Once a student reaches 5th grade, they have been exposed to a huge variety of music outside of school. They know their likes and dislikes and respond accordingly when presented with music in the classroom music setting. It can be a challenge to engage these students using the traditional classroom rhythm instruments they have used for the last 5 to 6 years. I teach at a Global School, where each grade level has a continent of focus. By the time they are in 5th grade, my music students have been exposed to a diverse amount of music. I spend most of the year teaching 5th graders about American music history and legendary musicians. Ukuleles are an ideal instrument due to their ease of use and the sense of accomplishment that playing a "real" instrument will provide. As they build their understanding of how music influences and is reflected in our history, students will be learning skills that will continue to enrich their lives forever.
Music is an incredible way to learn and better understand our own culture and the diversity of our world, while building character and promoting the development of the whole child. Studies continually show that students involved in music education and activities learn better, test better and cope better.
Playing an instrument requires perseverance, discipline and responsibility. Creating music sparks the imagination and teaches us that mistakes are okay. Performing music fosters pride, requires courage and when done in groups, is a rewarding way to collaborate on shared goals. What more could we ask for in our children? My hope for my students is that their music experiences impact them a way that positively effects their character and their soul and helps form them into humans who celebrate their unique gifts and those of others.
About my class
Once a student reaches 5th grade, they have been exposed to a huge variety of music outside of school. They know their likes and dislikes and respond accordingly when presented with music in the classroom music setting. It can be a challenge to engage these students using the traditional classroom rhythm instruments they have used for the last 5 to 6 years. I teach at a Global School, where each grade level has a continent of focus. By the time they are in 5th grade, my music students have been exposed to a diverse amount of music. I spend most of the year teaching 5th graders about American music history and legendary musicians. Ukuleles are an ideal instrument due to their ease of use and the sense of accomplishment that playing a "real" instrument will provide. As they build their understanding of how music influences and is reflected in our history, students will be learning skills that will continue to enrich their lives forever.
Music is an incredible way to learn and better understand our own culture and the diversity of our world, while building character and promoting the development of the whole child. Studies continually show that students involved in music education and activities learn better, test better and cope better.
Playing an instrument requires perseverance, discipline and responsibility. Creating music sparks the imagination and teaches us that mistakes are okay. Performing music fosters pride, requires courage and when done in groups, is a rewarding way to collaborate on shared goals. What more could we ask for in our children? My hope for my students is that their music experiences impact them a way that positively effects their character and their soul and helps form them into humans who celebrate their unique gifts and those of others.