Submitted by Elaine Davis, Perkasie, Pennsylvania

Idea posted February 21, 2006

Over the years, I have tried different ideas for organizing student copies of songs from Music K-8. Last year, I tried something new that has worked extremely well. I purchased 30 three-ring binders, which is enough for all the students in my largest class. Then, I made copies of all the songs from Music K-8 that I use with my students throughout the year and laminated them. The songs are in alphabetical order in the three-ring binders. The folders are kept on a bookshelf in the hallway right outside my music room. If there is a day that we are doing a song from Music K-8, I tell the students to pick up a Music K-8 folder on the way in.

This method saves time because I don't have to take the time in class to hand out the song sheets. The song sheets stay in great condition because they are laminated, and the students can find the songs easily because they are in alphabetical order. The other great advantage is that when we do "Students' Songs of Choice" day, the students have all the Music K-8 songs in front of them from which they can choose to sing!