Monday's Assignment and Questions...

What do I know about music?  Music has been very important in my life. When my two children were babies, I would play soothing music to help calm them.  I know that the right song can turn any day around.  When I am cleaning or working out, music helps to keep me motivated.  Music can mean many different things to different people.  Some of the things I would like to learn more about would be how to motivate students to appreciate all genres of music.  Another concept I would like to learn in this class would be how to incorporate music into my lesson plans.

How do you use music in YOUR life?

Throughout high school, I participated in chorus so music has always been something I have enjoyed.  I often listen to music while I am driving and also at home when I clean.  It has also been a way that my children and I bond. We can talk about new music they are listening to and we attend concerts together.

What musical activities and interests did you have as a child?

During my upper elementary years and into high school, I played the clarinet in band.  I was also active in girl’s glee, swing choir, and musicals.  I loved to listen to the radio and buy new CD’s.

Have you observed children at musical play?

I work in a first grade classroom; so many times the teacher I work with will have the students recite songs to help them remember math facts, states, money, etc. 

Are there some musical skills you are able to teach to children more easily than others?

At the first grade level, I have noticed that many students are able to sing along with a tune.  However, some students greatly struggle when it comes to keeping a beat.

What do you think that all children should be able to do, musically, as a result of a MUSICAL education?

As a result of a musical education, I believe that most children should be able to keep a beat and be able to harmonize with one another.  In older elementary grades, students should begin reading musical notes and know how much time each note and rests receives.  Students should also have frequent exposure to all genres of music including classical.  Students should be introduced to the many types of musical instruments. 

Have you ever observed a teacher integrating music into the classroom? Cite examples.

Yes, as I stated above, the first grade teacher does many activities that involve the use of music.  After a long lesson, the teacher may bring up a YouTube video and let the students sing and dance along to the video.  The students always enjoy this time.  She also incorporates music into calendar time for counting out the days of the week and the months of the year.  Our PE teacher uses Just Dance for classes where the kids can sing and dance.  Our third grade teacher uses songs to teach the students state capitals, math facts, and other concepts.

How do you think music can be integrated into the elementary classroom?

Music can be integrated into elementary classrooms by using it as an extension for the core subjects such as language arts, science, math, and social studies.  When students are able to put facts into a song, it helps to enhance their understanding.  I still remember state capitals from a song I was taught in fourth grade.  Music is a common thread among most students.  If I can tap into their interests, I will have motivated and engaged learners. 

How do you think music can be used as an interdisciplinary tool in the elementary classroom?

Music can be used as an interdisciplinary tool as background music during transition time or quiet working time.  Playing soothing music during these times can be comforting to the students.