More than three‑quarters of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education.
Support her classroom with a gift that fosters learning.
Monthly
One-time
Support Ms. Smith's classroom with a gift that fosters learning.
Monthly
One-time
Make a donation Ms. Smith can use on her next classroom project.
Ukuleles are an incredible instruments for musicians at this level. Because they are composed of only four strings, chords are much easier to learn and master within a unit or instructional time within a music class. This serves many purposes, the most important of which, reinforcing the idea playing and performing music at a fourth and fifth grade level is an achievable goal. Students, through this instrument will be able to play chords to accompany their own singing. This not only combines two important musical skills, but will assist as a solid foundation for other instruments and musical experiences.
My lessons will include specific chord instruction that students will practice both individually as well as within small groups and as a class. This will include a wide variety of songs, beginning with simple folk songs, moving into more complex arrangements requiring multiple chords within each song. This will give them skills necessary to learn accompaniment for any song they choose. This aspect of the project is important to me as an educator, because, while music is a skill requiring direct instruction, individual practice shows a musical skill that shows learning and understanding on a deeper level. Not only this, but practicing music or songs students enjoy and select on their own accord provides connection to the music which is significantly beneficial, and adds a much needed element of enjoyment to musical experiences I strive to create within the music classroom.
About my class
Ukuleles are an incredible instruments for musicians at this level. Because they are composed of only four strings, chords are much easier to learn and master within a unit or instructional time within a music class. This serves many purposes, the most important of which, reinforcing the idea playing and performing music at a fourth and fifth grade level is an achievable goal. Students, through this instrument will be able to play chords to accompany their own singing. This not only combines two important musical skills, but will assist as a solid foundation for other instruments and musical experiences.
My lessons will include specific chord instruction that students will practice both individually as well as within small groups and as a class. This will include a wide variety of songs, beginning with simple folk songs, moving into more complex arrangements requiring multiple chords within each song. This will give them skills necessary to learn accompaniment for any song they choose. This aspect of the project is important to me as an educator, because, while music is a skill requiring direct instruction, individual practice shows a musical skill that shows learning and understanding on a deeper level. Not only this, but practicing music or songs students enjoy and select on their own accord provides connection to the music which is significantly beneficial, and adds a much needed element of enjoyment to musical experiences I strive to create within the music classroom.