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Picture a classroom where students clap, sing, and move to rhythms rooted in the Middle East, without a teacher needing any prior background in Arabic music to lead it. That is exactly what Yalla! Let's Sing and Play was built for.
Yalla means "let's go" in Arabic, and the book carries that spirit into every activity. Composer and educator Dr. Shireen Abu-Khader wrote it for elementary music classrooms, specifically grades 4 through 6, to bridge Middle Eastern musical heritage with the standards North American teachers already work within.
"Music is a bridge, and I wanted Yalla to be the bridge that connects young learners to the rhythms and melodies of the Middle East," Shireen says. "This book is about more than teaching music. It's about creating moments of joy, curiosity, and understanding."
Yalla was developed in collaboration with music educators Dr. Lori Anne Dolloff and Catherine Fox, so every activity and song was tested against what actually works in a classroom, not just what sounds good on paper. Shireen holds a PhD in Music Education from the University of Toronto, and that background shapes how the book is structured: clear learning goals, age-appropriate pacing, and activities that align with North American music education standards.
"It was important to me that this book feels relevant and practical for teachers in North America," Shireen explains. "Collaborating with Lori and Catherine helped ensure that Yalla aligns with educational standards while staying true to the essence of Middle Eastern music."
The book moves from simple to more complex material, so a class can build skills progressively:
Each activity teaches rhythm, melody, and movement while building cultural familiarity along the way. "The activities in Yalla are playful and engaging, but they also introduce concepts that are deeply rooted in tradition," Shireen says.
The idea for Yalla grew out of conversations Shireen had with teachers at the Ontario Music Educators' Association (OMEA) conference. Educators repeatedly asked for material that resonated with diverse classrooms, particularly those with Middle Eastern students. Shireen built Yalla around ADEI (Accessibility, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) principles in direct response.
"Music has the power to make every child feel seen and valued," she says. "This book is my way of contributing to that inclusivity."
Yalla! Let's Sing and Play is available now in both digital PDF and print paperback editions, so you can choose whichever fits your classroom setup. Teachers new to Arabic music can start with the hello songs and clapping games before working toward the more intricate pieces later in the book.
If your students respond well to Yalla and you are looking to build further, our Young Voices collection offers additional choral pieces arranged for young and beginner singers.
What grade level is Yalla designed for?
Yalla is written for elementary music classrooms, specifically grades 4 through 6, with activities paced for that age group.
Do I need a background in Arabic music to teach from this book?
No. Yalla is designed for teachers without prior experience in Middle Eastern music. It includes transliterated lyrics, clear instructions, and a progression from simple to more advanced material.
Is Yalla available in print or only as a digital download?
Both. Yalla! Let's Sing and Play is available as a digital PDF and as a print paperback.
What will my students learn from Yalla?
Students learn foundational rhythm and melody concepts through Arabic clapping games, songs, and maqam-based melodies, while building familiarity with a musical tradition outside the standard Western curriculum.
Where can I find more repertoire after finishing Yalla?
Our Young Voices collection includes additional choral pieces suited to young and beginner singers looking to continue building their repertoire.