Do you need some songwriting templates for teaching your students song writing skills, such as rhythm and pitch? I have created a helpful set of music worksheets for first grade, second grade, third grade, fourth grade and fifth grade. Each worksheet focuses on different rhythm and pitch skills. I love to use these music worksheets every year in my elementary music class because they are very kid friendly and really guide you through each step.
Let me walk you through the different grade levels and how I use these music worksheets for elementary music lessons.
1st Grade Songwriting Template – Basic Rhythm
In first grade, we start writing quarter notes and paired eighth notes. We work a lot of manipulative that have the notes on them, such as poker chips with quarters and paired eighths on them, or rhythm building block cards, or rhythm magnets. A rhythm board on your SmartBoard is also a great option if you have that type of technology available. We even practice writing notes individually on a whiteboard.
Finally, the students get to do their final project, where they complete this worksheet to create their own 4 measure rhythm song. Students who are ready for a challenge create a second contrasting section.
Finally, students get to choose from a variety of classroom small percussion and perform their piece for the class.
Second Grade Songwriting Template – Simple Musical Form
Throughout the year, we have been learning about basic musical forms in second grade, such as ABA, ABB and ABC. Now students get to combine that knowledge along with the notes we have be working on reading and writing.
Each day, students work on a different section. Then we move on to other activities for the rest of class. However, you could easily fit this activity into one or two class periods if needed.
For a final performance, you could play some of the completed songs, and students could try and guess the correct form. Even better – have the students perform their piece and everyone analyze the form.
Third Grade Songwriting Template – Writing BAG on the Staff
Here is a small portion of the worksheet I use for third grade to teach the notes of the staff. We have worked with reading them on the recorder a lot, and then it is time to try writing. Students play Hot Cross Buns. Then they try playing a new ending to Hot Cross Buns. Then they figure out how to write down what they just played, and they write it on the worksheet.
I find that it is very helpful to first PLAY the new ending, and then write it down. This way they have to think about what they are playing AND what they are writing and make sure they match.
Fourth Grade Songwriting Template – Theme and Variation
I have posted several times about teaching theme and variation in fourth grade. I feel like it has been a struggle for my students, so I have broken it down into simpler and simpler pieces until now they can do it with understanding and ease. Click the link to read about the steps that we go through. I think they are really important for success.
The worksheet I use breaks our variation process into very, very manageable steps, so that no one gets lost along the way. I have taken all of the hard work out for you. The picture above again shows just a portion of the worksheet so you can see how it takes students step-by-step through the process.
Fifth Grade Songwriting Template- Arranging Musical Motives
I love using this worksheet each year with my fifth grade. We have just completed a unit on Recorder Martial Arts. I had the bright idea of pulling musical motives from the songs they have been working on and then having them rearrange them to create their own song.
The kids really get into this and are really thrilled to hear how their song sounds when they are done. Having a performance day where they can perform their own song would be great.
Get Your Songwriting Templates Set
If you have enjoyed these song writing ideas and would like to use these music worksheets with your elementary kids, click below and get started.
Want More Tips on How to Get Your Students Reading and Writing Music?
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2 Responses
Erin–
Congratulations and thanks for that really “bright idea” of plugging motifs into the bar structure. I’m an adult who has come to music, and lately, music writing later in life. It was unclear to me how many notes and chords would go into an 8-bar verse and that template turned on the light bulb. Put a simple chord progression like G-Em-C-D on top and it really sounds like music!
lol–(sigh!) All the songs I could have written if I’d had you as my 5th grade teacher . . .
Hi Dennis! Thanks for dropping by. I love that this template helped you. Happy song writing!