I agree about needing more diversity than what's in the Feierabend curriculum. I like to use other materials within the Feierabend structure as well. I started bringing in more world music last year, and the kids loved it. Are there any listening suggestions you could make from jazz and blues that would be good for movement?

Without measured assessments, how do we show the progress of an individual student's development in any subject? My assessment system for elementary music uses a simple rubric which helps me to monitor the student's development of vocal and rhythm skills and inform parents of their progress. I also inform parents of the student's level of participation and cooperation in music activities. Is it fair to measure the kids' progress in these four categories and share the information with them and their parents? You bet it is! My students and their parents agree. This system holds me accountable for teaching the standards and holds the kids accountable for being on task in music class. It also justifies my program and builds the students' confidence by demonstrating their progress, which almost always improves. My elementary assessment rubric: http://sites.google.com/site/holycrossindymusic/general-music/assessment My middle school band assessment rubric (scroll to the bottom): http://sites.google.com/site/holycrossindymusic/band

Start with John Feierabend's First Steps in Music curriculum, then pick up his other books for more songs you can add to the curriculum. Feierabend's CD's, including Keeping the Beat! and Move It!, help you to use recordings of great classical music for movement activities. I use the songs and recordings from Feierabend's resources for all my classes from ages 3 to 6. I use selections from these materials with older students as well.