Taming the Anthill

“Taming the Anthill”, by Jean Spanko, is one of our most recommended summer reading books!

This is a book for any general music teacher, so you will identify immediately with the experiences of the author and will laugh your way through this guide to teaching general music.

Taming the Anthill is a collection of games, contests, classroom management skills, and practical suggestions for introducing fundamental skills of singing, listening, music reading, composing and keyboard.

Some of the ideas in this book were developed from seeds planted by veteran and seasoned teachers. Other strategies have evolved in the classroom through trial and error, tears and love. There are a few alka-helpers thrown in to help preserve your mental health.

You may possess the newest piano in your district or the state's finest stereo system, but until you create an environment in which the kids become your allies in the battle of musical wills, no plan of instruction can truly flourish. You've got to tame the anthill.

REVIEW: This book is for any teacher that has ever taught middle school general music classes. You will identify immediately with the experiences of the author and will laugh your way through this guide to teaching general music. This is the best book on teaching general music that I’ve ever read!