One Song, Many Lessons: Folk Songs with Staying Power

Friday, January 23, 2026
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

Description
Discover how to make the most of every folk song in your curriculum! In this interactive session, we’ll explore two classic folk songs and demonstrate a variety of engaging extension activities that go far beyond just singing or playing the game. From focusing on rhythmic and melodic concepts to movement, improv, and composition, you’ll walk away with fun, practical ways to make your songs and your students’ learning go even further across multiple lessons. Perfect for elementary music teachers looking to add depth, creativity, and longevity to their repertoire!
Melissa Stouffer
Speakers
Melissa Stouffer
Zach VanderGraaff
Learning Objective 1
Attendees will be able to identify multiple extension activities that deepen students’ musical understanding using familiar folk songs.
Learning Objective 2
Attendees will be able to adapt folk song activities to support a variety of learning goals, including rhythm, melody, movement, creativity, and cross-curricular connections
Learning Objective 3
Attendees will be able to create and apply lesson plans that use a single folk song as a foundation for sustained, engaging instruction across multiple class periods.
Session Level
Elementary, Middle School/Junior High, Collegiate, Administrator