I might go with the duct tape idea this time around, because I'm due with child number two in a couple of weeks and would rather avoid the paint (not to mention saving the time).
I'm teaching a 2-week ukulele class that will feature stations. Students will alternate between practicing the ukulele, working with me in small groups, and playing games that reinforce treble note names and rhythms.
Last year I used Don't Spill the Beans with rhythm cards and Uno with treble note names written on each card that they had to name to play the card.
I could really use some other ideas for fun stations that also teach note names and rhythms. I don't mind adding rhythm/note name cards into fun board games.
I'm probably going to have 25 students in each class. I'd like 7-8 stations: 3-4 practice, 3 fun games, 1 working with me.
On 2/29/16, 4th Year wrote:...See More If you have any computers, go to the quavermusic website and let them choose games on it. It's a great resource. You will need to figure out the best way for them to log in b/c they need a login and password.
There are also some cute note-naming worksheets that could be used in one station. Good luck!
On 2/29/16, 4th Year wrote: > Hi all. > > I'm teaching a 2-week ukulele class that will feature > stations. Students will alternate between practicing the > ukulele, working with me in small groups, and playing games > that reinforce treble note names and rhythms. > > Last year I used Don't Spill the Beans with rhythm cards and > Uno with treble note names written on each card that they > had to name to play the card. > > I could really use some other ideas for fun stations that > also teach note names and rhythms. I don't mind adding > rhythm/note name cards into fun board games. > > I'm probably going to have 25 students in each class. I'd > like 7-8 stations: 3-4 practice, 3 fun games, 1 working > with me. > > Thanks for any help.
Have any of you taught while sitting down the whole time? Do you have any advice for me? I've always been a very active teacher and can't imagine doing this job while seated.
I went back Mon/Wed/Fr...See More I've also just returned to work from an ankle fracture. In our system, though, if sedentary work is what you need but it isn't available, then we don't return to work. Does the doctor understand the requirements of your job? Is the principal on board? Have you been sent back full time or are you easing back into it?
I went back Mon/Wed/Fri for my first two weeks, so I was only there one day at a time. After that, I went to two days in a row - Mon/Tue, Thu/Fri. I didn't do a full week until six months after my fracture and op (although that did include the five weeks of our Summer holidays).
Keep in touch with your doctor and be open and honest about the day to day requirements. I told mine that I could do a desk job but needed to explain to him what was required every day. It may be that you have some classes that will cope with you sitting down, but others, not so much. It is those classes that you need to discuss honestly with your doctor.
I teach middle/high school, but well remember my time teaching primary. I can't imagine not being able to be mobile. Wishing you the very best of luck, both for your recovery and your return to work.
> refresher. Anyone know where I can get materials to help > me prepare to retake this massive test!!! Any help is > much appreciated!!!
Amazon has several types of materials available. They're a bit pricey, but they have them. Sorry I can't send a link. If I do, teachers net will send it to the moderator. Just go to Amazon and search "Praxis 2 Music".
On 2/10/16, DonnaR/CA wrote: > On 2/03/16, Rebecca wrote: > >> refresher. Anyone know where I can get materials to help >> me prepare to retake this massive test!!! Any help is >> much appreciated!!! > > Amazon has several types of materials available. They're a > bit pricey, but they have them. Sorry I can't send a link. > If I do, teachers net will send it to the moderator. Just > go to Amazon and search "Praxis 2 Music". > > > > Donna
I've never deducted any ed expenses from my taxes. Is it ok to do so? For teaching texts and instruments? I bought a guitar and a uke to play and sing with the kids last year that together cost $1000. Can I deduct that?
I believe the cap for federal, 2015 is still $250, but each year following it's supposed to be raised a very small amount.
If you're in California, and you write off $250 on the first page of a 1040 (regular), California will not let you write it off. One way around it, for consumable items only, is to write a letter to the school stating that you have donated $250 worth of (whatever items) to the school. This will not cover personally owned guitars and Orff instruments, but it would be useful for things like school supplies, cups- napkins-plates, and other consumables.
My district di...See MoreOn 1/05/16, Anon wrote: > I was wondering if there are any CA elem music teachers on > this board. My family is looking to possibly move there and > I'm having a hard time finding job info. It looks like a > lot of districts don't have music/have volunteers that come > in for music/have roving music teachers.
My district did away with elementary music after the 11-12 school year. I was forced out into MS/HS, then decided that self-contained classroom (for which I am also credentialed) was a better fit for me.
The neighboring district, in which I live, also does not have elementary music teachers.
I'm in San Diego county, BTW. I can name the districts here that DO have elementary music. However, a few of them that do not, have individual schools that hire a part-time person to come in and teach music, or (as you mentioned) rely on volunteers. Many full-time music teachers have to cover 2-3 schools, as I had to do.
Have you looked into your credential yet? California is fussy, fussy, fussy!!!! That is your first hurdle, as many school districts won't take an application for an opening unless you have your credential assured or in your hand.
I've held off getting my credential, since it's around $250 and I wasn't sure if there was even a need for a full-time elementary music teacher in the state.
I've been on the CA DOE website and I think I'm good. I'm preK-12 music and English as a Second Language in my current state. I just need to apply.
We'd love to move to CA, but I don't want to have to worry about them doing away with my job...if I can find one to begin with!!
On 1/15/16, DonnaR/CA wrote: > On 1/05/16, Anon wrote: >> I was wondering if there are any CA elem music teachers > on >> this board. My family is looking to possibly move there > and >> I'm having a hard time finding job info. It looks like a >> lot of districts don't have music/have volunteers that > come >> in for music/have roving music teachers. > > My district did away with elementary music after the 11-12 > school year. I was forced out into MS/HS, then decided that > self-contained classroom (for which I am also credentialed) > was a better fit for me. > > The neighboring district, in which I live, also does not > have elementary music teachers. > > I'm in San Diego county, BTW. I can name the districts here > that DO have elementary music. However, a few of them that > do not, have individual schools that hire a part-time > person to come in and teach music, or (as you mentioned) > rely on volunteers. Many full-time music teachers have to > cover 2-3 schools, as I had to do. > > Have you looked into your credential yet? California is > fussy, fussy, fussy!!!! That is your first hurdle, as many > school districts won't take an application for an opening > unless you have your credential assured or in your hand. > > Donna
One of my principals is not happy with spring musicals written for children... he wants "pop" revues, which often causes a problem for me in coming up with legal packages we can afford and which appeal to him. We've used the Hal Leonard SongKits for Broadway and for Rock n Roll, but that doesn't leave me with too many options for this year. I found an old Disney SongKit, but have heard a horror story about how strict Disney is about performing their music. Has anyone here used the Disney SongKit in a performance, or any other version of Disney music (Disney Dazzle, etc.?) There are a number of medleys available, but from what I understand from the HalLeonard site, purchasing sheet music of the songs does not confer performance rights - I'd have to contact Disney. And the Disney site seems to prefer use of Disney Jr. shows, which are out of our budget.
Soooo - I would be very grateful if you can share your experiences with performing Disney music, as well as your experience with the SongKits, if you have any. I also have an old set of SBG texts which have 2 Disney songs, but I doubt I would be able to use those legally, right?
AND.... If you could suggest some other "pop-ish" theme I might explore legally, I'd be grateful. I'd love to do, say, Beatles, but I suspect I'd run in to similar issues there as well, yes? AAAAARGGGH.....
(If only this principal were like my other principal, who has no problem whatsoever with totally original musicals by say Jacobson or Albrecht or Jennings, et al....)
I believe this to be true, as well, but with one caveat: you cannot record the music (except for an archival copy for the school to hold) in any way. They usually will not allow you to costume the music, either.
There is a book that I read, after I took a 1-1/2 hour workshop/seminar (given by a copyright lawyer), which really helped me. You can find it on Amazon and even, now, in Kindle edition: The Teacher's Guide to Music, Media, and Copyright Law Kindle Edition by James Frankel
I recommend that every music teacher have a copy of this book, if you have to direct programs or concerts. It is a wealth of good information!
I contacted Disney once, and was told that I could use the Disney Dazzle as long as I did not costume it, record it, or videotape it. Props were okay (since I asked) and performers dressing as your favorite Disney character was also okay. Another time I contacted Music Theatre International, about using "Tomorrow" and "It's a Hard Knock Life" in a Broadway revue, explaining that we owned choral versions of their music from (whoever published it). It was okay AS LONG AS WE DID NOT COSTUME IT to look like the musical version on stage or screen. OK, that worked for us.
Sin...See MoreThis is definitely a challenge. I find that I can get almost all my K-2 kids into head voice, but in the middle of 3rd grade, they start to feel more self-conscious. Boys especially have a hard time with it, but even girls. Praise of good singing goes a long way, but it's hard, especially if they haven't been singing with you since K.
Since we don't have a great choral tradition in the US, they just aren't exposed to that sound enough, so they start to think it's weird. Especially the boys. Have you tried playing some boy choir music for them? Maybe look for some youtube videos of the American Boychoir, for example. You can also try a group like Chanticleer, which has all ranges of male voices!
For the girls, you could play some Ariana Grande - although I don't love her music, she is a good example of head voice. Huge contrast to Adele, for example.
I think it's also worthwhile for 4th & up to talk about vocal development, and that everyone's voices grow and change just as their bodies do. Some will sing higher, some lower, both girls and boys. Keep teaching the fundamentals, and over time your percentage of singers will increase!