Why, Hello Summer PD!

We made it!  Another school year is in the books, room cleaned and packed for summer break. Whew! For the first time in twenty years, my school year finished before Memorial Day.  So, now that I have had a week to rest, it is time to look ahead!

I've been through countless workshops about Classroom Management over the years.  Many have been very good, and I have learned many useful techniques. However, they have always been tailored to the classroom teacher. I find myself thinking, "That's a great idea, but how can I do that with 500+ students?"  "How can I build connections quickly when I only see them for 30 minutes twice a week?"

Well, I have stumbled across a book that answers those questions. Classroom Management for Art, Music and PE Teachers.  It is written by Michael Linsin, author of Dream Class.  I love his approach to classroom management. In the introduction, he talks about his switch from classroom teacher to PE teacher, and how different it really is.  Finally!  Someone who GETS US!

My fellow music teachers and I will be doing a book study with this book over the summer.  I have not been able to find a study guide, so I am making one as I go. I will post a review of the book when I have finished it, but I can tell you now that I will recommend it! Check it out for yourself here.

Let me know what you think about it in the comments! Happy summer!

It's Hispanic Heritage Month!

National Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15 - October 15. (I find it odd that it is not an actual calendar month, but whatever.)  I love HHM--we have so much fun in music!  Over the next three weeks I will be posting some of my favorite lessons and activities for this month. The first is a book that I read in Kinder and First Grade classes: The Best Mariachi in the World by J.D. Smith.

It's about a little boy who wants to be a mariachi, but he's too little.  Until one morning when the village hears him singing.  Awwwww! Happy endings, spanish words, and mariachi music.  :)

In Kinder, we learn the names of the instruments in the mariachi band and color a picture while listening to mariachi music (click here for coloring page).  In first grade, we study the differences between the instruments (guitarron vs. guitar, vihuela vs. violin) and enjoy the same music.  The kids love it!