Getting back to the ukulele, there are a bunch of reasons why the ukulele is actually a great instrument to teach in schools:

- they are relatively cheap, compared to many other instruments
- they are small and playable by small hands
- they are incredibly versatile instruments, suitable for many styles of music
- you can play rhythm or melody on them
- you can quickly get a group playing together, even if players are at different levels.

Someone above referred to Chalmers Doane's pioneering school programs in the 60's and 70's. Chalmers is now working with uke virtuoso James Hill to revamp the learning materials and start introducing them in the classroom. I just went to a workshop for teachers a few months ago, led by James. I have the first two books in the "Ukulele in the Classroom" series, which is an excellent pedagogy for teaching sight reading, music theory, and playing technique, as well as building up a repertoire of interesting songs.

Here are a couple of links for those who are interested:

James Hill on YouTube


Ukulele In The Classroom Website

P.S. None of this is meant to slag the recorder, which also has many advantages as a teaching instrument.