If you’ve ever had those last 5–10 minutes of music class turn into a whirlwind of chatter and fidgeting, you’re not alone. The transition between your class and the next activity can be tricky—students are excited, energy is high, and the classroom teacher is soon to show up at the door.
Here’s the simple shift that changed my classroom management for good: end-of-class listening time.
Why End-of-Class Listening Time Works
A calm close to your lesson is more than just peaceful—it’s powerful. Ending with a focused listening activity helps students:
- Transition smoothly to their next class without chaos.
- Develop active listening skills by identifying instruments, melodies, and styles.
- Develops their repertoire of classical music while relaxing their bodies and minds.
Instead of rushing through a last-minute activity, you create a predictable routine your students love. And honestly, it helped me too as a music teacher- a chance to rest my voice and to listen to beautiful classical music for a bit.
Here are some excellent online articles about the benefits of listening to classical music for children:
My Go-To Resource: A Child’s Introduction to the Orchestra
One tool I can’t recommend enough is A Child’s Introduction to the Orchestra (Revised and Updated). This book comes with 37 audio recordings, each paired with engaging facts about the instruments and music.
My routine was simple:
- Let a student name an instrument from the orchestra.
- Turn to that page in the book.
- Read the paragraph, then play the matching recording.
This took just the last 10 minutes of class—but by the time the teacher picked them up, my students were calm, focused, and quietly engaged.
Go Further with “Color and Listen” Printables
This trick of doing active listening time at the end of class is what inspired me to create Color and Listen activities. It takes the listening one step further, with focused questions for students to answer. Plus read-alouds about the composer, and of course coloring! They are perfect for themed listening throughout the year too (Fall/Halloween, Winter/Christmas, etc.)
Each one pairs classical music listening with coloring pages and guided prompts, so students can:
- Listen actively with targeted questions.
- Express creativity through coloring while absorbing the music.
- Learn about composers, music history, and orchestral instruments in a relaxed format.
Quick Tips for Successful Listening Time
- Set the tone early – Start at the beginning of the year, and let students know this is a quiet, focused activity.
- Rotate between books and coloring activities to keep things fresh.
- Tie listening to your lesson objectives—connect what they hear to what they’ve learned that day.
Check out these online articles about the benefits of listening to classical music for children:
- “The Benefits of Classical Music for Children” – Classic FM
Read here
Explains how classical music can improve concentration, emotional regulation, and cognitive skills, with practical tips for introducing it to kids. - “How Classical Music Benefits Children” – National Association for Music Education (NAfME)
Read here
Details the developmental, emotional, and academic benefits, supported by research studies. - “Can Classical Music Make Kids Smarter?” – Verywell Family
Read here
Discusses the “Mozart Effect,” its myths, and the real long-term benefits of exposing children to classical music. - “Why Classical Music is Great for Kids” – BBC Music
Read here
Features age-appropriate recommendations and examples of classical works kids love. - “5 Reasons to Introduce Your Kids to Classical Music” – Parents.com
Read here
Highlights social, emotional, and brain development benefits with suggestions for fun listening activities.
