1.
How do you use music in YOUR life?
I listen to
music on a daily basis through the use of my iPod. I listen while I am driving,
exercising, mowing, before I go to sleep, etc. Basically, if I am allowed/ able
to listen to music during an activity, I will probably be doing so. Also, music
is almost an outlet for me. If I am ever in a bad mood, or just need time to
think, music helps me in doing so.
2.
What musical activities and interests did you have as a child?
As a child,
I thoroughly enjoyed attending and participating in music class during school.
I was a member of the junior high jazz band and symphonic band, as well as the
school choir. Outside of school, I loved singing and dancing, as well, and did
so frequently in my free time. I was a member of the children’s youth choir at
my church, and I loved participating in the church play. When I was younger, I
also performed the Star - Spangled Banner for various sporting events,
including our area high school’s sports games, track meets for a track club of
which I was a member, Lincoln Lightening football games, and even a Lincoln
Stars hockey game.
3.
Have you observed children at musical play?
I have not
had much experience observing children at musical play. During my hours in a
classroom, instead of going with the kids to music class, I would stay and help
out my host teacher with various tasks in the classroom.
4.
Are there some musical skills you are able to teach to children more
easily than others?
I feel that
teaching children about rhythm and playing musical instruments would be easier
than teaching them about using their voices as instruments.
5. What do you think that all children should be
able to do, musically, as a result of a MUSICAL
education?
Musical
education should give children a sense of appreciation for music. Children should
be able develop their skills and acquire various amounts of knowledge
pertaining to music, as well. Specifically, children should know of various
instruments, rhythms, notes, and how to play them.
6.
Have you ever observed a teacher integrating music into the classroom?
Cite examples.
A kindergarten teacher that I observed
integrated music in the classroom in several ways. First, she played a welcome
song every morning after all students had arrived to class to gather their
attention. The students would have something to work on first thing when they
arrived to class, but when the welcome song started playing, they knew it was
time to clean up and pay attention to their next instructions. The teacher also
used various songs to help the students learn different concepts, such as the
months of the year, days of the week, etc.
7. How do you think music can be integrated into
the elementary classroom?
Music can
be integrated into the elementary classroom through sensory play and even used
to help with instruction. Songs can be used to learn, again, the days of the
week, months of the year, etc. By using music, students have a better chance of
retaining and learning the material being taught. Music can also be used
throughout the day. Songs can be used to signal transitions in the classroom,
and music could even be played quietly while the children are working.
8. How do you think music can be used as an interdisciplinary tool in
the elementary classroom?
Songs can be used to learn different concepts. When I was
younger, I learned a Presidents song, the 50 Nifty United States song, and my
mom even used music to assist me in learning helping verbs. To this day, I
still find myself singing those songs when presented with a question such as,
“Who was the 12th president?” Therefore, these two songs, for
example, could be used during a social studies unit when learning the Presidents
of the United States or when learning the 50 states that make up the U.S. These
catchy songs will help students learn and retain the information, and they can
enjoy themselves while doing so.
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