Reflection #9

What: This week (as in yesterday) we presented the songs we created and taught them to the entire class. Something I learned from doing this activity is that people remember things better when the information is put in to a song. There are many people who know the 50 states because of the "50 States" song, or prime numbers because they have been placed in a song, and so on. Music leaves such a large imprint in our minds and helps us remember things we learned weeks, months, and maybe years ago.
So What: Something I would really like to do when I'm a teacher is either make songs about main subjects or find songs that have already been made. When teaching about the presidents of the United States, a song would be really helpful. Or, learning about the water cycle is something that is hard to remember, and if a song was created about it (like Matt Jensen's group) then students (and myself) are more likely to remember the cycle. When students learn a song they sometimes don't even realize they are learning something new, but later when asked a question about it they can refer to the song.
Now What: The next steps for me would have to be to save any song I come across that teaches about something that would be taught in school, regardless of the grade. Also, I would like to experiment and try teaching songs to the students whom I will be student teaching. I will have many opportunities to do this while I still have 4 semesters of being in the schools. I am truly a believer in teaching students songs to remember information. I have experienced it first-hand and know, without a doubt, that it works (probably better than any other method).

Reflection #8

What: Music is something that should always be included in the classroom because of the spirit it brings.  Classical or peaceful music can calm a classroom so quickly and can also help students concentrate on their assignment.

So What: There are many ways I would like to use music in my future classroom.  One is during transitions while in the classroom.  When students transition from one activity to the next sometimes there is a lot of noise and commotion.  If as a teacher I were to put music that was quiet and calming, students would more likely be quiet and transition better. Another way music can be used in the classroom is when digital stories or vidcasts are made.  Using music in these kinds of instances help bring the mood of the video.  Students are able to capture the essence of something through the music (ex: somber, exciting, war-time, etc...). 

Now What: To prepare to do these things in my classroom I hope to really take advantage of times when teachers of my own play music during class. Also, I want to be on the lookout for music that helps me concentrate and get my assignments done, as well as music that helps calm me.  Anytime I hear a song that I like I want to download it to my computer and save it under a file specifically for "classroom music." Also, I want to be on the lookout for websites that provide free music and is music that children would enjoy.  I hope through some of my songs children are able to become a little more cultured.  

Reflection #7

What: There have been many things that I use to believe about art in the classroom that I have changed my mind about.  First of all, art can be used in anything.  It's awesome!  For our project we read "The Magic School Bus," and were able to incorporate art into the book SO many times.  I think when a teacher is teaching science students can easily become bored. However, if the teacher uses art to get the students excited about science then the kids are moving around, actually doing what they are being taught, and are really learning in a visual way.  

So What: I would love to use all of the dance activities that were used in the class last week.  The only down side to what we did in class was that we were changing activities so quickly and weren't able to grasp some of the activities as much as I would've liked to. Having the worksheet that my group made, though, will be a great guide for dance activities in class, regardless of what book is being or which subject is being taught.

Now What: I think the biggest way I can prepare for teaching my future students is incorporating art in as much as possible when I do my field experience.  Practicing this dance activities in a real classroom will really get me ready for when I have my own classroom some day.  I can also continue to listen for great new dance activities on a daily basis.  I could learn a new activity when least expected!

Reflection #6

What: Doing the dance section in class was a really fun activity and is something that every teacher needs to use regardless of what subject they teach.  I loved that you taught us that you can use dance in any subject, science, social studies, and maybe even math.  Using dance is really important because it allows students to loosen up and relax during class. It also allows students to be creative and innovative.  They have to use their imagination when a teacher asks them to "dance" something out.  As a teacher you can really bring fun to class when you include dance and the arts. Incorporating dance is great also because it gives students a chance to be well-rounded. 

So What: I am really excited to implement dance when I go out to field.  I think students will become a lot more excited about the material and excited that they can use their creativity.  Also, for next week I think our group is going to use a Magic School Bus book, which I loved as a child, as most children do.  They teach readers many things and grab the readers attention right from the beginning. 

Now What: To prepare for my future classroom I need to continue reading and finding children's books that include stories that can involve dancing.  I need to put these activities into action when I do my field observation and when I do my student teaching.  I also need to keep up on my own creativity and explore my inner "dance" self.