Classroom Tips
Like most teachers, I am always on the lookout for good picture books! And, last weekend, my wife and I stopped at a library book sale!
It was the kind where you get a whole bag of books for $3. Yes!
Of course, I always run straight to the children's book section. This kind of sale offers an amazing, inexpensive way to buy books. You just need a moment to look around. Here are some of the things I look for when I'm fishing for those nuggets of gold...
Read MoreAs music teachers, we are always looking for wonderful stories with loads of musical possibilities.
One of my favorite stories for this time of year is The Little Old Lady Who Wasn't Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams and Megan Lloyd.
Basically, the little old lady helps spooky characters work together for a surprisingly non-Halloween finish. (Which means even our students with Halloween restrictions can enjoy the story! More on cultural competency later!) You're definitely going to love this one!
Read MoreSo, let's talk about the anticipatory set. (Big word; simple concept!)
Teaching is more effective when learners are excited about what they are learning. Generating interest and excitement for a lesson is the job of the anticipatory set.
It is like whetting the class' appetite for the "meal" of learning. The anticipatory set quickly gets student attention and leads into the rest of the lesson.
This isn't specific to music class - it's for all teachers!
As an anticipatory set, teachers of some other subjects may ask students to make verbal predictions about a new story with familiar characters (ELA) or comparisons between self and the citizens of another nation (Social Studies).
In elementary music, though, much of our focus is on procedural knowledge.
We're learning how to do something - as opposed to learning about something (declarative knowledge).
Read MoreLast week, I shared some ideas with you about how to explore Laban's concept of 'Space Harmony' in music class with your students. Now, I'm glad you're back because I want to round out our Laban discussion with 'Shape!'
What is shape?
Shape is the form that the body takes while moving or in stillness. Shapes can be:
