Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Coming Soon!

Ideas and Resources I Want to Try 

Summer is a wonderful time! Time to sleep late. Time to enjoy leisurely days outside. Time to enjoy free time. Time to use that free time to plan for next year!

I enjoy using my free time to search for new ideas to incorporate into my teaching. Finding new resources or lesson ideas builds excitement for the new year. Thank you to all the wonderful music teachers who share on Pinterest, blogs, and in Facebook groups. Your knowledge and creativity is invaluable to us all!

I'm sad to say that my summer is over, but I'm excited to think about the newly discovered goodies I plan to try this year. Take a minute to scroll through these ideas and resources. You might want to try some, like I plan to do!

Everyone Asked About You


I heard about this book from a music teacher in a Facebook group, and I've already ordered it from Amazon. She said that she uses the book with her young students at the end of class, and it leaves them mesmerized. There is a song by Bob McGrath (Sesame Street) that fits with the book that I bought through iTunes. Here it is on YouTube:



My Roots Go Down

I fell in love with this song the moment I watched the video someone posted on Facebook. Maybe it's the catchy song, maybe it's the sweet way the dad allows his daughter to figure things out on her own, or maybe it's just the adorable girl singing so joyfully. I don't know, but I had to research and find out more. I found the composer's website with lyrics: SarahPirtle.com, and noticed that the lyrics were a little different. Pirtle states that she wants people to sing and share, so I'm sharing these simple lyrics and chords if you are interested. After you watch the video, you'll want them. Trust me!


My Roots Go Down
By: Sarah Pirtle

am a (G) maple tree growing at the school
I am a (C) maple tree growing at the (G) school
I am a maple tree growing at the (em) school
My (D7) roots go (G) down

(D) My roots go (G) down, down to the earth.
My roots go (C) down, down to the (G) earth.
My roots go down, down to the (em) earth.
My (D7) roots go (G) down.

* I am a wildflower growing in the meadow
* I am a mountain strong and still

Aurasma



This is an app that allows you to scan a photo that opens a video. You can video a class, put a photo in a newsletter or post in the hallway, and parents can watch the video. Perfect for Open House! I could write more, but I haven't used it yet. You should check out this blog post from Mrs. Dennis:  Aurasma in the Music Room.

Here is a video demonstration of how a music teacher utilizes the app:



BrainDance

BrainDance is a series of eight developmental movement patterns that humans naturally move through during the first year of life. The "dance" is said to be a wonderful full body and brain warm-up. I feel like I need to try this out in my classroom! You can read more about the philosophy and the specific movements here: Creative Dance or watch the video below for a quick demonstration of each of the 8 movement patterns. There are more videos on YouTube for more ideas.


Ukulele

I'm not ready to teach ukulele. I'm simply ready to learn how to PLAY one. Our school just added a preschool unit this year, so I figured it was the perfect time to pick up a stringed instrument to accompany simple songs. I thought I'd start with 4 strings, instead of 6 on a guitar. I am not great, but as long as I can play a I, IV, and V7 chord in a couple of keys, I'll feel like I've accomplished something!

How about you? Have you found some new ideas to try this year? It's a great way to stay fresh and excited about what we do. Have a happy new year!

20 comments :

  1. OK, totally fell in love with "My Roots Go Down" song, too.. that is going to be an opening song or a closing song with my kindies this year for sure! Maybe even a song for their graduation! SO charming. I also blogged about Brain Dance and have another music teacher friend who uses it at the beginning of each class and am looking forward to incorporating that one, too. Just ordered the "Everyone Asked About You" book, too and have always loved the song!
    Thanks for the great post!
    Aimee @ http;//ofortunaorff.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aimee,
      Here's one more song you might want to check out. I didn't write about it, because I'm already using it. Have you heard Obie Leff's "A, B, C You Later"? It is an adorable goodbye song! There's a YouTube video of him singing it, and there is an accompaniment video on his website, Sing to Learn. Check it out, if you don't know it. I promise you'll love it!

      Delete
  2. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  3. The best way that I can think of to do this is by looking to the past. Ironically, the vinyl LP very closely achieved this quality with album art, its sizing, and packaging.hip-hop news

    ReplyDelete
  4. It’s a classic great for me to go to this blog site, it offers helpful suggestions https://www.cheapest-concert-tickets.com/tickets/sam-smith.html

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hello everybody!
    You want to change the default ringtones of your phone? I will suggest to you the list of the best ringtones for mobile phone, you can consider to download to your phone.To learn more about the latest ringtones, you can visit homepage:https://ringtonesmobile.net/

    Top hottest ringtones for phone:
    - Iphone 8 ringtone
    - Iphone X ringtone
    - Super mario bros ringtone
    - Mere Rashke Qamar ringtone
    - Bojack horseman ringtone

    All ringtones are downloaded for free.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Im no expert, but I believe you just made an excellent point. You certainly fully understand what youre speaking about, and I can truly get behind that. nhac thanh ca mp3

    ReplyDelete
  7. Cool stuff you have got and you keep update all of us. how to buy 50 likes on instagram

    ReplyDelete
  8. I-phones are the dream phones for people now a days. Apple’s product is at the top as compared to all other companies of gadgets. There is no doubt that apple produce the latest technology, but nothing is perfect. You can get the apple iphone accessories from many shops to increase the productivity of the phone.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Highly recommended http://repository.kln.ac.lk/ to read and download more academic,practice and policy articles free of charge on this topic.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Brilliant I noticed that you got right down to work.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Dedicated effort In fine style

    ReplyDelete
  12. Desirable It looks like you've put a lot of work into this.

    ReplyDelete