During my practicum I chose to deliver four, linked lessons in my ArtSmarts = music. This was a valuable experience that gave me a positive experience teaching Fine Arts.
First, there was no available resources so I had to create my own - this creation stretched my personal expression and undertsanding of djembe drumming... Before I had always been just a participant in the drumming circle, not the leader. Also, I had not learned djembe with a Western Music approach, so, I now had to determine which rhyhthms and melodies used a common and uncommon meter.
Second, I found out how effective simple resources are (ie cd player and rhythm sticks). We started each class with a warm up- dancing to a piece that warmed up the right hemisphere of the brain and featured the lesson outcome that the students would later play. Then I modelled the rhythm sticks and djembe pieces and the students played the rhythm sticks. The rhythm sticks effectively prepared the students for playing a djembe in the third lesson. I was very surprised to see this growth over a short time of period.
Third, I was also surprised to find out how relaxing Music is for myself!! I have observed the positive impacts for the students, but, I did not comprehend the personal impact that Music lessons would have.... Both lesson prep and the actual instruction made me feel relaxed. This relaxed feeling positively impacted the remainder of my day. I felt peaceful and my observation skills were sharpened. Who knew that I could play and listen to 28 kids and pick out who had mastered the piece and who needed more instruction?! I, for one, did not realize that I had these observation skills...
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
Incorporating music into lessons is a great stress-reliever! I found it very soothing for me and for the kids when they were doing papier mache. Many of the students would sing along to the songs and dance too!
First of all Nicola, I wanted to say what a pleasure it was being at the same practicum school as you. Thank you for your answers, inspiration, and for listening!
Second, though I was not there to see you teach one of your drumming lessons (I wish I could've been), I was able to hear it all the way down the hall and it sounded absolutely amazing!
I am so happy you were able to teach your music lessons, and they went so well!
You have to read a novel I just read...Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie! It is about a boy in gr. 8 who loves drumming. The author makes the relaxation experience you are talking about so convincing through this character. I agree with your points about simple tools being effective when used with enthusiasm. Congratulations on being able to adapt what you know to a new situation.
Post a Comment