Teaching Older Students
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Great Ideas for Fifth Grade
Basic Idea for Reaching All Ages Say something like the following: "I got this really awesome book/game, and I want to share it with my little kids, but I want to practice with you." This is a very simple way to get it out without making them feel you are being condescending. Kids will buy right into this and they love playing goofy things when you offer it this way. |
A Very Successful Recorder Curriculum
Cindy shared her recorder curriculum with us. (She does a fantastic job in her fourth grade with recorders; I was so impressed when I walked into her class one day and the kids were playing excellently.)
One of the things Cindi does is start very sequentially, and uses "Belts" (such as in "Recorder Karate") to help kids progress step by step from the fundamentals. The approach to rhythm learning for kids is from Rob Dunn (as shown at the UMEA Convention in St. George), and works perfectly for to set kids up for success because, as simple as it is, it is rooted in good child development theory. Click HERE to see more close up shots of each of the screens. |
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Behavior and Management Strategies
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Peter Pan Rewards
As they earn points in class, there needs to be a reward for good behavior. Cindi Arnold showed her system (see video) YOUTUBE Yes/No Jar Some folks do “Yes, No jar” They get one or the other based on how they’ve done that day. At the end of rotation, I draw out of it, and if they get a yes, they get a game. If they get a no, they don’t. Paper Slips for Reinforcement Kathy B: Slips of paper for good behavior; they put their name on it and put it in for a drawing out of a goody box. The more they get in the jar, the more they have chances of getting picked out. If I have problems, I will just start giving papers to kids that are well behaved and participating. It is amazing how quickly the room gets quiet! The less you say, the better off you are. Other Ideas Kathy B: Class? “YES?” (Stands for You have my Eyes and my Silence) I’m looking for quiet rows. Kids have to touch chin, which causes it to be awkward to talk. Whole brain learning techniques Using voice and body help learning sink in deeper for kids. See video from Kathy. Special Chair Amy H: I have a special chair as reward. Also in syllabus is a five-step plan that leads to individual consequences which includes think time, etc. Know their Names Amy talked about her beginning routine and how she uses it to help learn kids names, help them start class in an orderly manner, and reward them for good behavior. See YouTube video on left: "Starting Routine." General Management Idea Whichever system you choose, be sure you are consistent. Attention Signal If you can hear me, clap once. If you can hear me clap twice. If you can hear me, touch your chin, your cheek, etc. |
Other Ideas
Rhythm Rockets
This lesson received a standing ovation in Cindi's class just a few hours before our collaboration day. Then, imagine my delight upon walking in at 3:30 and overhearing a student tell her: "Thanks for the lesson today!" Cindi gives credit to Artie Almeida (http://www.artiealmeida.com/) For more pics of what Cindi uses, including the "very expensive control stick" referenced in the video, CLICK HERE Listening Maps The pic on the right is a listening map for "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" Nutcracker. Sorry I didn't get a video to show how it corresponds, it would make sense in a second if you could hear the music and go along with the chart. Was this from the UMEA Convention in St. George, too, Cindi? Rhythm Game from Diane Jacob This game uses drumsticks! Every kid's favorite! Radio Shows Check out this vid for a fun way to involve kids! Teaching in the Nexus From Dave: Teaching in the Nexus is a larger concept than can't be summarized here, but ask me about it sometime. It is something I've been learning lately that helps to connect with ALL kids. Jazz/Helping Kids Improv I like to sing, I like to Scat (Music K8) Jelly Bean Blues (A super fun way to get kids of any vocal ability to improvise. Kids love it.!) See https://www.musick8.com/store/alphadetail.php?product_group=832 |
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Ideas/Teaching 5th and 6th graders
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Other Helpful Links |
Since this topic is often requested, here is a video, not from this meeting, but shared, however, shared by Patti Adams at Canyon Crest Elementary, at a different collaboration. MOTIVATING OLDER KIDS...
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USOE Songbook:
(This is a resource everyone should have access to.) http://www.schools.utah.gov/CURR/fineart/Elementary/Songbook/Music.aspx USOE Fine Arts Site http://www.schools.utah.gov/CURR/fineart/Elementary.aspx |
THE "BIG IDEA" ON MANAGEMENT
In summary, Cindi offered this time-tested advice:
If the whole class is struggling, check yourself. Ask these questions:
Key: The music is the management.
If the whole class is struggling, check yourself. Ask these questions:
- Is what you are doing age level/developmentally appropriate?
- Is it in line with their attention span (a good rule of thumb, their age+two minutes)
- Am I being consistent in your communication/expectations? (Or am I you confusing the kids?)
Key: The music is the management.
Summary, What Next?
From Cindi:
"It’s interesting to see how we evolve. I remember when we use to observe Don Harvie and Al Huish (two legends of earlier days in ASD music) and I would think, 'How in the world will I ever be able to do all that?'
"There are so many things we want to try that we seldom get to “dial in” and really develop our own thing. You just need to keep trying until you find what is you. What is your niche? And make it yours. That is how the Jazz timeline became a staple of my curriculum."
Questions on anything Cindi mentioned? [email protected]
Lunch, Anyone?
NOTE: During and at the end of the meeting, interest was expressed in observing Cindi teach sometime. She was very welcoming to that idea and said that anyone is welcome to come any time Just please let her know in advance. Perhaps we should set up a day to go as a group. Since Cindi teaches Mondays and many others have Mondays off, perhaps that would be a good day to go. We could even share lunch somewhere afterward and discuss what we observed.
If you are interested, consider reaching out to me on my CONTACT PAGE, and let's set something up.
"It’s interesting to see how we evolve. I remember when we use to observe Don Harvie and Al Huish (two legends of earlier days in ASD music) and I would think, 'How in the world will I ever be able to do all that?'
"There are so many things we want to try that we seldom get to “dial in” and really develop our own thing. You just need to keep trying until you find what is you. What is your niche? And make it yours. That is how the Jazz timeline became a staple of my curriculum."
Questions on anything Cindi mentioned? [email protected]
Lunch, Anyone?
NOTE: During and at the end of the meeting, interest was expressed in observing Cindi teach sometime. She was very welcoming to that idea and said that anyone is welcome to come any time Just please let her know in advance. Perhaps we should set up a day to go as a group. Since Cindi teaches Mondays and many others have Mondays off, perhaps that would be a good day to go. We could even share lunch somewhere afterward and discuss what we observed.
If you are interested, consider reaching out to me on my CONTACT PAGE, and let's set something up.