TeachersFirst's Self Care for Educators
View this collection of resources offering nurturing to the nurturers and acknowledging the unique challenges faced by those who dedicate their lives to shaping young minds. In the demanding world of education, where giving is constant and burnout is common, these carefully curated tools and resources are designed to help educators replenish their own wells of resilience and compassion. This collection recognizes that teacher well-being directly impacts student success, from podcasts to meditation to puzzles for brain breaks. Find practical, evidence-based approaches to physical, emotional, and professional self-care that can be seamlessly integrated into even the busiest educator's schedule.
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6 Self-Care and Wellness Resources for Teachers and School Employees - Panorama Education
Grades
K to 12
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The article "6 Self-Care and Wellness Resources for Teachers and School Employees" from Panorama Education highlights six resources designed to support teacher wellness and self-care...more
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The article "6 Self-Care and Wellness Resources for Teachers and School Employees" from Panorama Education highlights six resources designed to support teacher wellness and self-care in educational settings. The Mindfulness Resource Pack is first and is a collection of mindfulness activities and tools from Panorama Education and Open Circle, including a self-care practice guide and a Spotify playlist to help educators develop personal mindfulness practices. Second is the Adult SEL Toolkit for 2022-23. These are Resources aligned with CASEL's implementation framework that supports educator well-being and builds capacity for social-emotional learning (SEL). Third is the SEL and Self-Care Resources Related to COVID-19, a compilation of vetted resources to help educators manage anxiety and adapt to distance learning. The fourth is the District Leader's Guide to Building Teacher Capacity for SEL. These are strategies for district and school leaders to support teachers in creating optimal social-emotional and academic learning environments based on teacher feedback. Next is the Mindfulness for Educators Guide, a resource for developing personal mindfulness practices, including breathing exercises and methods for cultivating mindfulness in students and colleagues. Last is a Comprehensive Guide to Adult SEL, a research-based guide offering actionable strategies for addressing teachers' social-emotional needs, including various approaches to adult SEL and best practices for implementation and measurement. Each resource includes a downloadable component or guide accessible through the website.
tag(s): mental health (48), professional development (385)
In the Classroom
Teachers can implement social-emotional learning in the classroom. Teachers can begin to look deeper into their mental health and well-being. Teachers can discuss ways to focus more on mental health for themselves and their students.Teacher Self Care: Free Online Tools for When You Lack the Will to Teach - E2e's Teacher Self Care: Free Online Tools for When You Lack th
Grades
K to 12
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View different scenarios with tips to motivate teachers. Find web tool suggestions for various topics, including For When You're a Disorganized Mess, For When Your Classroom (or Your...more
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View different scenarios with tips to motivate teachers. Find web tool suggestions for various topics, including For When You're a Disorganized Mess, For When Your Classroom (or Your Mind) is a Circus, and For When You Need To Let Someone Else Do The Teaching.
tag(s): mental health (48), social and emotional learning (100)
In the Classroom
Try the different activities and web resources suggested on the website.FREE Self-Care Teacher Toolkit - The Self Care Toolkit
Grades
K to 12
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The FREE Self-Care Teacher Toolkit is a quick journal-type entry that allows teachers to think about themselves. Activities include creating a list of tools to eliminate stress, when...more
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The FREE Self-Care Teacher Toolkit is a quick journal-type entry that allows teachers to think about themselves. Activities include creating a list of tools to eliminate stress, when did I last..., remove negativity, top 10, and more. After creating a free account, you can download the file.
tag(s): mental health (48), social and emotional learning (100)
In the Classroom
Try the different activities in the toolkit and discuss ways to implement self-care within the school itself.Teacher Tips for Practicing Self-Care - Nearpod Blog
Grades
K to 12
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Nearpod's blog post "Practicing self-care for teachers: Tips to support educators' wellbeing" features a list of the top ten teachers' self-care and tips for educators to ensure everyone's...more
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Nearpod's blog post "Practicing self-care for teachers: Tips to support educators' wellbeing" features a list of the top ten teachers' self-care and tips for educators to ensure everyone's well-being. Educators should provide social-emotional learning training (SEL), create spaces where self-care strategies can occur, get buy-in or feedback, and share teachable moments.
tag(s): mental health (48), social and emotional learning (100)
In the Classroom
Teachers can implement social-emotional learning in the classroom. Teachers can begin to look deeper into their mental health and well-being. Discuss ways to focus more on mental health for themselves and their students.Self-Care for Educators - Dr. Tina H. Boogren
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K to 12
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The "Self-Care for Educators" podcast, hosted by Dr. Tina H. Boogren--a lifelong educator and author--aims to help educators become happy, healthy, inspired, and effective in their...more
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The "Self-Care for Educators" podcast, hosted by Dr. Tina H. Boogren--a lifelong educator and author--aims to help educators become happy, healthy, inspired, and effective in their roles. The podcast covers various topics, including understanding the differences between self-care, self-comfort, and self-indulgence, and offers practical advice on setting achievable self-care goals, such as staying hydrated. By listening to this podcast, teachers can gain valuable insights and strategies to enhance their well-being, prevent burnout, and maintain a positive and productive presence in the classroom.
tag(s): mental health (48), podcasts (107), professional development (385), Teacher Utilities (192)
In the Classroom
Teachers can listen to an episode during their commute or morning routine to set a positive tone for the day and gain actionable self-care strategies. The podcast offers simple, practical advice (like staying hydrated or setting boundaries) that teachers can immediately apply to their routines to prevent burnout. School leaders or teacher teams can use podcast episodes as discussion starters in staff meetings or professional learning communities (PLCs) to promote a culture of well-being. Educators can use the podcast topics as prompts for self-reflection, journaling, or discussions with colleagues about improving work-life balance.The FuelEd blog - Megan Marcus
Grades
K to 12
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FuelEd Schools emphasizes that authentic self-care for teachers goes beyond superficial activities, focusing instead on deep self-love and self-preservation. This approach acknowledges...more
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FuelEd Schools emphasizes that authentic self-care for teachers goes beyond superficial activities, focusing instead on deep self-love and self-preservation. This approach acknowledges core needs for wellness and healing, especially in the face of challenges like secondary traumatic stress. Moreover, FuelEd advocates for integrating self-care with community care, recognizing that individual wellness impacts the collective and vice versa. They highlight the importance of building emotionally intelligent educators through training in empathy, self-awareness, and secure relationship-building, fostering a supportive school culture that benefits both teachers and students.
tag(s): mental health (48), podcasts (107), professional development (385), Teacher Utilities (192)
In the Classroom
Instead of focusing solely on surface-level self-care (like spa days), teachers can implement self-preservation strategies that address emotional and mental well-being, such as setting boundaries and practicing self-compassion. FuelEd emphasizes the power of connection so teachers can use their training to foster stronger relationships with students, colleagues, and administrators through empathy and active listening. Teachers can engage in self-reflection activities to better understand their triggers, stressors, and emotional responses, helping them navigate challenges with resilience. By advocating for community care, teachers can work with peers to create a culture where educators support one another's growth and well-being, leading to a more positive school environment.The Teacher Self-Care Toolkit - Routledge
Grades
K to 12
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This document supports educators by including chapters from bestselling Eye on Education titles. Featured chapters address mindset, working with peers and the empowerers, and more....more
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This document supports educators by including chapters from bestselling Eye on Education titles. Featured chapters address mindset, working with peers and the empowerers, and more. Each chapter contains specific ideas and examples of implementing proven self-care strategies as a personal learning experience.
tag(s): mental health (48), professional development (385)
In the Classroom
Although this document includes ideas and valuable information for individual learners, it is also a helpful guide for use with a peer learning group. Consider reading a chapter monthly and using it as a discussion topic for your learning group. Use AI tools such as Claude, reviewed here or Perplexity, reviewed here to generate a list of questions to guide your discussions.
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Module 3: Self-Care Guide for All Staff - National Center on Safe and Supportive Learning Environments
Grades
K to 12
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This learning module guides educators through exploring personal stress points and offers constructive ideas for creating a personal self-care plan. Although the module works for individuals,...more
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This learning module guides educators through exploring personal stress points and offers constructive ideas for creating a personal self-care plan. Although the module works for individuals, pairs, and small groups, the authors recommend pursuing the module with at least one other person. Components include evaluation of personal stress, developing resilience, and self-care every day. As a final activity, participants complete a custom self-care plan using the included organizers.
tag(s): mental health (48), professional development (385)
In the Classroom
Share this module with peers as a guide to learn about the importance and benefits of self-care personally and professionally. Use an AI tool such as ChatGPT, reviewed here to plan a schedule for completing the module. For example, include the link to this document and ask ChatGPT to create a 6-week schedule to complete all activities.
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Module 8: Self-Care for Educators - Distance Learning Consortium
Grades
K to 12
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This printable presentation offers a comprehensive learning module for educators. The three outcomes include defining and identifying self-care benefits, warning signs of burnout and...more
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This printable presentation offers a comprehensive learning module for educators. The three outcomes include defining and identifying self-care benefits, warning signs of burnout and fatigue, and strategies for engaging in self-care behaviors. Embedded within the module is a link to a self-assessment, additional articles, and suggestions for phone wellness apps.
tag(s): mental health (48), professional development (385)
In the Classroom
Use this teaching module, either personally or within a group, to understand the importance of self-care and begin implementing strategies that improve teacher well-being. If working with a group, create a Padlet, reviewed here to share wellness resources and document the implementation of wellness strategies.
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A Teacher's Pump-Up Playlist to Get You Through Your Day - Education World
Grades
K to 12
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Some days are just tough, and you need a source of energy to get through. This high-energy playlist includes motivational songs that are sure to boost your energy and keep ...more
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Some days are just tough, and you need a source of energy to get through. This high-energy playlist includes motivational songs that are sure to boost your energy and keep you going. Each song on the list includes a video link, or you can follow the included link to access the playlist on Spotify. Suggestions for times to play songs are included; for example, use "Don't Worry, Be Happy" to get you through that upcoming staff meeting!
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tag(s): classroom management (120), mental health (48), professional development (385), songs (46)
In the Classroom
Save this list or add the playlist to your Spotify account to boost your spirits and increase energy throughout the school year. Share ideas with other teachers and create a school playlist for educators. Include songs from the list as a class anthem; for example, play a motivational song as students enter the classroom to get the day off to a good start or play a favorite tune as students pack up to go home at the end of the day.The Best Teacher Playlist: 20 Songs to De-Stress - Twinkl
Grades
K to 12
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Twinkl shares a twenty-song playlist for teachers to use for mental health purposes to make grading, lesson planning, and other professional activities less stressful. Songs range from...more
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Twinkl shares a twenty-song playlist for teachers to use for mental health purposes to make grading, lesson planning, and other professional activities less stressful. Songs range from soft rock classics like Ventura Highway to eclectic choices such as Nino Rota's La Dolce Vita. Each song choice includes a summary of the song and suggestions for use. The playlist is available on Spotify.
tag(s): mental health (48), professional development (385), songs (46)
In the Classroom
Play this list in the background to make everyday professional tasks more enjoyable. If you don't use Spotify, recreate this list in your favorite podcast player, such as Apple Podcast or Google Player. You can find many of these songs on YouTube and add them to a personal playlist for listening.Teacher Self-Care Bingo - Teaching Channel
Grades
K to 12
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In today's high-pressure world of education, teacher self-care is vital for mental well-being and maintaining high teaching standards; however, finding time for yourself can be difficult....more
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In today's high-pressure world of education, teacher self-care is vital for mental well-being and maintaining high teaching standards; however, finding time for yourself can be difficult. This downloadable Bingo card provides ready-to-use activities to promote self-care. Choose from simple yet helpful choices like watching TV or enjoying a pumpkin-spiced treat to clear your mind and take a break from professional responsibilities.
tag(s): mental health (48), professional development (385)
In the Classroom
Reward yourself by taking mental breaks and energizing your spirit using this Bingo card. Print the card before placing it in a prominent area of your classroom or home to remind yourself to take mental health breaks. As a reward for completing a Bingo, treat yourself to a small reward such as a new outfit or book. Use this Bingo card as inspiration to personalize a Bingo card to match your interests using the Bingo Card Card Generator, reviewed here.
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Educator Self Care Activities: Perfect for Staff PD - CounselingwithMrB
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K to 12
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Educator Self Care Activities: Perfect for Staff PD from Counseling with Mr. B is a five-minute video featuring five low-maintenance/inexpensive activities to promote self-care...more
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Educator Self Care Activities: Perfect for Staff PD from Counseling with Mr. B is a five-minute video featuring five low-maintenance/inexpensive activities to promote self-care and wellness. Tips include a self-care activity with a cup, life wheel, gratitude bulletin board, holiday cheer, and affirmations.
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tag(s): mental health (48)
In the Classroom
Teachers can perform the activities Mr. B shares in his video. Teachers can begin to look deeper into their mental health and well-being and discuss ways to focus more on mental health for themselves and their students.The Educator's Room Presents: The Teacher Self-Care Podcast - The Educator's Room Presents: The Teacher Self-Care Podcast
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K to 12
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The Educator's Room Presents: The Teacher Self-Care Podcast enables teachers to learn about self-care, teachers' mental health, and how to change schools and policies. Episodes...more
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The Educator's Room Presents: The Teacher Self-Care Podcast enables teachers to learn about self-care, teachers' mental health, and how to change schools and policies. Episodes include wellness as liberation, how to self-advocate in a toxic school culture, the essence of anxiety, using your passion to fuel your care and more. Podcasts range in length from nineteen minutes to over fifty minutes. Apple Music is the podcast streaming service.
tag(s): mental health (48), professional development (385), Teacher Utilities (192)
In the Classroom
Teachers can begin to examine their mental health and well-being more deeply and discuss ways to focus more on mental health for themselves and their students.An Exercise in Self Compassion - Dr. Kristin Neff
Grades
K to 12
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This TedEd video encourages self-compassion. Narrated by Dr. Kristin Neff, the video begins by explaining that self-compassion involves treating yourself with kindness. The exercise...more
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This TedEd video encourages self-compassion. Narrated by Dr. Kristin Neff, the video begins by explaining that self-compassion involves treating yourself with kindness. The exercise guides viewers through a simple practice: Think about a situation causing you stress or emotional pain, acknowledge the suffering with mindfulness, notice the feelings without judgment, recognize that suffering is part of the shared human experience, place your hands over your heart or another soothing spot, offer yourself words of kindness and support. The video ends by encouraging you to incorporate this simple practice into your daily life to build emotional strength and well-being.
tag(s): mental health (48), professional development (385), Teacher Utilities (192)
In the Classroom
This guide offers teachers self-care strategies through setting boundaries, maintaining clear work hours, creating separate grading spaces, and learning to say no to extra commitments. Your classroom management routines should reduce decision fatigue by implementing transition timers and developing systems for student independence.How to Reduce Teacher Stress: Self-Care Strategies for 2025 - The Cool Cat Teacher
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K to 12
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The Cool Cat Teacher podcast episode "How to Reduce Teacher Stress: Self-Care Strategies for 2025" with Dr. Rachael George explores practical strategies to help educators manage stress...more
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The Cool Cat Teacher podcast episode "How to Reduce Teacher Stress: Self-Care Strategies for 2025" with Dr. Rachael George explores practical strategies to help educators manage stress and maintain well-being. Dr. George shares five key approaches: setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, fostering a supportive community, streamlining tasks, and focusing on personal and professional growth. The episode offers actionable tips that teachers can implement immediately to prevent burnout, sustain their energy, and find fulfillment in their work. If your district blocks YouTube, then the video may not be viewable.
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tag(s): mental health (48), professional development (385), Teacher Utilities (192)
In the Classroom
Use organizational tools like checklists, timers, or student helpers to simplify daily routines and reduce unnecessary workload. Encourage a growth mindset by setting small, achievable goals for yourself and your students, reinforcing the importance of continuous learning without overwhelming pressure. To create a positive, low-stress atmosphere, foster a supportive environment with peer check-ins, group discussions, and team-building activities. Establish specific times for grading and communication to avoid burnout, and model healthy boundaries by encouraging students to balance work and rest.The Purring Test - TED
Grades
3 to 12
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Looking for a quick, engaging brain break? TED's "The Purring Test" offers just that and more. Perfect for adding a playful twist to your classroom, TED's first game, The Purring ...more
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Looking for a quick, engaging brain break? TED's "The Purring Test" offers just that and more. Perfect for adding a playful twist to your classroom, TED's first game, The Purring Test, began with a curious question: "What would it be like to play Pictionary with an AI?" Intended to help understand different types of minds when challenged with quirky associations and unexpected twists, the outcome is usually hilarious and fun. This interactive game invites players to compete against friends and family with new puzzles daily, making it a playful addition to your classroom or a fun way to spark curiosity about AI and communication.
tag(s): artificial intelligence (170), gifted (66), puzzles (149)
In the Classroom
Use this game as a brain break during those long lessons or indoor recess. Turn the daily puzzles into a friendly competition or debate and pair students to play a Pictionary-inspired game, mimicking how AI might interpret their drawings. After playing, lead a discussion on how AI "thinks" compared to humans.Drench - FlashByNight.com
Grades
K to 12
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Drench is a highly addicting, entertaining problem-solving game for players of any age. The concept is straightforward: use the buttons to change the colors in the square and drench...more
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Drench is a highly addicting, entertaining problem-solving game for players of any age. The concept is straightforward: use the buttons to change the colors in the square and drench the square with one color within the prescribed number of moves to complete the game. Each game begins with the square in the top left-hand side of the large square. Click on one of the colors in the circles next to the square that touches the starting piece. Continue expanding the block of colors to fill in the large square with one color. Upon successful completion, move to a different level that becomes more challenging by offering fewer opportunities to drench the square.
tag(s): brain (56), classroom management (120), game based learning (201), logic (161), problem solving (232), social and emotional learning (100)
In the Classroom
Add Drench to your resources to share with students for quick brain-break activities that encourage problem-solving through gameplay. Ask students to share their strategies for selecting colors as they work toward completing the game board. Curate and organize brain break activities into a single resource to share with students using Symbaloo, reviewed here or 3X3 Links, reviewed here. Find more ideas for brain break activities on TeachersFirst Special Topics Page: Brain Breaks for Students, reviewed here.Logic Games - Crazy Games
Grades
4 to 12
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Solving problems using logic is an excellent way to improve brain function and cognition; this compilation of logic games provides you with many different activities. In addition, each...more
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Solving problems using logic is an excellent way to improve brain function and cognition; this compilation of logic games provides you with many different activities. In addition, each of the activities features different methods for engagement. For example, Gold Train FRVR (use the search bar to find) requires players to build train tracks to avoid obstacles as they work toward the final destination. At the same time, Happy Glass (use the search bar to find) includes progressively more complex challenges for players to fill a glass without spilling the water. Hover over the thumbnail for each game to view the title and select to play.
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tag(s): game based learning (201), logic (161), problem solving (232), puzzles (149)
In the Classroom
Bookmark and save this game site as a resource for logic and puzzle games to share with your students. Consider adding a puzzle of the week to your computer center activities or as an engaging at-home learning activity. Puzzles are an excellent way to strengthen math conversations in any classroom. After spending time with logic puzzles, ask students to share their thought and learning processes as they play each game. Ask students to create a screen recording demonstrating how to play the game and discussing the process. Use your device's screen recording features or an online tool such as Free Online Screen Recorder, reviewed here, to create and share recordings. Use a simple curation tool such as 3X3 Links, reviewed here, to share students' recordings and/or discussions in one easy-to-find location.Blob Opera - Google Arts and Culture
Grades
K to 12
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Blob Opera is a delightful learning machine experiment from Google Arts and Culture. Experiment with the four blobs by dragging each of them up or down to change the pitch ...more
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Blob Opera is a delightful learning machine experiment from Google Arts and Culture. Experiment with the four blobs by dragging each of them up or down to change the pitch of each note. Take your blobs on tour across the world and listen to them sing traditional, classic songs. Visit The Blobpera House to experiment with your blobs and create a recording. Share recordings with the link provided or various social media sites along with Google Classroom.
tag(s): music theory (45)
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