Hawaii, and I stumbled on your website. I think this is the one of the most valuable resources I have found on the internet. It is so helpful to know that you are using these lessons in your classes, and that you have tried these over a lifetime of teaching. I value your experience. I’ll continue to visit and gather ideas – as I am a 4th year teacher myself. I look forward to your wonderful creative ideas, and commitment to music education.
Thanks,
Joe
Oct 24, 2011 @ 21:33:23
Hi Joe,
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. It really makes me happy that you find the blog valuable! K-5 is what I ‘ve been doing all these years as well, so if I leave something behind here that you can pick up and use , in a way, I keep teaching. Thanks for stopping by…glad to hear you’ll be back!
:0)
Jane
Nov 21, 2011 @ 09:24:46
Hi Jane. I haven’t been following closely – do you by any chance have a copy of “The Thing in Dolores’ Piano”? I used a library copy years ago (this is my 41st!!!! year) but haven’t been able to locate it.
Thanks.
Emily
Nov 21, 2011 @ 09:27:18
Hi Emily,
I don’t have that one, but if I run across it I’ll grab it for you. Congratulations on 41 years of teaching!!!! That’s dedication!!!
:0)
Jane
Jan 17, 2012 @ 23:15:25
I would like to buy the book My First Classical Music.
Please send me the details as to where I send my check.
Thank you,
Diane Spielman
Jan 18, 2012 @ 06:09:49
Sent you an email this morning, Diane. Thanks!
Mar 10, 2012 @ 15:41:27
Hi Jane,
thanks for sharing your work with A JAZZY DAY app,
It’s great to see real time use of our app with kids!
Would love to hear your feedback on the app and pass around a few ideas when you get the chance
best
Daniel
Mar 10, 2012 @ 15:43:29
hi Jane,
Thanks for mentioning A JAZZY DAY app in your blog.
It’s great to see our app being used in real time classroom situations.
I’d love to hear your feedback on the app and pass a few ideas around when you have the chance
best
Daniel
Apr 22, 2012 @ 20:03:54
Hello Jane!
Thank you for your blog, it is very helpful to me. I am a brand new teacher and I am preparing for our school’s 5th grade recognition or graduation in a few weeks. Do you have any song suggestions for 5th grade graduation? Thank you!
Kitty
Apr 22, 2012 @ 20:54:31
hi Kitty,
I don’t know what resources you have at you school, but there is the Old Irish Blessing from Music k-8, or “For Good” from Wicked. There’s a very nice version in Music Express Magazine. I’ve used both of those in the past. Thismyear will be kind of special, since it’s my last. I’m thinking of making a few changes to the lyrics and singing Billy Joel’s “Lullaby” with the kids. (good Night My Angel, but I’ll change it to Angels.). There are lots of karaoke versions of songs that you can get from iTunes and create your own arrangements, too. Hope that helps a little. Thanks for reading the blog! I’m glad you find it helpful! :0)
May 10, 2012 @ 15:36:11
Hello Jane. I would like to know what all you still have available for sale as this is my first year teaching music and I need some resources.
May 11, 2012 @ 18:10:17
Hi Jamie,
I’ve been listing things a bit at a time, so your best bet is to subscribe to the blog. You’ll get an email every time I post. I still have a fair number of books, VHS tapes and DVDs. I also have some puppets, but my daughter in law is a psychologist and uses them to help children express themselves, so I’ll only make available those that she doesn’t want. I put some things on sale every week or two, and the closer we get to the end of the year the more I can put up as I finish using it. Stay tuned! ( Coming soon….The Marvelous Musical Mansion, The Magic School Bus in The Haunted Mansion, john Feierabend’s “Move It” and lots of other stuff).
May 27, 2012 @ 15:24:13
Are your “for sale” items up to date? Just finished the school year and saw some items I might like to have for next year.
May 27, 2012 @ 18:21:02
Check the comments at the bottom of the page.
Not all are entirely up to date, but I
Try to keep after it. Stay tuned. I’ll
Be listing a boatload of stuff shortly. (No Internet access
Right now.)
Jun 19, 2012 @ 01:00:01
Hi Jane,
I completed my music education undergraduate this year & have just accepted my first teaching job for the next school year as a general/choral music teacher, PreK-6. Beginning to plan for the year is pretty overwhelming, but I just happened to find your blog while working on a Copland lesson plan and I think it’s one of the most valuable resources I’ve found on the web. Just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to share; I am happy to now have one more great resource for some tried & true ideas — so from a beginning teacher to a veteran, thanks very much for the help! Congratulations on your retirement.
Jun 19, 2012 @ 02:59:22
Thank you, Cameron! I just finished cleaning out my room today, so I’m officially retired!
I still have the last 3 weeks of school to write about. After that I need to start going through all of the stuff I brought home, and record some of the lessons that I didn’t get to this year. I also hope to travel, and visit other teachers. So, this could become a travel/lesson blog.
I’m SO happy that you find this information useful! Thanks for letting me know! :0D
Sep 15, 2012 @ 22:40:51
Jane,
Thank you so much for creating this site! I recently switched from teaching first grade to music. Before finding Tuesday Music, I was completely clueless on how to begin lesson planning. You have been a Godsend to me! I am hanging on your every post, and am in desperate need for weeks 4 and 5 lesson plans. Please help! Thank you again for everything! I hope you’re enjoying retirement (though you’re teaching days should never end as we are all learning so much from you!)
Sep 16, 2012 @ 20:15:11
http://tuesdaymusic.wordpress.com/2011/09/14/the-week-in-a-nutshell-friday-september-16-primaries/
Sep 16, 2012 @ 20:18:10
http://tuesdaymusic.wordpress.com/2011/09/15/the-week-in-a-nutshell-friday-september-16-2011-intermediates/
Hi Heather,
In the comment box above and this one I’ve posted links to the 4 th week intermediate and primary lessons.
I’m so glad this is a useful site for you! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. Best of luck in transitioning from 1st grade to music…I know you will love it!
:0(
Jane
Nov 27, 2012 @ 21:48:00
This site is amazing! As your former student I cannot wait to review this site and apply it to my future classroom. Thank you Mrs. Rivera. You are one of my major influences in my decision to be a music educator!
Nov 28, 2012 @ 07:08:37
Lydia! How cool is it for one of my own students to find and use my site?! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. It means the world to me to have had a part in your decision to go into music! Because of students like you, you will find it most rewarding, and you’ll never regret it. Stay in touch!
Nov 28, 2012 @ 07:10:12
Your comment made my whole day!
Jan 14, 2013 @ 10:54:22
Hey Jane sorry to hear you are retiring I am first year music teacher, scraping by and surviving
Thank you for imparting your knowledge!
Feb 01, 2013 @ 23:57:04
Looking for a CD copy of The Remarkable Farkle McBride for my ballet class can you help me
Feb 02, 2013 @ 00:14:36
I don’t have it any longer. Kathy. I ‘d guess that your quickest and best bet is Amazon.
Feb 03, 2013 @ 16:58:30
Thanks for the reply we are still looking
Mar 16, 2013 @ 21:43:35
Hi Jane,
I found your blog on Pinterest. I’m looking forward to getting fresh new ideas from you…especially with the young ones. Take Care!
Mar 19, 2013 @ 11:54:25
I love your blog! What an amazing find for any music teacher. I was wondering…do you have any of your books still for sale? Or have they all sold? Thanks so much!