Ballet of the Unhatched Chicks

This week I wanted to do Mussorgsky's Ballet of the Unhatched Chicks. I really enjoyed doing Peggy Bennett's version, from her new book Playing with the Classics, when we did it at the MEI conference in Vancouver. I decided to do it with my kindergarten classes and first grade. I basically followed her suggested script in the book: discussing chicks, finding out what they know and don't know. The first graders had quite a bit of information about chicks and were happy to share it! They had some chicks in their classroom when they were in kindergarten last year and our discussion could have lasted hours. This is often one of the hardest things to do in a class when you are on a time schedule; cutting students stories short. You have to find the right words so that feelings aren't hurt and they understand that you really do want to hear what they have to say but it will have to wait for another time. If I ask them to "hold on to that thought" they are okay and will wait until later. It is important though to make sure you let them tell you at some point, either at the end of class or the next time you do the activity. Students need to know you care about what they have to say. Consider this principle from the SongWorks approach:

• Students have the right to be treated with respect and dignity for their ideas, skills and stages of development.

Sorry- I went a bit off subject- important, but a sidebar.

Ballet of the Unhatched Chicks: This went very well. The students loved it. They were wonderful chicks in eggs. We even merged the ideas together. The first part of the music we were chicks in the eggs, then came the stretching and then we were chicks outside of the eggs walking and scratching about. It was a lot of fun and I think one of the first grade classes will perform this for our Young Author's Day at my school. Another side bar here- Young Author's Day is like a literary field day of sorts. The activities are all centered around reading, books and stories of all kinds. In the last two years we have combined it with our Artfest and have students' art work on display throughout the building. We also have a concession area after school and parents are invited to come in the evening for performances and to tour the "art museum".

Initially, I used my SmartBoard Notebook to display pictures of chicks, the composer and the title of the piece. This week, when we return to the piece again, we will do a Thinking Map when we talk about chicks and the music. I'll post more about Thinking Maps next post for those who are not familiar with them.

Get Connected to Music EdVentures

I realize that my original intent for this blog was to share my experiences in the classroom using the SongWorks approach and I will not deter from that goal. However, I would like to also include in my postings relevant information connecting others to Music EdVentures and SongWorks just in case you managed to get to my site and are not aware of these other places to find information.

If you are not a member of Music EdVentures be sure to go their website and join this fantastic group of educators. You will find them to be a wonderful resource for your classroom. You can access the newsletters and other information on their site for free and without being a member. But I recommend that you investigate joining this organization. You will not regret your decision.

If you are already a member, Music EdVentures has a Facebook page. It is a closed group but as a member of Music EdVentures you can request to join.

The iPad and SongWorks

I have been using the iPad with my kinder classes, letting them draw a song map on the iPad. I am then able to project their map on my whiteboard. The children enjoy seeing their map projected in the front of the class. Students take great pride in seeing their work posted in their classrooms or in the school hallway. In it's simplest form, this type of "publishing" helps validate a child's work in the class. It gives them a way to contribute to the class. We are all then able to view and follow their map in the air. These maps can then be saved as a photo, posted on a website or even emailed to parents with an explanation of what their child was doing in music class. Much like the papers that get stuffed in folders and backpacks but without the tears or crumples.

The iPad is one of many educational tools that teachers can choose to give their students another way to express themselves.

Music EdVentures - Sum it Up!

I have not been able to write recently. Life gets in the way sometimes. But I wanted to share some of my thoughts on the Music EdVentures conference in Vancouver. My recent posts gave a few details but let me expound a bit.

The SongWorks approach is focused on several principles of teaching and learning. The conference itself was an example of those principles. As we attended the conference, we were all teachers and students at some point over the three days and experienced each principle of the SongWorks approach. I'd like to talk about a few of those and how I felt it was imbued throughout.

• Students deserve an engaging learning environment in which they feel safe enough to demonstrate freely their understandings and skills through various types of participation.

As we participated in a number of activities, we became the students. We were always in a welcoming environment. The attendees were so eager to share and discuss ideas. It was most important to reflect on how we felt as a "student" since this would give us insight into how our students would feel as they do the same task. Teachers don't often think from this perspective and continue on their way leaving many behind. Acting as a student in an activity and truly focusing on those feelings can help you adjust your teaching habits. Are you really giving your students the best learning environment? Can they express what they understand?

• A teachers attitudes, behaviors, and methodologies should be compatible.

This principle goes hand in hand with the last one and was clearly evidenced by all who presented at the conference. Everyone was excited to share their own ways of using the SongWorks approach. There were so many varieties but yet they all shared common elements, those being the Principles of Teaching and Learning. Ideas flowed quickly and all were connected by the same thread. It was exciting to listen. My note taking was jumbled in trying to keep up!

• The way music sounds rather than how it looks guides the selection and presentation of patterns for study.

This was probably the most thought provoking principle portrayed at the conference. It was so fascinating listening to people discuss just how do we decide what musical element to teach. But more importantly, "Why?" (I chuckle thinking about Peggy Bennett's reference here to "whhhyyyy?") I think that too many, far too many, teachers never consider the why of what they do musically. I know that I have fallen in that trap myself. One can see how students fail to connect musical elements together because they don't make sense in the way they were discovered.

• Quality of life is enriched through music and singing.

Ah, definitely the best yet. A few days of singing, listening and playing. If only every day could be filled with such joy. But wait, I teach music, I CAN have every day with singing, listening and playing. Thank you Music EdVentures for reminding me how full and wonderful life can be.

Music EdVentures Day 1- Vancouver

Quick post here- wow- what a good day! So many educators passionate about what they do. Playing games with Tony was so much fun. I have not done a long set as he had us do. During the song of Jingle Bells we made a long ways set. The first couple sashayed down the middle and then, holding one hand with your partner you walk holding it over one of the long lines. The rest of the dance was like many I know but I liked this new addition. I will definitely use this one with my students. The afternoon brought all of the quick talks by the Emerging Pioneers. Lots of new ideas to take back with me. And on a related note, if anyone is reading this, when I return to Texas, I will get more of my files uploaded for anyone to use. Any questions, please contact me.
I am looking forward to tomorrow and more singing and playing games!