First We Sing! Kodály-Inspired Teaching and its companion volumes offer guidance and direction for teachers who are new to the Kodály approach. Experienced teachers will find fresh ideas to supplement their materials, along with another perspective on Kodály’s philosophy and its implications for teaching today. This TEACHING GUIDE begins with an overview of the Kodály approach and a brief introduction to the philosophy, its tools and materials. It includes a detailed explanation of the “three-step process” (Prepare, Present, Practice) toward musical literacy, as well as a comprehensive look at musical skills and the ways they develop over time. Teachers will find K-5 curriculum mapping and yearly plans to daily lesson plans, suggestions for choosing and using quality repertoire and building a personal song collection. Lists of easy-to-find songs suggested for reading and writing at each grade level are included, indexed by element and motive. This revised edition includes an updated and expanded index of suggested songs, rhymes and games, along with art music for active listening and reading exercises for each element.

The First, We Sing! books reflect a commitment to discovering, documenting and sharing accurate, interesting and useful information about song material used throughout the series. As teachers, we must understand the critical importance of adjusting and reworking curriculum materials as times and the needs of our students change. Ongoing research also provides an opportunity to examine and reconsider widely used “standard” repertoire and to suggest more culturally sensitive and relevant options. Consequently, several books in the First, We Sing! series have undergone significant revisions, including the Teaching Guide and Teaching Strategies for both Primary and Intermediate grades. New editions contain updated song lists and revised lessons for teaching various elements. Purchasers of the original materials can download the updated pages here.