Resource: Classics For Kids
Elementary music teachers are always on the lookout for resources that are meaningful, easy to use, and one that actually works with students. Classics for Kids is one of the online resources that checks all the boxes. The site was created as an outreach project from Cincinnati’s public radio station 90.9 WGUC, the site introduces elementary-aged students to the world of classical music in a way that’s approachable, interactive, and completely free. Classics for Kids feels like it was made by music teachers, for music teachers. It includes lesson plans that are structured to align with NAfME standards, which makes it incredibly easy to plug them directly into your curriculum without a lot of extra prep. You’ll find everything from composer profiles, lesson plans, games and listening activities to worksheets and follow-up questions that are all designed to keep students engaged while meeting your instructional goals.
One of the highlights of the lesson plans that are available on the site is the way they bring composers and musical concepts to life through storytelling and audio recordins. Instead of just reading dry facts, students hear about composers as real people—people who were curious, quirky, brilliant, or sometimes just plain stubborn. It adds a level of humanity to classical music that helps students form a personal connection. And once they care about the people behind the music, they’re far more likely to engage with the music itself.
Now let’s talk about one of the most exciting parts of the site: the Music Games. You’ll find these under the “Kids” tab, and trust me, they’re worth exploring. These aren’t your typical “click and guess” games. They’re interactive tools that reinforce musical concepts in ways that are both educational and genuinely fun.
The games include activities like matching instruments to their sounds, placing composers in chronological order, and identifying musical terms through visual and audio clues. What’s great about these games is that they provide instant feedback, which helps students learn as they go and gives them a sense of accomplishment. Whether you’re using them in a tech lab, on classroom iPads, or even assigning them as part of a virtual lesson, the games offer flexible and engaging ways to deepen your students' understanding of music.
Beyond the games, the podcast section is another very cool feature. Each short episode introduces a musical idea, composer, or style in a way that’s conversational and easy to follow. You can play an episode during class and pair it with a worksheet, a discussion, or a listening activity. The podcast format is especially handy when you need a reliable sub plan or want to introduce a new topic in a quick, engaging way.
Finally, their YouTube channel has 15 short but terrific videos about various composer and musicians.
If you haven’t looked at/bookmarked Classics for Kids yet, I highly recommend making it part of your regular teaching toolkit. Use it to introduce composers, reinforce key concepts, or just to let students explore music in a fresh, self-directed way. It’s rare to find a resource that blends academic rigor with kid-friendly design so seamlessly. The next time you’re building a unit, planning a sub day, or just looking for something fun and meaningful to share with your students, head over to classicsforkids.com. Whether it’s through a game, a podcast, or a composer story, you’ll be giving your students the chance to learn about classical music in ways that are engaging and age-appropriate.