It's now my second year teaching and I couldn't be more excited!
Teaching elementary music has revealed a passion I hadn't yet tapped. After discussion with other music colleagues, I decided to focus on a curriculum to teach these young students of mine some wonderful musical skills. I've begun my journey at Texas State University this summer in hopes to eventually become a certified Kodály Music Educator. It's an amazingly intense program! My musicianship and teaching skills were CONSTANTLY being challenged. I can honestly say that the Kodaly course has been one of the most educational, spiritual and musically fulfilling experiences of my life. I look forward to making many more memories and continuing my pursuit of two more summer programs to become fully certified. I've already begun implementing all of the wonderful things i've learned this summer and it's proven to be quite successful. My students are more engaged than ever and are having so much fun learning all of the American Folk Music songs and rhymes. The concept of "Sound to Symbol" really challenges students and keeps them engaged and entertained. I look forward to mastering the Kodaly Method and seeing the fruits of my labor in years to come. I'm eager and ready to take on the challenges this year will bring. Let's make it a great year my friends! Musically yours, Mr. G.
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I think one of the biggest struggles i've had to deal with as an Elementary Educator is getting my 5th graders to be actively involved and enjoy what we are doing in the music classroom. I'd prepared fun and engaging music lessons that i've picked up from fellow colleagues that have been proven to be tried and true, but it only influenced a minority of the 5th grade population. I was driving myself mad asking myself so many questions. Was I executing the lesson as well as I could have? How can I better hold their attention? Why did these lessons not seem to work as well as i'd been told they would? Then I realized I was asking the wrong questions. I asked myself, What lesson can I create that will work for me and my teaching style? I realize that these kids are growing up with an entirely different genre of popular music. Electronic Dance Music seems to be the trend right now. Most of the songs on the radio involve synthesized instrument sounds. Most consist of repetitive beats slowly building up, subdividing those beats then having the infamous "bass drop". Once you analyze it, the form is pretty simple. I realized that this might be the way to reach my kids and get them excited and maybe even say they "love music". I prepared a lesson that involved analyzing the form to a popular EDM track by Aloe Black and Zedd titled "Candyman". It was a simple lesson that involved them playing on the beat, subdividing the beat and finding the bass drop on percussion instruments that I have in the classroom. It was an absolute success! The kids loved playing along and understood the simplicity behind the music they listen to but now appreciate that something so simple can be beautiful in it's very own way. One of the kids exclaimed after the lesson "Whoa! That felt good..." Take a listen and maybe it will make you feel...good. :). Musically yours, Mr. G. I must start off this post by stating that i'm much more confident now as an educator compared to just a few weeks ago. It's easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of the holidays both personally and professionally. At times it felt a bit overwhelming preparing students for different performances, field trips, personal community performances, deadlines...the list really can go on and on. None the less, I accomplished what I set to do.
I used to think it funny that I found myself much more anxious and nervous as a teacher than a performer. Don't get me wrong, I'm always terrified of performing. It's a nerve wrecking experience to perform and at times can feel exposing. The only way I've dealt with that feeling is just accepting the fact that i'm terrified! I've become very comfortable being terrified. I tell my students "It's ok if you have butterflies in your tummy, just make sure YOU tell them which direction to go...". I can't let my nerves or insecurities daunt my experiences to create, educate or define what i'm able to accomplish. I've learned to step into my own greatness...and i'm beyond blessed that it is because of my students that I step into my role as their Fine Arts Teacher with a sense of optimism and newly found confidence. Musically yours, Mr. G. One of the most important things i've realized during my first year of teaching is that I don't know everything, BIG SURPRISE RIGHT?! Haha. I was putting a lot of pressure on myself and setting goals that were not quite in reach for my first year. I have many plans and lots of exciting things that I will accomplish in due time, but I can't let it make me feel like a failure. "Rome wasn't built in a day", and I need to remember that.
One of the great things about my job is that I'm in charge of the Local News Team. Right when i'm feeling down or feeling like I haven't accomplished a lot, I reflect on my students progress while i'm processing and editing the weekly video. It gives me a sense of pride and accomplishment knowing that i'm a such a big part of these students education and they continue to inspire me to be a better educator. "Many people ask who my favorite musician is...I'm lucky to say I teach mine everyday" - Anon. Musically yours, Mr. G. I'm going to start off this blog entry with an honest statement...
Teaching is HARD. As a first year teacher, i've had some struggles so far. Teaching at a low income school has forced me to grow as a classroom manager, an improviser, a storyteller, and to be simultaneously more strict and more relaxed in my presentation A lot of my struggles come from trying to change the dynamics of the core curriculum classes by setting high expectations in the fine arts class. Shinichi Suzuki said it best, "Teaching music is not my main purpose. I want to make good citizens. If children hear fine music from the day of their birth and learn to play it, they develop sensitivity, discipline and endurance. They get a beautiful heart." I can smile through all but the most hectic and disrespectful classes... I take time, zeroing in on the moments of learning and engagement as my, and the children's, real reward for each lesson and taking the time to reflect and rejoice for the fun we've had. To all of my fellow teachers, whether it's your first year or tenth teaching, we get our rear ends kicked a lot...but in the end, it is worth it! Keep pushing, keep striving...Keep Teaching. In the end, you'll be a better person because of it. Musically yours, Mr. G. This is my ninth week as an elementary music educator and I must admit, at times it can be somewhat difficult. Some of the students on my campus need special attention due to their poor behavior, but i've seen a lot of positive progress with most of these students. Of course, there have been a few days where lessons have not gone according to plan due to student behavior or some sort of interruption due to other things happening on campus. Personally i've had some struggles getting used to all the new exposure of germs and allergens during the fall season, but I constantly remind myself to make it the best day possible. Some days are tough as an educator, but I push through the frustrations and try to learn from them to be a better teacher for my students.
I'm fortunate enough to have some fabulous colleagues and administration that continue to inspire me through the rough days, but I must admit that my biggest inspiration to be a better teacher are the students. I haven't been here long, but I see the difference in a lot of these students. I see how much they crave fine arts in their lives and that makes me extremely happy. It's a beautiful feeling seeing a student thrive in the fine arts room and knowing that i've been a part of that experience. To all of my fellow educators that have rough days, remember that it gets better. Don't ever settle for "just ok", because in the end you are crippling these students. I understand it's a strong statement, but I set high expectations because the "real world" sets a lot of expectations. As educators, I believe we are here to inspire young minds and give them the tools to be the best that they can be to follow whichever passion they choose whether it be professional or vocational. A child who has a great foundation in the Fine Arts is set up for success...and I truly believe that. That is all for today. Musically yours, Mr. G. I realize more than ever that my students are constantly influenced by everything that we say and do. About a week ago, a Pre-K student of mine told me...
"Sir, I think I'm different..." and she seemed a bit down. I replied without hesitation, "Hey, it's ok to be different. As a matter of fact being different is awesome!" Not long after, I heard from a colleague that works in the class. She had asked me, "Mr. G, was it you that told her that being different was ok?". To be honest, I vaguely remember saying it since I have about 200+ conversations with students per day, but I remembered that talk with her none the less. Apparently she's now very proud of the fact that she's "different" and is telling everyone about it! It was a nice "teacher moment" for me. I once heard, "teaching is not for the faint or weak of heart...", and I believe it to be true. Educators play several different roles in order to connect with these students and to ensure they are successful. We are empathizers, sympathizers, care takers, counselors, nutritionists, etc...It's tough, especially since i'm in a position much like the Librarian or P.E. Coach that deals with the entire school community. These students are a reflection of the whole staff and administration. My hope is that my silliness and high expectations are contagious enough to better improve this community of young minds. I'm happy to say that I've seen the difference in most of the students after just 7 weeks of teaching, but it's a challenge to try and reach them all. Realistically I know the odds are against me, but it doesn't mean that I should stop trying. I will continue to work to make my students just a little bit more like me, in the hopes that they strive to become better. Change happens one step at a time. Musically yours, Mr. G. I must confess that when I first started working with elementary students, I wasn't aware of their amazing capabilities. Before being hired as the Fine Arts Educator here at Landrum Elementary, I was a chess consultant for Harlingen C.I.S.D. for 4 years. I was a competitive chess player through my middle school and high school education and was fortunate to be part of teams that won the National Title. I knew more than anyone that Chess is an extremely complicated game that takes a lot of time and repetition to comprehend and that's because, according to my United States Chess Federation rating, i'm considered an advanced amateur player at best even after years of study! It was hard enough to understand at the age of 12 when I first started and at the time I couldn't fathom teaching this game to young minds consisting of 4 - 11 years of age.
Once I started breaking down the material and giving the students some strong fundamentals, something wonderful happened. We went from placing some individual students at the State competition during our first year to qualifying and placing at the NATIONAL Elementary Chess Championships by year two. It was a truly amazing and humbling experience. I've realized that I used to, and still sometimes do, underestimate the musical capabilities of my students. In my experience, students will rise to meet and exceed your expectations if you constantly remind them to do so. So far in my first year of teaching in the Fine Arts Classroom, i've learned that consistency is key. I'm working on my consistency with classroom rules and procedures, I work on my consistency with my daily routines and teachings, and i'm working on consistently reminding my students that they can and will do better. My students are not all rhythmically independent, they don't all know or understand concepts like ostinato, canons or rounds...but I know that they can, and they will. I remind them on a daily basis to come in prepared to learn. I really do feel that the implementation of a great fine arts program helps to build a strong and kind character in every child, which I think everyone can agree is the collaborative goal of any fine elementary community. That is all for today my friends. Musically yours, Mr. G I've always heard the term controlled chaos when referring to most, if not all, classrooms. As a music teacher I took that saying as a part of my teaching creed. I realize that there are always lots of things going on from music centers and assignments to confused students who need assistance. As the year has just started i'm starting to ask myself, What is the determining factor of a controlled environment in the "chaotic classroom"? I'm a firm believer that the student needs to be involved in the learning process, but when does the chaos of it all become a distraction and hinder a students learning?
I believe that I do have some good classroom management systems in place that help the chaos. I have plenty of "attention grabbers" and a classroom manager system that gives simple yet accountable responsibilities to individual students that helps the class run as a whole. I've yet to go crazy in the classroom so that is supposed to be a good sign, right? Haha... The reason I talk about this today is because i'm asking myself if i'm too lenient of a teacher. I do give chances to students to redeem themselves often and I've only had to make an example out of a handful of students by using the consequences I have in place. I know it's only my first year, but i'm eager. I'm eager to be the best teacher I can be, and i'm eager to learn from my mistakes so that I can become a better teacher for these kids. Musically yours, Mr. G. There is a common misconception that silence in the classroom shows that the students are engaged in the learning process. In my classroom, we move, we sing, we dance, we learn!
Today I arrived on campus and signed in at the front office and went along with my normal morning routine. During my conference I had an unexpected visit from the Counselor on campus. She said "Mr. Gonzalez, I must say...I was passing by your room earlier this week and had to rush over because I thought you were yelling at the kids! I rushed over and heard the students yell back and thought, Oh my gosh, he's lost them! I peaked through the window and saw that they were imitating you and saw it was part of your lesson (wipes brow)." I laughed and happily explained that for my Kinder Class I do a lot of Voice Exploration. I was using an exercise from John M. Feierabend's "Pitch Exploration" that I had learned from my Student Mentor Teacher. The exercise helps the students identify the four different kinds of voices we have, Speaking, Whispering, Singing, and Shouting. The counselor just happened to walk by while we were exploring our SHOUTING voice! Needless to say, we had a good laugh about it and I told her, "Don't worry about noise coming from this room, it's silence that you should worry about!" That is all for today my friends. More posts to come. Musically yours, Mr. G. "Tell me and I will forget, Show me and I may remember, Involve me and i'll understand..." -Chinese Proverb |
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