Thursday, October 31, 2013

Day 61: Master Teacher

Daily Blog Challenge Day 61/365 

I recently had my first observation of this school year. As a non-tenured teacher, I am formally observed two times a school year (more if there are issues).  I am transitioning my classroom to standards based and I have been doing a lot of reflection this year on grading: it's purpose and best grading practices.  Reading my observation form was another great reflection tool and the questions I am left with are 1. Is there a such thing as a excellent teacher (with no need to improve) and 2. Are there different expectations depending on length of teaching career (should there be)?

I teach elementary music and although the standards may be the same, what I expect from each grade is different. Shouldn't this be the case for teacher's evaluations?  In my opinion, a first year teacher should not have the same expectations as a veteran teacher. For example, a middle school student may be an excellent athlete, but compared to a professional they would not receive the same rating.  It seems unproductive to expect new teachers to be at the same point as veteran teachers.  

If a young teacher is deemed excellent does that mean they can just coast the rest of their career? I understand the purpose of evaluations, but as with grades, I do not believe they are fulfilling (in many circumstances) their intended role. 

I would love to hear your thoughts about teacher evaluations.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Day 60: Teamwork

Daily Blog Challenge Day 60/365

I cannot believe I am already on day 60 of my year long blog challenge.  Lately it has become the "write 365 posts before the end of the year challenge" instead of writing one per a day, but life happens and I am trying to flow with it.  Regardless of when I write, it has been great to force myself to write more often (with the goal of being everyday).  Eventually I will get back to writing everyday, but at the moment I am still playing catch up.

 This whole journey has reminded me how important teamwork is in life.  We all have amazing strengths and we can accomplish so many things, but as a group/team our powers become magnified.  Feeling part of a team is a great feeling for me.  There a sense of safety, support and understanding within a strong team.

I am blessed to be part of many wonderful teams: family, friends, athletics, coworkers and my online PLN.  Every single person offers something to this world and together we can use our strengths to make things better.  The best part is my teams help me stay focused, grounded, honest and reflective.  Having people to bounce ideas off of, talk to about frustrations or helping share the work load is a wonderful gift and has helped me be able to stay in the teaching field.  My teams help balance out the low times and they help me celebrate the positives.

We are all part of someones team and we have a duty to make sure we are the best teammate! We all matter!

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Day 59 : AR in the Music Classroom (Tech Tuesday)

Daily Blog Challenge 59/365

Tech Tuesday

Last week I wrote about ideas I had brainstormed (stole from others) on how to use AR (Augmented Reality) in my classroom.  At first Aurasma and I were not getting along.  In order for an Aura to work (if you make it on the computer) you must have 1.) a trigger image, 2.) an overlay and 3.) you connect the two to create the Aura.  Someone I managed to miss a step, so my Auras never worked properly.  Eventually I figured it out and I now find creating Auras to be easy.

The first project I completed was to create trigger images that were connected to videos so parents can see what we are doing in class.  I hung the trigger images on the wall outside my classroom and I plan to update the videos throughout the year.  Not many parents come to visit the music room, but this was a great first project for me to figure out how the program works and I can show my students (the ones who have seen it so far were very pumped about it.)  I know I may not be using AR correctly and I know how I use this in my room will grow and change over time.



Do you use AR in your classroom?  I would love to hear how you use it.

Monday, October 28, 2013

Day 58: Incredibox Lesson Plans (Material Monday)

Daily Blog Challenge Day 58/365

Material Monday

 This post could fit under both technology and lesson plans, but I decided to focus more on the lesson aspect of using Incredibox than the technology aspect.  Earlier this week, a new version of Incredibox was released.  It is an online "game" that allows you to compose using different vocal tracks.  There are a variety of different melodies, voices, effects and beats that you can combine into different compositions.  The program allows you to record and send your work to others.  While recording, you can change and add different voices, so the possibilities are endless when it comes to combinations.

I decided to take my third and fourth graders to the lab this week so they could compose using this program.  We used it a little as a class last year and they were really excited to try it themselves.  We just finished Halloween Music (we performed a mini concert at our Halloween Parade) and we will be starting Christmas Music for our concert next week, so this was a great transition point.  Illinois is going to an all internet standards test next year, so this program also offers students the opportunity to learn valuable computer skills.

Lesson Plan (we spent a whole 40 minute period in the lab.)
1. Open a web browser and go to the Incredibox site.
2. Explore different voice and combinations.
3. Record a composition.
4. Name the composition.
5. Send composition to Mrs. Wren's e-mail.

Music Outcomes
1.  Explore different voices.
2.  Compose music.
3.  Listen to other compositions.
4  Compose a "final" project.

Technology Outcomes
1. Open a web browser.
2. Record a composition.
3. Label composer and title of my composition.
4. E-mail Mrs. Wren my composition (this required reading/following directions and typing in an e-mail with no mistakes.)

Being in the computer lab with a class was a bit stressful, but overall it was a valuable experience.  It reminded me the importance of patience and my students really enjoyed the project.  I am planning on doing this project again with this grades, but we will focus more on form.

I would love to hear how you use Incredibox in your classroom.

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Day 57: Bad Idea vs Bad Execution

Daily Blog Challenge Day 57/365

A recent conversation on Twitter forced me to reflect on my experiences in the classroom and how some ideas work and some ideas fall flat on their face.  An idea that may work for one teacher/class/school may not work for another (even when they seem like great ideas.)  I became curious as to why this happens.  Is it the idea?  Is it the school?  Is it the culture?  Is it the teacher?  It is the implementation?

Is it possible for something to be a good idea, but the execution to be horribly wrong?  How do we learn from this as teachers?  I think it is easy to write ideas off as bad when it may not have worked for a variety of different reasons.  As a music teacher I see this on a daily basis, a technique/exercise or lesson may work perfectly for one class and not for another.  No two students are alike and no two classes are alike.

How do you determine if the idea or implementation of an idea is bad?  Thank you for reading.

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Day 56: What is Professional Development?

Daily Blog Challenge Day 56/365

I believe the purpose of professional development is to help teachers improve their craft.  This is a broad definition, but I believe it should be.  We need to take professional development out of the box we have created for it.  Professional Development should not be limited to early out days or School Improvement Days (SIP).

The technology that is now available (Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and Skype just to name a few) offer many possibilities for teacher development and now learning can happen whenever, wherever and with people from all over the globe.

It seems that Twitter and Facebook both have bad reputations as a social network, but they both offer many possibilities for learning from other teachers.

Teachers become better teachers by learning from those who are doing things they want to do.  Conversations on social media and blogs are a great way to learn new teaching ideas.

What are your favorite forms of Professional Development?  Thank you for reading.

Friday, October 25, 2013

Day 55: Assumptions

Daily Blog Challenge Day 55/365

Our society is full of assumptions about everything. These assumptions towards teachers and students are possibly harmful. Assumptions we have as teachers can be potentially damaging in the classroom.  I am realizing that I make a lot of assumptions about my students and those around me.  Some of them have negative impacts in my classroom.

1.  Loud = Off task
2.  Off task = They are not paying attention
3.  Wrong behavior = Making a bad choice
4.  Off task = They don't care
5.  Talking = Note paying attention, don't care, causing problems


What assumptions do you make and how do they impact your classroom?  Thank you for reading.


Thursday, October 24, 2013

Day 54: 90%

Daily Blog Challenge Day 54/365


 


In my opinion this video has great power and does a wonderful job of showing the problems of many grading systems.  I know we are not all pilots or doctors (I sure hope they did not pass on extra credit), but we all need to strive for excellence.  Many parts of our education system are setup to allow mistakes, but in life mistakes have consequences (would you get a job if you got 90% on a job interview?)  I know we cannot all be "perfect" but we can work on improving everyday and being our best.

I would love to hear your views on this video and grading in general.  Thank you for reading.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Day 53: Kids Know

Daily Blog Challenge Day 53/365

I have been trying to incorporate as much 1:1 time with individual students as I can during weekly lessons.  These conversations with my students have reaffirmed my believe that students know how they are doing in class.  They don't need grades to tell them if they are getting it or doing what they were expected to do.  Many students just hope that teachers will be too kind or give them the benefit of the doubt.

Last week I had my 5th grade Media Class students write a blog on Kidblog about computer problems (1. What they do, 2. What they could do and 3. What they should do.)  Overall, I was disappointed when how my students wrote.  Many did not follow the format from the board and did not put a lot of thought into their blog.  I decided to try 1:1 time with them and we looked at their blog and talked about how they did.  We talked about what they did well and what they need to fix and then they went back to make corrections. 

I enjoyed the 1:1 time with my students and they were very honest with how they did and I agreed with their assessment.  I also believe that my students will learn more from this experience; their first attempt, the 1:1 meeting and their time to correct their work then they would have if I would have just graded their first attempt.

How do you use 1:1 time in your classroom?  Thank you for reading.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Day 52 : The AR Train (Technology Tuesday)

Daily Blog Challenge Day 52/365

Technology Tuesday 

The past few weeks I have been reading/hearing a lot about Augmented Reality (I strongly recommend the 2 Guys Podcasts). At first, it sounded like an interesting opportunity for my students, but I was not sure how to use it in a music setting. I downloaded Aurasma last week and have been playing around with it a little. I am still learning the concept of the app, but my understanding of how auras work is much stronger than it was a few weeks about. 

I have been brainstorming ways to use Aurasma in my classroom. I think it could be a great tool to help engage my students (plus it is just plain cool). 

Ideas
1. Create class trigger images that show a video of an activity we are doing in class (conferences are this week). 
2. Create a trigger image using our composer of the month. 
3. Create a trigger image using our song of the month (linked to a recording). 
4. Use color AR as the basis for a sound carpet or inspiration for composition projects. 
5. Create a trigger image for how to play recorder notes/examples so students can review independently.
6. Create a trigger image/video tutorial for beginner band students.
7. Create a trigger image/audio of choir repertoire.


Do you use Augmented Reality in your classroom? Would love to hear how you use it. 

Monday, October 21, 2013

Day 51: Steady Beat (Material Monday)

Daily Blog Challenge Day 51/365

Material Monday

One of the concepts I spend a lot of time on in Kindergarten and First grades is steady beat.  It took me a few years, but I now see the value of using singing games in primary music.  This teaching strategy was not something I was exposed to in college, but I learned from observing other music teachers (which as a teacher is one of the best things you can do, in my opinion.)  I include a variety of activities to teach and reinforce the concept of steady beat.


Steady Beat Activities
1.  Walk-Ing, Run-ning, Slid-ing circle to introduce long/short notes
2.  Passing Games
3.  Dance Unit (January)
4.  Rhythm Echo
5.  Just Dance (coordination and steady beat)
6.  Freeze Dance with Drum Set (or another instrument)
7.  Clapping Games
8.  March to Music.
9.  Steady Beat Songs/Games

What activities do you use in your classroom to reinforce the concept of Steady Beat?  Thank you for reading.

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Day 50: 1:1 Time with My Students

Daily Blog Challenge Day 50/365


One of my favorite times this year is when I have the opportunity to spend one on one time with my students.  This summer I joined in many conversations on Twitter about Standards Based Grading and I  am on a mission to include it into my classroom.  In order to assess my students real abilities, I needed to find a way to incorporate one on one time with my students.  It can be a challenge to schedule this time and it does not happen as often as I would like, but I am taking baby steps towards setting up the classroom that I want to have.

I have enjoyed one on one time because it allows me to encourage and support my students.  I am able to  encourage them when they are frustrated and overwhelmed and I am able to help them individually. Often what my students see as a total failure is just confusion in one area.  One on one time has helped me strengthen my relationships with my students and it has helped me see a honest look at how much students are accomplishing music concepts.

One on one time has been a great addition to my classroom this year.  Do you use one on one time?  How do you ensure the rest of your class stays engaged?  Thank you for reading.

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Day 49: Homework

Daily Blog Challenge Day 49/365

Homework is a hot topic in education right now and for good reason.  There is new research that indicates that homework may not be beneficial and there are many horror stories about what some students receive as homework.  I am music teacher and I rarely give homework at the elementary level (for many reasons).  I encourage my students to practice recorder and I provide music whenever they ask for it.  At the Middle School level, I expect my students to practice their instrument and their band music.

In my opinion homework is necessary in order for students to learn skills: reading, writing, math facts music instruments and sport skills.  Homework (if given) should be extra practice of concepts students understand but have not mastered.)  I don't believe it should be graded for correctness.  I want my students to focus on practicing and getting better, not on being perfect.

My main issue with homework is that it becomes a look into the home life of our students: those who have parents/family to help and those who do not.  The focus on home work grades is increasing the economic divide in our students.  I believe that homework follows under the category of what we have always done and in my opinion, that is not a good reason to keep giving it.  We need to be honest with ourselves and the impact that homework truly has on our students.  Packets and busy work are giving students more reason to dislike school.

What are your views on homework and how do you use it in your classroom?  Thank you for reading.

Friday, October 18, 2013

Day 48: Administration

Daily Blog Challenge Day 48/365

Over the past few years I have been asked if I have any interest in going into Administration.  I have used these conversations as time to reflect on my career in education and what I would like to do.

On the surface, I think I can see my self in the role of administration, but I still have many concerns and questions.

1.  I am a young teacher, will other teachers respect me?
2.  Being a specialist can be isolating enough, how would I deal with being even more isolated?
3.  Could I do a good job?
4.  Would I miss the classroom?

What helped you decide that you wanted to go into Administration?  Thank you for reading.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Day 47: Giving Choices

Daily Blog Challenge Day 47/365

Once the honeymoon period faded at my school, I found myself dealing with many students who would argue or complain about what we were doing or would just plain refuse to participate.  I vowed to not grade participation this year (a vow I later recanted, but I now give one participation score a quarter instead of daily.)  To help encourage participation, I started offering as many options as I could (while still making sure my students are accomplishing the overall goals.)  Participation has mainly been an issue in third and fourth grade this year and so far these options seem to have help alleviate the issue.  

Giving choices was difficult for me at first.  I had to over come the feeling that "good" teachers can make their students do what they want and only "bad" teachers have to give students options.

Choices I started giving.

1.  Don't require it (I have my students play many instruments as we study each instrument family.  I want my students to experience these instruments before they have the option to play them in middle school.  I used to "force" students to play and now I just let it go.  I tell them they will miss out on a fun experience.

2.  Would you like to work on this project with me or by yourself? (This has been working really well with 4th grade recorder and it has dramatically decreased the amount of playing out of turn.  In order to work with the group, they know they have to follow set expectations.)

3.  Order of completion (I do levels (aka centers) often in my class for 3rd and 4th grade.  I set out 4-6 activities that I want them to accomplish and they get to pick the order and time they spend on each.

4.  Allow a short sit out break (this was hard at first, but if I students wants to sit out for one thing I let them.  I want them to regain focus and join us instead of battling with them over it, which usually ends up if their refusal for the whole time.)

5.  If you would like to do a Just Dance please find a spot or you can line up. (Its amazing how many students used to complain about participating and now that they feel like they have a choice, they are the first ones in a spot.)

What choices do you give your students in class?  Somethings are non negotiable, but I am trying to find balance.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Day 46: What Came First...

Daily Blog Challenge Day 46/365

I recently had a conversation with a fellow basketball coach about my basketball philosophy and he stated that his philosophy is that you win at all costs.  He believes that if you instill a winning culture and expect sportsmanship and hard work, everything else will happen.  It sounded to me like the Chicken and the Egg Dilemma and it forced me to reconsider my philosophy.

At the moment I coach 6th grade basketball and help with high school softball.  At the 6th grade level, this is most often my players first experience with "real" basketball and my goal is to focus on fundamentals.  Often I think players (people in general) focus too much on having fun, which limits our desire to work hard.  In my opinion athletics and music are fun, but they are also a lot of work and sometimes in the midst of that work; things do not feel fun.  I tend to focus on players enjoying the game because I don't want them to quit.  I work in a small district and we need players.

Teams that win have a certain attitude, work ethic and skill set.  It is nearly impossible to win games (perform strongly) without concentrating on the fundamentals.  I am a big believer if focusing on the process instead of the outcome, but maybe I have been missing the point.  Maybe the mindset of winning instead of the mindset of "having fun" or just playing is a disservice to my players.  The mindset of winning forces us to focus on the details, work hard and play with dignity/pride.

The mind is a powerful tool that can hinder or improve performance.  The mindset of winning might be the thing I need to focus my players attention on the process.  We need to expect to win before we can act like winners.  In general need to expect to be great before we can be.  I thought I was helping my players last year by not putting pressure on them to win, but I am starting to believe that this might have been holding us back.  You must believe before you can be!

I would love to hear about your philosophies on the arts and athletics.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Day 45: Skype #1 Reflection

Daily Blog Challenge Day 45/365

Today my fourth graders Skyped with a class from New Hampshire. It was our first experience with Skype (third graders are Skyping next week). It was a wonderful experience and I strongly recommend other teachers incorporate it into a lesson.

Gear Setup
I do not have a projector or smart board so I use an over-sized computer monitor. I downloaded Skype onto my school computer and purchased a web cam on Amazon. I also purchased a Blue Snowball If, but to be honest I am not sure if it was necessary.
Plan

I have talked to both teachers my classes are Skyping with on Twitter. Skype in the classroom is another wonderful resource and place to find Skype projects. I suggest doing a test call before your actual time. It took only a few minutes this morning and it was just to make sure sound levels and video were ok.
My 4th graders performed one song and the other school performed two. This was great practice for concert etiquette. After the performances, students were able to ask the other class a few questions. My students mentioned afterwards that they enjoyed hearing about what other students do in music and how it compares to what we do. They also learned a new song that they thought was really cool (smelly pirates).
In total the Skype call lasted about thirty minutes.  Roughly twenty minutes into it, the internet at my school went out for about five minutes (always a good idea to have an easy standby activity).  This was a bit frustrating, but did not ruin the experience.

Overall it was a great experience. I was proud of my students and their behavior. They handled being an audience well and they were patient during out internet troubles. I am excited for our next Skype with New Jersey and I look forward to many more this school year.

Monday, October 14, 2013

Day 44: Sub Plans (Material Monday)

My 365 Blog Challenge:  Day 44/365

Material Monday

I struggle with sub plans!  I hate being gone and I never know what to plan for a sub who is not a music person (which in my experience, it is very hard to find a music sub.)  I had to be gone one day this year for a training and through many conversations with other music teachers, I think I have finally found ideas that I like for sub plans.

Kindergarten

I try to avoid movies, but I did leave a Disney Sing Along video for my students to watch.  If I am gone later in the year, I will plan on a game day.  Now that we have played many singing games, my students can play and sing them without a lot of help from me.  Usually there is at least one student who knows the words, so the others can be reminded.

First Grade

Game Day.  I was gone in the beginning of the year, so I did leave a movie, but next time I will not.  Days I am gone are great days for students to play games from previous years that they love to play.

Second Grade

Game Day.  My students often ask when we are going to play games we played in 1st grade.  Days I am gone are great days for this.

Some of our favorite games from K-2

1.  Apple Tree
2.  Grizzly Bear
3.  Old Grey Cat
4.  Doggie Doggie
5.  Here Come's a Bluebird

Third Grade

Levels (Centers)
1.  Rhythm Composition
2.  Musical writing practice (notes, clefs..)
3.  Orff part
4.  Rhythm BINGO
5.  Note Reading flashcards

Fourth Grade

Levels (Centers)
1.  Recorder Composition (Notes-BAG)
2.  Recorder Karate Practice
3.  Theory Worksheet
4.  Orff part
5.  Note reading flashcards
6.  Rhythm BINGO
7.  Recorder Folders

I would love to hear what you do for sub plans.

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Day 43: Variables of Student Participation

Daily Blog Challenge Day 43/365

An on going struggle I keep having is the level of responsibility that should be placed on students in terms of their participation.  I am a big believer in teachers creating engaging lessons full of meaningful work and opportunities for student choice and responsibility.  Learning should a partnership between students and teachers; teachers need to make things interesting and meaningful, but at the same time students need to be willing to learn.

One thing I love about teaching kindergarten is that they are curious and willing to try many new things.  Curiosity is a trait that often vanishes when a child grows (which is a sad reality in my opinion.)  I don't want students to do things in my room because they will be punished if they don't.  I want them to do them because they want to learn new things and they want to be the best they can be.

Students don't participate for a variety of reasons.  Some I can help influence positively and others may be a loosing battle.  I try to take these situations as a moment to reflect on what I am doing in class and ways that I can help. I am trying very hard this year to not get overly frustrated with students for not participating.  Becoming frustrated with a student who is testing me is a loosing battle.

Reasons I see for lack of participation
1. Embarrassed
2. Lack of confidence
3. Testing limits
4. Tired/don't feel well
5. Having a rough day
6. Confused on expectations/directions
7. Expressing right to choose

What are your expectations for student participation and how do you handle it when students refuse to participate?

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Day 42: Together We Can

Daily Blog Challenge Day 42/365

I have often thought that I would be happier if I just staying in my classroom and worried about my kids and what we are doing. I struggle with balancing the need to be social and the desire to avoid stress. I want others to share with me ways to be better, so I feel like I should share with others when I find cool things. I am realizing though, that not all teachers feel this way.
Human nature tells us not to like change and education is a field of constant changes. I don't view change as better.  I am not a better teacher because I use technology in my classroom. I am not a better teacher because I am on Twitter.  I am however a different teacher. I believe technology and Twitter have helped make me a better teacher than I was previously, but that is the only person I compare myself to, myself.
I love seeing what other teachers are doing and what resources they are using. I no longer have to reinvent the wheel or be super creative, I just need to find ideas I feel would help improve my teaching and use them. Without teachers sharing, Twitter and Blogs would be useless. We all get better because we share and grow. It's not about getting credit or showing others up. It's about pushing myself to be a better teacher than I was yesterday, or last quarter, or last year.
Don't think for a moment you are not worthy to share your story and your ideas. Your blog may not win any awards (but who cares), someone will be impacted by your story and your ideas. In the end, that is why most of us teach, so we can impact others.  We can all learn from each other and things are more connected than they first appear. Good teaching is good teaching. Find teachers doing great things in your building or through Twitter and blogs and learn as much as you can from them. It us just another example that learning is a lifelong process. The resources are endless and it does not matter what medium you choose. The goal is to get better everyday because you matter!

Friday, October 11, 2013

Day 41: Dear Students...

Daily Blog Challenge Day 41/365
Dear Students..
I want you to know that this is your classroom.
I want you to feel welcome in our class.
I want you feel cared for and important.
I want you to know that I care deeply about each of you as individuals.
I want you do know that I stay awake at night thinking about how I can best help you.
I want you to know that I love being your teacher.
I want you to appreciate and love music.
I want you to appreciate and love learning.
I want you to learn and value hard work.
I want you to know you are special.
I want you to know that I believe in you.
I want you to know you can do anything you set your mind to.
I want you to know that I enjoy having you in my classroom.
I want you to know that I enjoy hearing you sing and play instruments.
I want you to see your own potential.
I want you to see a world full of possibilities.
I want you to choose happiness.
I want you to be comfortable in your own skin.
I want you to believe in yourself.
I want you to believe that you are a gift to the world (as I believe this to be true).
I want you to know that I want to help you be the best version of you.
I want you to know that I will always think of you as one of my kids.
I want you to know that I will continue to think, worry and wonder how you are doing. Even after you leave my classroom.
I want you to know that you are the reason I am a teacher and I am blessed with the opportunity to see you grow and (in my small way) be a part of that process.

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Day 40: What I Need

Daily Blog Challenge Day 40/365
I realized tonight there are a few things that I crave as a person/teacher and I feel frusterated when these needs are not met. This reflection (like usual) led back to my students and I began to wonder if they have the same needs (I think they do) and what I can do to help fill this area. I hope this relfection does not make me sound immature, but I do believe that these are basic human needs (I am sure a brillant scientist has already labeled them all in a fancy way.)

I Need...
1. To feel appreciated.
2. To feel welcomed.
3. To feel valued.
4. To feel noticed.

If I figure that my students have similar needs, how can I help them fill these areas?

1. To feel appreciated.
-I can tell them I enjoy hearing them sing/perform.
-I can point out positives.
-I appreciate the way you:

2. To feel welcomed.
-I can greet them at the door with a smile.
-I can be friendly.
-I can make time to interact with them outside of class time.

3. To feel valued.
-I can give them compliments.
-I can interact with them 1:1 more instead of calling out in class.

4. To feel noticed
-I can spend 1:1 time going over their work with them.
-I can walk around and pay more attention when they sing and notice individuals.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Day 39: Being Connected

Daily Blog Challenge Day 39/365

October is Connected Educators Month.  Originally, I thought social media was to share pictures and Twitter was to follow celebrities. In the year since I have been investing time in Twitter, I realize this is not the case (you can still follow your favorite celebrities, but there are many more opportunities).

Twitter has made me more aware (a few of my strong beliefs have been shifted due to the information I have been exposed to on twitter), I have found a wealth of resources/ideas and it is starting to give new possibilities for my students. Through connections on Twitter, I have two Skype Performances setup and I am working with another teacher to plan a third. My students help me tweet about our day and we tweeted with classes/teachers from Ireland, Dubai, Canada and the United States. These connections have been made in less than a month and I cannot wait to see all the other possibilities for my students.

The best twitter exchange to date happened last week. My fourth graders are Skyping with a class from New Hampshire and I was reviewing with them what would happen during this Skype. One of my students is a big NASCAR fan and when I mentioned Nee Hampshire, it made him think of racing. I am not sure why this state connected with racing for him, but it started something wonderful.  I know from tweeting with the teacher we are going to Skype with that she is also a big racing fan. I mentioned this to my class and they immediately wanted to know her favorite driver. Lucky for us, she was on her lunch break and responded to us. There ended up being five tweets sent back and forth about favorite drivers and my students were so excited to see her responses. I realize racing has nothing to do with music and we checked for responses in between activities, but this was a great opportunity to communicate with someone many states away about something that many of my students are interested in.

Twitter and social media can give our students many opportunities. I am excited to see what other things cone from using Twitter in my classroom.  I have one Twitter account to send updates to parents (pictures, videos and audio clips) and this account is private.  I have another account that is public and this is the account that my students help me tweet from.

I would love to hear how you use Twitter or Social Media in your class.

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Day 38: Being a Successful 21st Century Educator (Technology Tuesday)

My Daily Blog Challenge: 38/365

I recently came across a great post on the Educational Technology and Mobile Learning website (I take no credit for creating this list. I am only using it as a reflection tool.) I strongly recommend all teachers check out this site.  It is loaded with information on teaching and including technology into your classroom.  I see myself as a fairly techy person, so I was curious to see how many of the 33 Digital Skills I actually possess.  The article includes a list of tools to help teachers complete each skill.  I have highlighted each skill that I use in my classroom.  In parenthesis, I have included the individual tools that I use.

1- Create and edit digital audio (Musician's Kit)
2- Use Social bookmarking to share resources with and between learners (Twitter and Facebook)
3- Use blogs and wikis to create online platforms for students (KidBlog and Edmodo)
4- Exploit digital images for classroom use
5- Use video content to engage students (YouTube)
6- Use infographics to visually stimulate students
7- Use Social networking sites to connect with colleagues and grow professionally (Twitter and Facebook)
8- Create and deliver asynchronous presentations and training sessions
9- Compile a digital e-portfolio for their own development
10- Have a knowledge about online security
11- Be able to detect plagiarized works in students assignments
12- Create screen capture videos and tutorials (Skitch)
13- Curate web content for classroom learning (Google Sites)
14- Use and provide students with task management tools to organize their work and plan their learning
15- Use polling software to create a real-time survey in class. (Edmodo Polls)
16- Understand issues related to copyright and fair use of online materials (*Still need to work on this)
17- Exploit computer games for pedagogical purposes
18- Use digital assessment tools to create quizzes (Edmodo)
19- Use of collaborative tools for text construction and editing
20- Find and evaluate authentic web based content
21- Use of mobile devices like tablets
22- Identify online resources that are safe for students browsing
23- Use digital tools for time management purposes
24- Learn about the different ways to use YouTube in your classroom
25- Use note taking tools to share interesting content with your students
26- Annotate web pages and highlight parts of text to share with your class
27- Use of online graphic organizers and printables
28- Use of online sticky notes to capture interesting ideas
29- Use of screen casting tools to create and share tutorials
30- Exploit group text messaging tools for collaborative project work
31- Conduct an effective search query with the minimum time possible
32- Conduct A Research Paper Using Digital Tools
33- Use file sharing tools to share docs and files with students online



I am 16/33; I definitely have some work to do.  Just another example that proves there is always something to work on.  How many of these skills do you use in your classroom?

Monday, October 7, 2013

Day 37: Choir Chimes (Material Monday)

Daily Blog Challenge: 37/365

Material Monday
I am challenging myself to share one lesson idea every Monday. I hope that it will help me focus during my year long blogging challenge. 

Choir Chimes
I teach choir chimes in third grade.  Three of my last positions have had choir chimes as part of their resources. We start in October and we perform one piece at our Christmas Program.  Last year I only had sixteen students in each class, this year I have twenty-two students in each class (many who struggle with sitting still, following directions and listening). I am a little terrified to start chimes with them because I am afraid it will be a giant disaster (time will tell).  

Teaching Process
1. Start and stop free play (using conducting signs). 
-Introduction to playing the chimes and lets the students play. 
2. I color code all the music so students know when to play. 
3. I put names on all chimes so students know which one is theirs. 
4. I find simple melody/chord arrangements of pieces. 

Teaching Goals
1. Melody vs harmony. 
2. Basic chord progressions. 
3. Form. 
4. Playing individual parts as part of a whole. 
5. Playing as a group. 

Chimes are a great opportunity to expose students to playing individual parts as a whole. Do you use chimes? I would love to hear how you use them in your class. 


Sunday, October 6, 2013

Day 36: I Have Learned...

Daily Blog Challenge Day 36/365

I am finishing the first quarter of the 2013-2014 school year and I feel like this year is a big transition for me.  Through Twitter, I have been exposed to a wealth of knowledge and ideas and I have seen many of my philosophies change since last year.  This is a list of things I have learned over the past year.  I am continually amazed at how beliefs I once felt strongly about have changed over time.

1.  Students may know what they are expected to do, but they still may not perform the behavior.

2.  Students need structure and expectations.

3.  My expected behaviors may be "simple" but many students may not have been exposed to them.

4. Teaching is about relationships.

5.  I need to fight the urge to "put out fires" and focus instead on positive behaviors.

6.  Students need reminders about expected behaviors.

7.  Dangling a carrot may be a quick fix, but students rarely master behavior that way.

8.  There is a difference between awards and rewards.

9.  Teaching is hard work and exhausting at times.

10.  Teaching is an amazing profession and even at my highest frustration level, I can't imagine doing anything else.

11.  Grading participation is less important than if students can perform the material.

12.  Grades do not always show what students have learned.

13.  My philosophies and theories will change over time and I need to be open to change.

14.  Social Media is a wonderful tool and it exposes my students to many different opportunities.

 What are the biggest lessons you have learned throughout your teaching careers? 

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Day 35 : Skype in the Music Room

My Daily Blog Challenge: 35/365

I work in a small district in Northern Illinois and there is only one elementary school in our district. We have one big performance a year along with singing a song at a few assemblies, which limits performs e possibilities. I like the fact that performance requirements are not stressful, but at the same time, I believe performing teaching my students new lessons. Through Twitter I learned about using Skype to connect with other classes. I currently have a Skype performance scheduled for my fourth graders, am in the process of scheduling a date for my third graders and am talking to another teacher about connecting with his class in Indiana. All of these connections are due to Twitter, which is just another example of its power.

My plan is to perform one song/piece for the class we are Skyping with and then they will perform for us. After both performances we will have a short question and answer portion. The first school we are Skyping with is from New Hampshire. I am excited for the opportunity this brings my students: learn about time zones, geography review, audience skills and performing skills. This is also a great opportunity to expose my students to different accents. My guess is that many of my students have never talked to someone from the east coast. 

I created a Skype specific permission slip and after our Skype Perfomance I am going to have my students fill out a short reflection form. My hope is that this experience will expose them to new music and will give them an opportunity to perform for people outside of our schools.  These performances will also help focus our learning of new music by giving us a performance goal.

All you need is a webcam (or a way to capture picture), a computer with the Skype program and a microphone (if you camera does not have one). I purchased a webcam (under $30) and a Blue Snowball mic for $110 through Amazon.

Document cameras or an iPad will also work as a camera. 

Skype Permission Slip

Friday, October 4, 2013

Day 34 :I Will Grow...

Daily Blog Challenge: 34/365

I have been doing a lot of reading/listening to books and podcasts about having a positive attitude and living with a growth mindset. We all go through difficult times and we all can counter challenges. We can see these challenges as frustrations or as I have heard from mental training videos we can look at each moment as a chance to grow.

Yesterday I came home full of frustrations. Lately I have been feeling misunderstood and challenged. I am trying to do new and different things in my classroom. I don't necessarily see different as better, but I get the impression that some people would prefer I not change the status quo. I am a self confessed head case, so many of these issues could be between my ears, but until I learn to deal with them; they will continue to add stress to my life. 

This morning (as I was trying to fall back asleep) I remembered a line from a Key Note Speech: What if I looked at every challenge as an opportunity to grow?  I believe there is great power in the ability to experience adversity with a positive attitude. I always tell my students that mistakes are where learning happens. In life, adversity is where learning happens. 

Adversity
1. People challenging new ideas
-When people disagree with me, I am forced to really analyze what I believe in.  This process (although not always pleasant) allows me to solidify my thoughts/beliefs and my views either become stronger or change due to the new information.  It is human to not like disagreements, but it is through these moments that my thoughts become clearer.  I need to make sure I listen to the thoughts and not take it as a personal attack.

Positive Outcome
-My ideas become stronger and I learn from other perspectives.

2. Feeling misunderstood
-As a music teacher, I always feel like I have an X on me.  I am not a "real" teacher and I "only" teach music.  I do not say this to disrespect my profession, but even well intentioned teachers give off this impression.  It is a thought I am going to have to learn to deal with, but I cannot let it disrupt what I want to do.  Music teachers can still do great things!

Positive Outcome-I need to remember that what I do is important regardless of what others think and I can help prove that specialists can do great things in their classrooms.

3. Relationships
-My parents taught me as a child to respect those who are older then me and now that I am a teacher I sometimes have difficulty interacting with coworkers.  I struggle between being friends with them and feeling like I am a child again.  I have a hard time feeling like I am on the same level as they are.

Positive Outcome-My relationship skills with become stronger and I will be forced to focus on my communication and listening skills.

Adversity is not usually fun, but I NEED to remember in these moments that I can use them to help me grow.  Instead of becoming frustrated and looking at it as a negative, I should be thankful for the opportunity to get better (I know, this is far easier said then done.)

How do you deal with the frustrations that come with being a teacher?

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Day 33: Digital Citizenship Resources

Daily Blog Challenge:  33/365

This year I am teaching a 5th Grade Media Class.  I use Edmodo as the platform to explain assignments.  We started the year studying Digital Citizenship.  Along with class discussions, I found Digital Citizenship web games and videos.  Students play the game during class and then write a short explanation of what they learned and why it is important.  Using Edmodo, I am also able to create short quizzes and polls for them to answer.

Favorite games so far seem to be "Stop that Post" from NS Teens and Webanouts by PBS Kids.

Are there any websites you would suggest I use in my media class?






Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Day 32: Student Centered Classroom


Daily Blog Challenge: 32/365

I started the year pumped! My room was colorful and it looked great. After reading articles/posts and listening to a few podcasts, I have come to the conclusion that I messed up (big time). It is one of those moments when I wonder "why didn't I think about that?"  It's all so logical. 

I had a lot of helpful things posted, but most of it was four feet from the ceiling. I don't have a lot of low wall space in my room due to pianos, instruments and shelves. Friday I decided the insanity had lasted long enough and I am in the process of redoing my classroom (I will finish the process this morning before class.)  The goal is to put helpful information at student level and to tone down the room a bit. I will still have a few colorful things, but it will be much calmer.
















Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Day 31: Gonna Fly Now-Recorder

Daily Blog Challenge: 31/365

Last week I started recorder with my 4th graders. I start recorder in 3rd grade and we focus on G,A and B.  In 4th grade we start playing more pieces and Recorder Karate. Our first piece for this year is "Gonna Fly Now". I originally found this piece in a Bookwhacker book, but if works well for recorder.

Teaching Plan
To introduce the new piece, I showed them a short clip from the movie Rocky. It includes clips of him training and had the theme song.  Some of the students had seen it/heard of it. The video raised the excitment level. 

1. The first part we learn is the melody on recorder. It is very repetivite and there are only three phrases to learn. However, the rhythms are a little tricky at times and there are new notes to learn.

2. The next part we learn is the orff part. This is a great time to introduce/review the concept of chords, structure and harmony.

Concept Goals
1. Be able to play/identify notes on a recorder: D, E, F, G, A, B, C.
2. Be able to play the orff part.
3. Begin to understand chord structure.
4. Identify form: Intro, repeat and 1st/2nd ending.
5. Create class arrangment.