In my last blog post , I discussed how there will always be students who, for one reason or another, might not feel welcome in our classrooms, but that we as music educators can ensure that students feel more welcome and accepted. In today's post, I'm discussing more ways that students can be made to feel welcome: through songs with a message, and through children's literature. Singing songs with a great message If you can find a song that truly has a great message, go for it! Students will really connect to meaningful lyrics, especially students who are feeling fearful and uncertain.…
In my last blog post , I discussed how there will always be students who, for one reason or another, might not feel welcome in our classrooms, but that we as music educators can ensure that students feel more welcome and accepted. In today's post, I'm discussing more ways that students can be made to feel welcome: through songs with a message, and through children's literature. Singing songs with a great message If you can find a song that truly has a great message, go for it! Students will really connect to meaningful lyrics, especially students who are feeling fearful and uncertain.…
There will always be students who, for one reason or another, might not feel welcome in our classrooms, perhaps because of something happening at home, or because of some of the students in the class, or because of something we as teachers are or are not doing. In our current world, though, there are more reasons for students to not feel welcome. Some students in our classrooms may be worrying about their families, their friends, and their futures. Regardless of political affiliation, it is really important as educators that we make ALL students feel welcome in our classroom. As music teachers,…
There will always be students who, for one reason or another, might not feel welcome in our classrooms, perhaps because of something happening at home, or because of some of the students in the class, or because of something we as teachers are or are not doing. In our current world, though, there are more reasons for students to not feel welcome. Some students in our classrooms may be worrying about their families, their friends, and their futures. Regardless of political affiliation, it is really important as educators that we make ALL students feel welcome in our classroom. As music teachers,…
There will always be students who, for one reason or another, might not feel welcome in our classrooms, perhaps because of something happening at home, or because of some of the students in the class, or because of something we as teachers are or are not doing. In our current world, though, there are more reasons for students to not feel welcome. Some students in our classrooms may be worrying about their families, their friends, and their futures. Regardless of political affiliation, it is really important as educators that we make ALL students feel welcome in our classroom. As music teachers,…
With the start of the new year, many of us are thinking about being more healthy and getting more exercise. As music teachers, we are very lucky that we aren't sitting behind a desk all day and can get up and dance with our students! Below are three of my all-time favorite folk dances, as well as three of my favorite folk dance resources. These dances are GREAT for getting exercise, working with a partner, understanding dance formations, keeping in time with music, and so much more! "Highway No. 1" by the Shenanigans This is one of my absolute favorites! You can buy the track on i…
With the start of the new year, many of us are thinking about being more healthy and getting more exercise. As music teachers, we are very lucky that we aren't sitting behind a desk all day and can get up and dance with our students! Below are three of my all-time favorite folk dances, as well as three of my favorite folk dance resources. These dances are GREAT for getting exercise, working with a partner, understanding dance formations, keeping in time with music, and so much more! "Highway No. 1" by the Shenanigans This is one of my absolute favorites! You can buy the track on i…
This past week, I sat down to choose my choir's repertoire for the spring. I got to thinking about the variety I wanted for the program, and what makes a great selection, so I decided to write with some thoughts that might help you as you choose your choir's repertoire! A little background: as I wrote about in this post , I have a choir of about 80 or so students in third, fourth, and fifth grade. I see them once a week, for 35 minutes, and we have two concerts at school each year, as well as community events as those arise. I was a trumpet player all through school, and before my Kodaly…
This past week, I sat down to choose my choir's repertoire for the spring. I got to thinking about the variety I wanted for the program, and what makes a great selection, so I decided to write with some thoughts that might help you as you choose your choir's repertoire! A little background: as I wrote about in this post , I have a choir of about 80 or so students in third, fourth, and fifth grade. I see them once a week, for 35 minutes, and we have two concerts at school each year, as well as community events as those arise. I was a trumpet player all through school, and before my Kodaly…
As January approaches, many of us are midway through the school year. This is a great time to reflect on what we've taught this year and think ahead to what we'd still like to try this year, and how we can keep our students on track! Today, I'm teaming up with Amy Abbott from Music a la Abbott to blog about three New Year's Resolutions to help keep my students and I on track! Three resolutions I have when I go back to school in January is to figure out a more cohesive way to track behavior, to begin creating student portfolios, and to track planning by month. Here are three way…
This past week, my choir performed their holiday concert, and it got me thinking about my favorite songs for this time of year, as well as songs I'd like to perform next year. Today, I'm teaming up with my friend Amy Abbott at Music a la Abbott to blog about our favorite Christmas choir songs as well as ones we'd like to do for next year! A couple notes: My choir consists of third, fourth, and fifth graders. Many of these pieces could also work for middle school. Many of the titles are linked to the octavos on JW Pepper or other sites; simply click to view! #1: Christmas is coming This…
This past week, my choir performed their holiday concert, and it got me thinking about my favorite songs for this time of year, as well as songs I'd like to perform next year. Today, I'm teaming up with my friend Amy Abbott at Music a la Abbott to blog about our favorite Christmas choir songs as well as ones we'd like to do for next year! A couple notes: My choir consists of third, fourth, and fifth graders. Many of these pieces could also work for middle school. Many of the titles are linked to the octavos on JW Pepper or other sites; simply click to view! #1: Christmas is coming This…
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