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.  

Reflection #5

What: This past week in class we learned more about process drama. We were able to experience activities and learn about different children's books.  I really enjoyed watching/listening the group presentations because I was able to learn about different books, but I was also able to see how the groups incorporated fun, interesting activities into the text.  For example, one class was talking about the Holocaust and how people were crammed into cargo trains.  Each person would only have enough room to stand still.  They did not have room to stretch their arms, legs, nothing.  For their activity they had made a box with tape on the floor and told all of us that we had to fit into the box.  The box represented the cargo trains that people crammed into.  Doing this activity gave me a small dose of what it was like for Jews during the Holocaust.  

So What: In my future classroom I would like to implement as many drama things as possible.  I would love to use activities to help explain certain lessons because children (as well as adults) learn so much better when the lessons are visual.  

Now What: Doing these drama activities in class has really made me see the importance of art, especially drama.  I came home after class last week and told my husband that "I feel like I'm finding my inner drama-self."  I love that we've been able to do fun activities and things where we aren't sitting at our tables for hours.  In preparing to implement drama into my future classroom, I will continue to participate as much as possible in class now.  I really think it's important that each one of us students (in the EL Ed program) become confident in ourselves and be able to act silly, and act out of our comfort zones at times.  I'm really excited to practice these activities someday soon!

Reflection #4

What: Today I learned how to open up and express myself through drama.  We learned many different games to help children feel comfortable with themselves and with others.  I have come to the conclusion that using drama in the classroom can be very beneficial and can really help many students learn.

So What: The activity that I think I will use the most is the "Who started the motion" game.  I also really like the "machine" game. These two games are great for getting students out of their seats and doing something productive, although not class curriculum.  I think the motion game is more of a fun one that can be used as a reward when students act well, and the machine game gives students a chance to be creative and think outside of the box, but at the same time have a good time.  I would like to use the motion game on the first day of class as a sort of ice breaker.  It will hopefully help students to feel more comfortable in class.

Now What: I think it's important to incorporate drama into all curricular events because it helps students become more outgoing and comfortable with themselves.  Also, when you get to where I am in my life (college) jobs and internships come easier when one is outgoing and able to communicate with others.  Students also need drama because everyone needs to be well-rounded regardless of what their hobbies are.  Having a general idea about a lot of things is a great thing! 

Reflection #3

What: This week in class we learned the 6 principles of art: proportion, balance, variety, rhythm, emphasis, and unity.  To be honest, I have never heard of, or referred to, these 6 principles before this week.  However, I really enjoyed learning about them because it helps to better understand pieces of art.  In the past when I have gone through museums, or places with art, I have looked at the works of art for a brief few seconds and continued on to the next piece.  Now, after learning the principles and elements of art, I hope that I will be able to take time when I go to museums and really look at what the artist is trying to say/illustrate. Using children's books to better understand art is a fabulous idea in my opinion.  The pictures are usually rich with color or with detail, and the pictures are usually very simple, or at least simple enough for children to understand.  Also, because there are so many children's books, you can probably find every element and principle of art in at least one picture book.  

So What: When I am a teacher I hope to teach my students about the different artists and the different and unique techniques they use in illustrating.  By doing this, students will be able to find out which principle they enjoy using, if any.  They will also be able to look at pieces of art and understand the message the artist is trying to convey.  

Now What: Well, I already talked about how learning the principles of art can benefit my future students and myself, but something I have not mentioned is being artistically literate.  In our day and age, and it will only progress more, more and more people are learning about the arts, and even if art isn't something a person is interested in, it is still something they should have a general knowledge about.  If there is ever a time to add something to a conversation, it's nice to be the one to make the comment.  I believe all people, no matter what field they may be in, should be well-rounded and have a general knowledge about many things.