Overwhelmed

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Music Teachers Chatboard

Overwhelmed

by bec

Aug 13, 2015

I have been given a 7th class each day, which will probably include kids who have already been to music that day. Each of these 'enrichment" classes grades 1-5 will meet once a week for 6 weeks then I will get a new set of 5 classes - all year long. The classes need to be something we do not already do in music, and should be fun, exciting, inspiring, etc. Last year they tried this with the classroom teachers teaching and they had a basketball club, chess club, craft clubs, gardening, etc. I don't HAVE to do something music related but it would make sense. I just feel like I already try to do that kind on thing in my regular class, so what could I do that they haven't already been doing? I would love suggestions. Our principal presented this idea in a meeting today and asked us to sign up (today!) for what we would like to teach. My page is blank. I thought that maybe I could teach the "Seize the day" dance from Newsies to the 5th graders, maybe a simplified version, but...See More

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Mrs H We have done a similar thing, although ours rotated every 9 weeks. We came up with units that we felt we didn't devote enough time to during the regular school year.

For K and 1st grade, we focused on playing classroom instruments to reinforce steady beat, and singing games. For instruments we used the Joan Winter "Tap Shake and Jing...See MoreWe have done a similar thing, although ours rotated every 9 weeks. We came up with units that we felt we didn't devote enough time to during the regular school year.

For K and 1st grade, we focused on playing classroom instruments to reinforce steady beat, and singing games. For instruments we used the Joan Winter "Tap Shake and Jingle" for rhythm band charts. They are excellent for this length of unit, and there is a good progression. Kinders early in the year struggle a bit, but before we do the charts, we spend about 3 weeks doing things like, while I point to the triangle you may play, but when I'm pointing to another instrument, you stop.

With 2nd & 3rd we used lessons from Artie Almeida's Mallet Madness and Mallet Madness Strikes Again books. I especially like her lessons that add music to children's literature.

In 4th grade we did recorders, but we are changing that up this year as our schedule is also changing. This year we are going to do some composer study along with families of instruments. For example, I'm planning to do a little lesson on Gabrieli when we focus on brass instruments. Vivaldi and strings. Etc.

5th grade is my favorite, and over the years we've amassed quite a few YouTube videos and other resources. We do popular music of the 20th century. My colleague put together a powerpoint of key events during each decade of the 20th century, such as the Great Depression in the 30s, the baby boom in the 50s, complete with photos of fashions and cars, etc. Then we teach a song or two and some dance moves and talk about how people consumed music, whether through live performances or various types of recording technology. It's a new decade each week, so you really have to choose iconic songs like the Charleston from the 20s, Rock Around the Clock from the 50s, etc. If you want to go this route, check out the website of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Their education department has a ton of resources online! (I teach near Cleveland - if you ever get a chance to visit, it's a goldmine for teaching. They also do a summer teacher institute for a week that is phenomenal, and you get access to the archives.)

Good luck! I know it seems overwhelming, but it can be a really fun way to enrich what you already do.

Aug 14, 2015

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bec Thank you Mrs. H. That was exactly the kind of help I was hoping for. Several great ideas there, and I am trying to have a better attitude about this. We have only been in school for 3 days but I am enjoying my students. I am hoping that the day to day will be a lot less stressfull than the start up. Your ideas will help a lot. Muchas gracias!

Aug 26, 2015

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Claire One year I taught integrated music and art due to the budget. Food for thought. How about cooking integrated with music or dance?

On 8/13/15, bec wrote: > I have been given a 7th class each day, which will > probably include kids who have already been to music that > day. Each of these 'enrichment" classes grades 1-5 will &g...See More

Aug 26, 2015

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Martha I would do a board game club.

On 8/26/15, Claire wrote: > One year I taught integrated music and art due to the budget. > Food for thought. How about cooking integrated with music or > dance? > > On 8/13/15, bec wrote: >> I have been given a 7th class each day, which will >> probably include kids who have alrea...See More

Aug 27, 2015

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