This week we finished up presenting our Children's Literature Projects. It was cool watching the other groups present, they did a really good job. We also practiced our recorders some more and did a movement lesson that involved playing them. We also did a movement lesson where we passed around a ball. This lesson taught about tempo and dynamics.
It is important to learn about tempo and dynamics because they are present in all music. They are usually the most obvious parts about a piece of music. Having children play the ball game allows them to listen to this parts more closely so they can better identify them.
It is important for children to learn these because it will help them to better understand music in the long run. They will be able to tell how fast or slow a song is and how loud of soft. These are just two concepts that are very important for everyone to understand.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Week 11 Journal
This week we worked on and presented our group Children's Literature Project. My group worked together really well. We picked out a book and wrote the lesson plan together. We all decided what instruments we should use and where in the book they should be used. We did a good job presenting together. We accomplished making a well written lesson plan and presenting it well. The challenge was finding a time in order to meet to write the lesson plan. Another challenge was finding a song to sing with the book. The most exciting part of this project was actually being able to teach it. The fact that the lesson went well added to this. From this lesson the children can learn how to take care of their environment and the world. They can learn about the Three R's. The children can also learn about timbre and how to play instruments.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Week 9 Journal
This week we learned about creativity in children. It is very important to foster creativity in children because it enables them to think abstractly and to come up with unique solutions to problems. Music is a great way to help students think creatively. Making up noises and sounds is done through creative thinking. Using books and having the children make up their own sounds helps them grow creatively. The children are able to use sounds they think would be used, as opposed to being told what noise to make. Such as a child being able to say that a bird can go "caw caw" instead of the teacher telling them that it goes "chirp chirp".
Student-centered teaching is greatly enhanced through an activity such as this. That is because the students get to help shape the activity. They decide what noises to make and possibly what instruments to use. This makes it more about them than if the teacher were just lecturing them.
Student-centered teaching is greatly enhanced through an activity such as this. That is because the students get to help shape the activity. They decide what noises to make and possibly what instruments to use. This makes it more about them than if the teacher were just lecturing them.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Week 8 Journal
Creativity is a very important skill to encourage in children. It helps them to think of new and interesting ways to solve different problems. If children are able to think creatively they will be able to better understand certain concepts better. For example, children who are creative tend to do better at algebra than those that aren't. Also, creative people tend to do well in the world. They are able to solve problems that others might not be able to.
Music can help children be creative in many ways. Getting to experiment with different instruments and voice ranges enables them to think about different ways of doings things. Singing different songs helps to get the children to create different stories.
For my multicultural project I intend to use Germany as my country. I figure since my grandmother came over from Germany this will be a good way to find something out about my heritage.
Music can help children be creative in many ways. Getting to experiment with different instruments and voice ranges enables them to think about different ways of doings things. Singing different songs helps to get the children to create different stories.
For my multicultural project I intend to use Germany as my country. I figure since my grandmother came over from Germany this will be a good way to find something out about my heritage.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Week 7 Journal
This week we really focused on studying for our test. The hardest part was remembering what characteristics and abilities were common for each grade level. I made sure to read and re-read those sections so I would know them for the test. The easiest part for me were the questions dealing with reading the music and the questions on the recorder fingering. I already knew how to read music before starting this class so I didn't study that as much. The recorder fingering was easy because there weren't that many letters and all of the practicing helped ingrain it in memory.
So far this semester we have learned a lot. We learned about melody, rhythm, steady beat, articulation, and dynamics. We have also learned how to play C, D, G, A, and B on the recorder, as well as how to play Hot Cross Buns. We learned how to write up a lesson plan and how to teach it to a class. We learned, or reviewed, how to read a treble clef staff, including the treble clef, time signature, and the notes. We learned C major and G major scale on the staff as well as on the piano. We learned what whole steps and half steps are. We learned about whole, half, quarter, eighth, and sixteenth notes and rests. We learned about sharp notes, such as F sharp.
So far this semester we have learned a lot. We learned about melody, rhythm, steady beat, articulation, and dynamics. We have also learned how to play C, D, G, A, and B on the recorder, as well as how to play Hot Cross Buns. We learned how to write up a lesson plan and how to teach it to a class. We learned, or reviewed, how to read a treble clef staff, including the treble clef, time signature, and the notes. We learned C major and G major scale on the staff as well as on the piano. We learned what whole steps and half steps are. We learned about whole, half, quarter, eighth, and sixteenth notes and rests. We learned about sharp notes, such as F sharp.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Week 6 Journal
Self-evaluation (this is of my second time teaching):
Musicianship: 4 points, I think I had an accurate rhythm and appropriate tempo, as wells appropriate phrasing and expression. My tune and pitch could possibly have been better
Leadership: 6 points, I think my voice tone and volume were appropriate and that my body language and facial expressions were fine. However I probably could have made more eye contact and have had more energy.
Preparation: 14 points. I knew the lesson plan that I had written out and turned in. I had all of the appropriate materials. I knew all the words to my song, however I could have known it a little better.
Delivery of Instruction: 19 points. I think that I did a good job in capturing the classes attention. The steps seemed as though they were in a good order and that the instructions were understood. The pace seemed slow enough for them to follow along and I listened to the feedback of the class. However, there could have been more questions.
Total: 43
The hardest part about the presentation was actually presenting it. I knew the song really well, but I got nervous in front of the class and so that made me mess up. However, it was a lot easier the second time I had to perform it because I was less nervous and I feel I did a lot better job. I think I taught the dance pretty well, everyone seemed to do a good job at it. Since I was given a second chance I know that I was able to be less nervous and so I messed up less. There were certain parts of the lesson that I fine tuned when I saw that they didn't go so well the first time.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Week 5 Journal
This week we learned about the note D on the recorder. We also learned about half steps and sharps. Additionally, we continued to work on our lesson plans. We were taught about Zoltan Kodaly and solfege, as well as music duration.
In order to learn the note D we were taught how to play it on the recorder. We practiced a song that contained D notes. To learn about half steps and sharps we were shown diagrams of where they would fall on the staff and on a piano. We went over our lesson plans in groups that ranged from those that were good at writing lesson plans to those that needed help. We worked on them and discussed them as a group in order to get someone else's help and perspective. To learn about Kodaly, solfege, and music duration we read a packet about them and we practiced the solfege and music duration.
It is important that we know the D note because you cannot play many songs without it. The same goes for knowing about half steps and sharp notes. Solfege and music duration also help you to better understand music. It is important to learn about lesson plans because they are vital to becoming a teacher. You cannot successfully teach a class unless you are able to make lesson plans.
It is important for children to learn these skills and concepts because it helps them to understand music better. These concepts and skills enable children to play music and to help practice what they already know about music.
In order to learn the note D we were taught how to play it on the recorder. We practiced a song that contained D notes. To learn about half steps and sharps we were shown diagrams of where they would fall on the staff and on a piano. We went over our lesson plans in groups that ranged from those that were good at writing lesson plans to those that needed help. We worked on them and discussed them as a group in order to get someone else's help and perspective. To learn about Kodaly, solfege, and music duration we read a packet about them and we practiced the solfege and music duration.
It is important that we know the D note because you cannot play many songs without it. The same goes for knowing about half steps and sharp notes. Solfege and music duration also help you to better understand music. It is important to learn about lesson plans because they are vital to becoming a teacher. You cannot successfully teach a class unless you are able to make lesson plans.
It is important for children to learn these skills and concepts because it helps them to understand music better. These concepts and skills enable children to play music and to help practice what they already know about music.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Week 4 Journal
This week we continued learning about rhythm and steady beat. We also learned the note C, which we then practiced on the recorder. Another skill we practiced was dancing or coordination.
To continue our learning on steady beat we sang Bow Wow Wow. We also learned Tideo. For this we learned a dance to go along with the song that helped us practice steady beat. This dance also made us practice our coordination. For the C note, we learned how to play a few new songs on the recorder. To help practice the old notes (B, A, and G) we played songs we already knew, Hot Cross Buns, plus a few new ones.
It is important for children to really understand rhythm because it is very important in music. So practicing steady beat and rhythm a lot if essential. It is also good that only a few notes are learned at a time. This gives the children ample time to memorize them and makes sure they don't get different notes confused. The dance moves to Tideo are good for children because they help them understand the steady beat. It also allows them to work on their coordination.
This week we also learned about writing a lesson plan. We learned what skills, concepts, and objectives are appropriate. We also talked about how the procedure should be. This is important because all teachers need lesson plans. This is going to be a big part of our lives while we teach and so we must learn to do it well.
To continue our learning on steady beat we sang Bow Wow Wow. We also learned Tideo. For this we learned a dance to go along with the song that helped us practice steady beat. This dance also made us practice our coordination. For the C note, we learned how to play a few new songs on the recorder. To help practice the old notes (B, A, and G) we played songs we already knew, Hot Cross Buns, plus a few new ones.
It is important for children to really understand rhythm because it is very important in music. So practicing steady beat and rhythm a lot if essential. It is also good that only a few notes are learned at a time. This gives the children ample time to memorize them and makes sure they don't get different notes confused. The dance moves to Tideo are good for children because they help them understand the steady beat. It also allows them to work on their coordination.
This week we also learned about writing a lesson plan. We learned what skills, concepts, and objectives are appropriate. We also talked about how the procedure should be. This is important because all teachers need lesson plans. This is going to be a big part of our lives while we teach and so we must learn to do it well.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Week 3 Journal
This week in class we learned about melodies, which are a combination of loud, soft and constant sounds. We also learned about scales, specifically C Major, and about Treble Clef, also known as G clef. Additionally, we learned about notes. For skills we practiced playing the recorder.
To learn about scales we were shown the notes on a staff. Treble clef was taught to us by showing how to draw the symbol and by having it placed on the staff. The size of notes were taught by showing how the notes are split into smaller and smaller parts. The notes names were shown by where they should be placed on the staff. The notes we practiced on the recorder were G, A, and B. To help our skill in playing these notes we put them to a song that we played for the class.
The concepts are important to learn because the scales, Treble Clef, and notes all help you to read music. If one can read music then it will be easier for them to learn to play songs. The concept of melodies was important to learn because they are a part of every song. If you understand melodies then you can better understand the song you are listening to or playing. It is also important to be able to play the notes. If you can not successfully play the notes than you will be unable to make music.
Learning notes on a recorder is important for children because it is an easy instrument and this will help them if they try to play more advanced instruments in the future. It is good for children to learn how to read music because some children learn better through seeing, so this method could help many children learn about music in a way other than listening. Melodies are important for children to understand because they need to know the basics of music to learn about the more complicated concepts.
To learn about scales we were shown the notes on a staff. Treble clef was taught to us by showing how to draw the symbol and by having it placed on the staff. The size of notes were taught by showing how the notes are split into smaller and smaller parts. The notes names were shown by where they should be placed on the staff. The notes we practiced on the recorder were G, A, and B. To help our skill in playing these notes we put them to a song that we played for the class.
The concepts are important to learn because the scales, Treble Clef, and notes all help you to read music. If one can read music then it will be easier for them to learn to play songs. The concept of melodies was important to learn because they are a part of every song. If you understand melodies then you can better understand the song you are listening to or playing. It is also important to be able to play the notes. If you can not successfully play the notes than you will be unable to make music.
Learning notes on a recorder is important for children because it is an easy instrument and this will help them if they try to play more advanced instruments in the future. It is good for children to learn how to read music because some children learn better through seeing, so this method could help many children learn about music in a way other than listening. Melodies are important for children to understand because they need to know the basics of music to learn about the more complicated concepts.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Week 2 Journal
This week I learned how to play Hot Cross Buns on the recorder. I also learned about steady beat and rhythm.
We learned what steady beat and rhythm were by discussing them in class and being given a definition of what they mean. An example of them was also given that we then imitated. We learned Hot Cross Buns by being taught the fingering on the recorder and the notes. We also learned the rhythm to it. These teachings were enforced by playing the song multiple times.
It is important to learn what steady beat and rhythm are because they are present in all music. Knowing these concepts help us to understand music and music composition. Learning the song on the recorder helps to ingrain the concepts learned.
If children learn this at an early age it will be more natural for them than if they learned it at a later age. Ten children's songs I am familiar with are: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Old McDonald, Row Row Row Your Boat, Mary had a Little Lamb, Rock-a-bye Baby, Little Bunny Fufu, I'm a little Teapot, The Wheels on the Bus go Round and Round, Itsy Bitsy Spider, and Bingo.
We learned what steady beat and rhythm were by discussing them in class and being given a definition of what they mean. An example of them was also given that we then imitated. We learned Hot Cross Buns by being taught the fingering on the recorder and the notes. We also learned the rhythm to it. These teachings were enforced by playing the song multiple times.
It is important to learn what steady beat and rhythm are because they are present in all music. Knowing these concepts help us to understand music and music composition. Learning the song on the recorder helps to ingrain the concepts learned.
If children learn this at an early age it will be more natural for them than if they learned it at a later age. Ten children's songs I am familiar with are: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Old McDonald, Row Row Row Your Boat, Mary had a Little Lamb, Rock-a-bye Baby, Little Bunny Fufu, I'm a little Teapot, The Wheels on the Bus go Round and Round, Itsy Bitsy Spider, and Bingo.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
Music History
I was in choir in fifth and sixth grade. I learned to play the recorder in fourth grade, but I don't remember how. I took a couple of mandatory music classes in middle school. I prefer rock or alternative music. I listen to music a lot, especially when I do homework. My iPod has about 500 or 600 songs on it. This includes rock, alternative, punk, bubblegum music, and a few other genres. I mostly listen to my iPod when I am walking to class, but I also listen to it when my roommate is sleeping and when I'm at work.
I think the activities so far have helped loosen people up a little. It makes you realize that not everyone there is going to be a fantastic singer and so you don't have to worry about the fact that you're not good. They've also been very creative. This was taught through our singing and moving around. This is good for children because the music helps them learn easier, such as the song that helped learn names. The song is something that is more fun for them and so they are more willing to pay attention, as opposed to simply stating everyone's name.
I think the activities so far have helped loosen people up a little. It makes you realize that not everyone there is going to be a fantastic singer and so you don't have to worry about the fact that you're not good. They've also been very creative. This was taught through our singing and moving around. This is good for children because the music helps them learn easier, such as the song that helped learn names. The song is something that is more fun for them and so they are more willing to pay attention, as opposed to simply stating everyone's name.
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