This past week in music we discussed the difference between binary (ab) and ternary (abc). The last one that we talked about was rondo form, which is abaca. We had to create our own dance moves with our group. There were two different groups, and we had to create our own dance moves to go with the tempo of the music.
It is important for students to learn the difference between these forms because it will help to illustrate the differences that music has to offer. It can help them find and understand patterns in songs and anticipate what will be coming next.
Not only do these three forms help us to better understand music, but poems, books, movies, and actual life as well.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Journal #12
We were still working on finishing up our lessons this week. It was a great experience. I was really glad that our group got to go again because it helped me go over the things that I felt needed improvement. When I have to teach in front of a class it really helps me to think on my feet, and formulate ideas faster. It is a great way to help prepare me for my teaching career. Everyone's lesson plans were very interesting. It is important to do activities like this because it helps everyone develop their creativity.
We talked about dynamics and tempo. Dynamics is how loud or soft a sound is, and tempo is how fast or slow it is. To help illustrate these ideas we passed a ball around in a circle to the music. Depending on how fast the music was, or how loud it was determined if we switched directions or sped up.
These ideas can help us to become better teachers and have a greater understanding of how music really works in peoples lives.
We talked about dynamics and tempo. Dynamics is how loud or soft a sound is, and tempo is how fast or slow it is. To help illustrate these ideas we passed a ball around in a circle to the music. Depending on how fast the music was, or how loud it was determined if we switched directions or sped up.
These ideas can help us to become better teachers and have a greater understanding of how music really works in peoples lives.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Journal #10
This past week we continued our focus on binary music form. Once again that means a song that has two distinct parts to it. We danced to a song called Mariposa to help us further understand what binary form was. A few other binary songs that I am familiar with are Daft Punk: Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger, and Sublime: What I got.
On Wednesday we read the book "The Sleeping Bed" and incorporated percussion instruments with the book. We were able to use repetition and work together to make a pretty good sound with our percussion instruments. Friday we learned two new notes on the recorder, C and D, and we used our recycled instruments to make a beat with the book "Thunder Cakes."
These concepts are important to learn and practice because it helps us get better for when we teach it later. If we are going to teach anything about melody, beat, or anything music related it is almost a necessity to practice those skills first so you can be more effective on teaching them down the road. By learning more creatively, you create the chance that more students will be actively involved in your classroom.
On Wednesday we read the book "The Sleeping Bed" and incorporated percussion instruments with the book. We were able to use repetition and work together to make a pretty good sound with our percussion instruments. Friday we learned two new notes on the recorder, C and D, and we used our recycled instruments to make a beat with the book "Thunder Cakes."
These concepts are important to learn and practice because it helps us get better for when we teach it later. If we are going to teach anything about melody, beat, or anything music related it is almost a necessity to practice those skills first so you can be more effective on teaching them down the road. By learning more creatively, you create the chance that more students will be actively involved in your classroom.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Journal #9
This past week in class we focused a lot on the principles of timbre and how it deals with music. we learned that timbre is the tone and color of the sounds we hear and experience. We also now know that different instruments produce different sounds of timbre. We also focused on the musical concept of binary. It means that the music or song is composed with two distinct sections and sound. To illustrate this to us we used the song Hit the Road Jack. We continued reviewing the differences of forte and piano.
This past week in class we read a book called "The Listening Walk". The book focused on different sounds we can hear if we just take the time to stop and listen to everything around us. Adam read the book to the class and we all took turns making sounds to suit the needs of the word we were hearing. We learned that it is beneficial to take songs that already exist and turn them into a totally different song that is related to the material that we are focusing on. To further help us to understand what binary means with music, we listened to hit the road jack and danced to the two distinct differences the song had to offer.
All of these music skills and concepts are relative and very important to learn because it helps us strengthen our knowledge of music. We can now use these tools that we have learned to help further our musical experience and in turn expand the minds of the younger students we will all soon be teaching.
This past week in class we read a book called "The Listening Walk". The book focused on different sounds we can hear if we just take the time to stop and listen to everything around us. Adam read the book to the class and we all took turns making sounds to suit the needs of the word we were hearing. We learned that it is beneficial to take songs that already exist and turn them into a totally different song that is related to the material that we are focusing on. To further help us to understand what binary means with music, we listened to hit the road jack and danced to the two distinct differences the song had to offer.
All of these music skills and concepts are relative and very important to learn because it helps us strengthen our knowledge of music. We can now use these tools that we have learned to help further our musical experience and in turn expand the minds of the younger students we will all soon be teaching.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Journal #8
We learned a few different ways to go about teaching dynamics to young children. We talked about our multicultural reports but unfortunately I was absent that day and will need to figure out what it is exactly that I missed. Through stories and musical notes we learned how to effectively teach dynamics in different ways, and we learned the note F# on our recorders.
For our dynamics example the entire class took turns telling stories through music. Our story involved a walrus named Wally and he sang quietly and then loud to explain dynamics. We also used methods of rhythm and beat recognition through clapping and slapping our knees to the beat. Using music notes is a very effective way to help students visualize and fully understand the importance of dynamics.
We need to learn different strategies for teaching dynamics because everyone learns differently. Some people are visual learners while others are hands on learners. Teaching in multiple ways helps ensure that each child has a firm grasp on the concept you are trying to teach them, and it makes it that much more enjoyable for everyone.
Music is an important tool that every person, adult or child needs to understand. It is a very effective way to teach a lesson and can help people to be more creative and exploratory.
For our dynamics example the entire class took turns telling stories through music. Our story involved a walrus named Wally and he sang quietly and then loud to explain dynamics. We also used methods of rhythm and beat recognition through clapping and slapping our knees to the beat. Using music notes is a very effective way to help students visualize and fully understand the importance of dynamics.
We need to learn different strategies for teaching dynamics because everyone learns differently. Some people are visual learners while others are hands on learners. Teaching in multiple ways helps ensure that each child has a firm grasp on the concept you are trying to teach them, and it makes it that much more enjoyable for everyone.
Music is an important tool that every person, adult or child needs to understand. It is a very effective way to teach a lesson and can help people to be more creative and exploratory.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Journal #6
http://www.youtube.com/swf/l.swf?swf=http%3A//s.ytimg.com/yt/swf/cps-vfl79327.swf&video_id=C7rSDA4r6Zk&rel=1&eurl=&iurl=http%3A//i4.ytimg.com/vi/C7rSDA4r6Zk/hqdefault.jpg&sk=M_G-HTimYsy4JxBK5j__49Lc4RmFkn2kC&use_get_video_info=1&load_modules=1&fs=1&hl=en&cr=US
1. I feel that I need to do a better job with singing at a higher pitch recognition. The class seemed to struggle when they were listening to me and they had a difficult time matching my pitch. If I were to teach this to a kindergartner class they would have an even more difficult time matching my voice so I need to keep that in mind. I need to make sure that I do not vary the pitch that I am singing in throughout the song. Even though you can obviously not see my lesson plan on the internet, I feel that it was a very well put together lesson plan. It was very easy for me to follow and use for direction while I was teaching. It definitely helped me to keep the lesson flowing very smoothly. I think that I did a good job with the rhyming concept. It would be very helpful to kindergartners to come up with rhymes on their own to enhance the idea and be able to fully understand what it means to rhyme. Kindergartners would most likely not be able to read the words that I was writing on the board, but the fact that we are saying them out loud and writing them out will help them for learning in the future.
2. a) The thing that I found most difficult in my presentation was being completely relaxed when I was up in front teaching. Everyone is nervous when they are speaking in front of people but I just need to embrace this first lesson plan and use it to help me have better control with me teaching and singing methods.
b) I do not think that I did well with taking my time. I think that I tended to rush my activities a little much. I need to keep control of my time and be able to move through the presentation smoothly.
c) Everyone was able to keep the beat, rhythm, and sing the song efficiently to my direction.
d) If I could do it again I would make sure that I am more relaxed and realize that there is nothing to worry about. We are teaching amongst our peers, not in front of a classroom. We should not be worried about doing this in front of each other because we are all here for the same reason and no one wants to be critical of each other. We all desire the same accomplishments.
1. I feel that I need to do a better job with singing at a higher pitch recognition. The class seemed to struggle when they were listening to me and they had a difficult time matching my pitch. If I were to teach this to a kindergartner class they would have an even more difficult time matching my voice so I need to keep that in mind. I need to make sure that I do not vary the pitch that I am singing in throughout the song. Even though you can obviously not see my lesson plan on the internet, I feel that it was a very well put together lesson plan. It was very easy for me to follow and use for direction while I was teaching. It definitely helped me to keep the lesson flowing very smoothly. I think that I did a good job with the rhyming concept. It would be very helpful to kindergartners to come up with rhymes on their own to enhance the idea and be able to fully understand what it means to rhyme. Kindergartners would most likely not be able to read the words that I was writing on the board, but the fact that we are saying them out loud and writing them out will help them for learning in the future.
2. a) The thing that I found most difficult in my presentation was being completely relaxed when I was up in front teaching. Everyone is nervous when they are speaking in front of people but I just need to embrace this first lesson plan and use it to help me have better control with me teaching and singing methods.
b) I do not think that I did well with taking my time. I think that I tended to rush my activities a little much. I need to keep control of my time and be able to move through the presentation smoothly.
c) Everyone was able to keep the beat, rhythm, and sing the song efficiently to my direction.
d) If I could do it again I would make sure that I am more relaxed and realize that there is nothing to worry about. We are teaching amongst our peers, not in front of a classroom. We should not be worried about doing this in front of each other because we are all here for the same reason and no one wants to be critical of each other. We all desire the same accomplishments.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Teaching video
http://www.youtube.com/swf/l.swf?swf=http%3A//s.ytimg.com/yt/swf/cps-vfl79327.swf&video_id=C7rSDA4r6Zk&rel=1&eurl=&iurl=http%3A//i4.ytimg.com/vi/C7rSDA4r6Zk/hqdefault.jpg&sk=M_G-HTimYsy4JxBK5j__49Lc4RmFkn2kC&use_get_video_info=1&load_modules=1&fs=1&hl=en&cr=US
Monday, February 9, 2009
Reflection #3
This week we started to discuss how our lesson plans were going to be done. We talked about planning and being prepared to fully teach a class. You have to be sure that the material you are going to be using to teach is grade level appropriate otherwise it will be hard to connect with the students. We now know that there were specific guidelines and National standards that have to be followed and met when teaching. We practiced with our recorders on Friday and we learned about rest notes and their value and how to play a "C" on the recorder.
We continued our work on the Tideo song. Even though we had already learned it in a previous class, it proved to be a valuable song to help teach and understand notes, measure, and rests.
Creating lesson plans are a part of everyday teaching. You have to be sure you understand the basics and principles behind a lesson plan so you can effectively teach your class. It helps organize all your thoughts into one sheet and makes it very hard to stray from what you are trying to get accomplished. Lesson plans help organize you and ensure that everything that you wanted to teach gets taught.
Lesson plans are just as important for students as they are for the teacher. Teacher's lesson plans directly relate to their teaching skills and abilities. If they are unable to present a reasonable lesson plan then the children are going to get short-handed on their learning. If the teacher is more organized with their presentation of information, the students will be able to get a better grasp of the information you are trying to present to them.
We continued our work on the Tideo song. Even though we had already learned it in a previous class, it proved to be a valuable song to help teach and understand notes, measure, and rests.
Creating lesson plans are a part of everyday teaching. You have to be sure you understand the basics and principles behind a lesson plan so you can effectively teach your class. It helps organize all your thoughts into one sheet and makes it very hard to stray from what you are trying to get accomplished. Lesson plans help organize you and ensure that everything that you wanted to teach gets taught.
Lesson plans are just as important for students as they are for the teacher. Teacher's lesson plans directly relate to their teaching skills and abilities. If they are unable to present a reasonable lesson plan then the children are going to get short-handed on their learning. If the teacher is more organized with their presentation of information, the students will be able to get a better grasp of the information you are trying to present to them.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
10 childhood songs
1. A B C's
2. 1, 2 Buckle My Shoe
3. Old McDonald
4. Row Row Row Your Boat
5. Jesus Loves Me
6. Rainbow Song
7. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
8. Over The River And Through The Woods
9. B I N G O
10. Three Blind Mice
2. 1, 2 Buckle My Shoe
3. Old McDonald
4. Row Row Row Your Boat
5. Jesus Loves Me
6. Rainbow Song
7. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
8. Over The River And Through The Woods
9. B I N G O
10. Three Blind Mice
Monday, January 26, 2009
Reflection #2
We learned a lot this past week. We now know that a rhythmic beat is the combination of short, long, and silent sounds. We learned how to play the recorder for the first time in the class. We learned the notes B, A, and G and used them to play hot cross buns. We also now know that a steady beat is a constant repetition of sound. We practiced keeping beat with sticks, drums, and our hands.
Each idea or concept that Professor Wang wanted to teach us she would demonstrate it herself first. If she wanted us to keep a steady beat with our hands she would start clapping and wait for the rest of the class to join in. Anytime there was a song to be learned or a rhyme, Professor Wang would first repeat the song a few times, and then we would all say it with her.
There are many reasons why it is important to learn all of these ideas. These are concepts can be a vital tool in helping children understand music. Keeping a steady beat is one of the most basic forms of music. When you learn and understand the simple and easy ideas behind music, you can begin to move on to the more advanced concepts which will ultimately give you a better appreciation for music as a whole. We incorporated the ideas of psycho-motor, cognitive, and affective learning into our lesson plans. All of these are the main focus when dealing with anything, whether it is music related or not.
Children need to learn these ideas so they can broaden their minds and learn to think in different levels that they do not yet understand. Music helps you to do that. As I said in the paragraph above, keeping a steady beat is one of the basic concepts of music. It is a key idea that is essential if you want to expand your mind in music. Music has many different positive effects on people. It enhances your fine and gross motor skills, it expands your mind, it can be used as a coping mechanism, and it can even help you concentrate.
Each idea or concept that Professor Wang wanted to teach us she would demonstrate it herself first. If she wanted us to keep a steady beat with our hands she would start clapping and wait for the rest of the class to join in. Anytime there was a song to be learned or a rhyme, Professor Wang would first repeat the song a few times, and then we would all say it with her.
There are many reasons why it is important to learn all of these ideas. These are concepts can be a vital tool in helping children understand music. Keeping a steady beat is one of the most basic forms of music. When you learn and understand the simple and easy ideas behind music, you can begin to move on to the more advanced concepts which will ultimately give you a better appreciation for music as a whole. We incorporated the ideas of psycho-motor, cognitive, and affective learning into our lesson plans. All of these are the main focus when dealing with anything, whether it is music related or not.
Children need to learn these ideas so they can broaden their minds and learn to think in different levels that they do not yet understand. Music helps you to do that. As I said in the paragraph above, keeping a steady beat is one of the basic concepts of music. It is a key idea that is essential if you want to expand your mind in music. Music has many different positive effects on people. It enhances your fine and gross motor skills, it expands your mind, it can be used as a coping mechanism, and it can even help you concentrate.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
My Music History
I have been immersed in music my whole life. I played clarinet for five years in grade school and jr. high. I also dabbled a little bit with the bass clarinet, saxophone, and drums. After jr. high I stopped playing in band and kind of fell away from the whole music environment. I have always had a very good sense of beat and rhythm because of my music background. When I was a little child before school started for me, my mom would sing to me and my brother and sister all the time. She would sing when we were going to sleep, or in the car, or having a bad day. She was a real inspiration to me, and it is with great help from her that I know and understand so much about music theory today. I wish that I had stuck with an instrument throughout my school career, and I hope to one day learn to play the guitar. I love music in general. it really doesn't matter what kind or type of music it is. I just like to tap along to the beat or sing along to the songs I know. I would classify myself as a music fan. There are few genres of music I do not listen to, but I am very open minded when it comes to learning new concepts and ideas.
Class this week was a lot different than I thought it would be. I really like how we are learning how to teach elementary children. I have always believed that there is no better way to learn something new than to practice it yourself. It seems that we are learning in this class, the same way we learned when we were in grade school, which is probably the best way to teach it. So far in the class we have learned a couple of really catchy songs that would be great to capture the attention of elementary school students. We focused a lot of our attention and learning on beat recognition and patterns. One of the best ways to learn and remember something is through repetition and that is why we sang those songs over and over. It is a really great way to loosen everyone up, get the whole class involved, and forget that they may not know everyone and just have fun. We as people, learn from repetition and hands on learning. It is very important for children to learn beat and sound recognition at an early age because it will help build their knowledge for the future. Music plays a very large roll in our society, especially in this new age. Music has blossomed into multiple different styles and sounds. It is ever changing, but the concept of it all will always remain the same. Without the basic principles and understanding of music, we would not have any of the music we hear on the radio today.
Class this week was a lot different than I thought it would be. I really like how we are learning how to teach elementary children. I have always believed that there is no better way to learn something new than to practice it yourself. It seems that we are learning in this class, the same way we learned when we were in grade school, which is probably the best way to teach it. So far in the class we have learned a couple of really catchy songs that would be great to capture the attention of elementary school students. We focused a lot of our attention and learning on beat recognition and patterns. One of the best ways to learn and remember something is through repetition and that is why we sang those songs over and over. It is a really great way to loosen everyone up, get the whole class involved, and forget that they may not know everyone and just have fun. We as people, learn from repetition and hands on learning. It is very important for children to learn beat and sound recognition at an early age because it will help build their knowledge for the future. Music plays a very large roll in our society, especially in this new age. Music has blossomed into multiple different styles and sounds. It is ever changing, but the concept of it all will always remain the same. Without the basic principles and understanding of music, we would not have any of the music we hear on the radio today.
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