Third Grade Thoughts

Part of my job requires me to teach Integration. I meet with a third grade and fourth grade class once a week. Actually the classes rotate, so I see the students every other week...which causes some issues that are an entirely separate post.

Since the third grade has been studying world geography in class, we have been traveling the globe and exploring the many fine arts offerings of the world. The student even have little passports they fill out each class. This week we traveled to France and learned about Camille Saint-Saëns and his composition Le Carnaval des animaux. Of the selections we listened to, the movement L'éléphant was the favorite.


Here are some third grade thoughts on the prompt: How does this music make you think about elephants? What do you see in your mind?

I see the mom elephant and her baby walking with each other. Then they get a shower in the river.

It makes me think he is stomping around, but softly.

It sounds like he is squishing a peanut. A lot.

Have a listen. What do you hear?
Cheers!

Seriously? It's March already?

Yet again I have let weeks, upon weeks, upon weeks pass without a peep. It's for a good reason- I got a job! I was lucky enough to snag a long-term substitute teaching position that allows me to do exactly what I have dreamed of- teaching music. I even got to finish my student teaching early to take the post!

For the past 9 weeks I have been teaching 3rd through 8th grade orchestra, band, and enrichment courses. The kids are wonderful- very creative, thoughtful, and all around fun people to be surrounded by. It is a very small K-8 school, but it has allowed me to really get to know each and every student in my classroom. The 6-8 Winter Concert and Solo & Ensemble Festival were just this past week. The 7-8 Band tour, Fine Arts Night, and a 5-8 performance of the Star Spangled Banner at an NBA game are on the docket for March-a total whirlwind of activity. I can hardly believe that 3rd quarter is nearly over...and I know June is just around the corner.

In the whirlwind I have barely come up for air- I have not been running or practicing yoga or doing much that doesn't involve school. I am ahead enough now to feel like I can afford to relax a bit. I will write more, get some fresh air, and perhaps take a nap....yes, definitely nap.

Take a cue from Carmen.

Thank you for all of your support and helpful wishes. The positive thoughts have helped me.
What does March have in store for you?

One of my favorite kid quotes thus far:

I thought our sub would be old and grouchy, but you're none of those things. In fact (sounding very stunned) you're fun. I didn't think that was allowed.

My Word for 2010

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature." -Helen Keller

Last year I made a long list of little things to accomplish, and in general I was mostly successful. I reconnected with my tribe and forged new relationships with positive and inspiring people. Although I've experienced a bit of a movement relapse in the past two months, I drank more water and ran The North Face Endurance Challenge half marathon. Also, I did repaint the kitchen- twice. Once at my old abode and at my current home!


This year I am inspired by Boho Mom, who has forgone creating a litany of resolutions in favor of a single word. It's like a mantra for the year that is full of intention and empowerment.

My word for 2010 is Adventure.

Molly and I have made a joint resolution to be more daring. Adventure does not need to be grand foray into the wilderness, deep sea voyage, or aeronautical feat. It means taking the risk to lose sight of the comfort-zone shoreline, even if only for a moment. Adventure does not mean being reckless with myself or others, but to be more fearless with opportunity and adversity. Each and everyday is an adventure.

Cheers to adventure! What is your word for 2010?

Be amazed...

When I stumbled upon Aleksandr Hrustevich, a young Ukrainian accordionist, I was absolutely mesmerized by his talents. His grace and skill is indescribable. Listen as Mr. Hrustevich plays Summer from Vivaldi's The Four Seasons. Be amazed.

I wish I may...

This week Jamie asks, "What is your spirit wishing for?"

My spirit wishes for movement.

Image from chromasia.com

In the past few months I have spent so many of my waking hours glued to my laptop working on my final portfolio. Yesterday I submitted lesson plans, projects, assessments, essays, and score studies that stacked up at 1 1/2 inches thick, and it was printed front to back. My body has become all too familiar with my desk chair, as comfortable as it is. I wish to run, to stretch, to play, to move freely.

The portfolio process has also stirred my spirit. She is anxious, albeit a touch nervous, to move on to the next chapter. I seek that first career, the thrill of opportunity, the next adventure. My spirit needs to move forward and onward.

What does your spirit wish for?

Zůstat plovoucí.

Zůstat plovoucí.
Stay afloat.

It's that time of year again. The semester is coming to a close, projects are mounting, caffeine is pumping through my veins, and a good night sleep is becoming a luxury. There are days I feel like my brain has the consistency of strained squash and it may be in danger of leaking out my ear. I feel skittish and totally unmotivated at the same time.

Several of my student teaching peers have expressed similar feelings. Molly and I were talking about these weird sensations- simultaneous anxiousness and sloth. We have always survived the end of the semester push. It just feels particularly steep this year. I wonder what it affecting so many of us in such an unusual way. Thoughts?

Anyway, I have been trying my best to focus my energy and be a busy, busy bee. This is what I have been up to:

It is t-minus ten days until my student teaching portfolio is due. I have completed 6 out of the 10 artifacts and accompanying essays. Two are currently in some stage of progress, while the other two are on tap for early this week. I have been typing, editing, scanning, video taping, and re-editing like a mad woman.

Check out these examples of student work I am using in my portfolio. It is from the third grade theme and variations unit. The students picked a simple shape as their theme and made three variations on that shape. Like music composition, the students had total freedom of how they chose to vary the shape. The only guideline was the theme needed to recognizable within the variation. The students were so creative- I had a hard time picking which examples to use!

Love the fish!

Circles were a popular theme. I thought this one was particularly well done.

That jack-o-lantern is the best!

Score study, rehearsal plans, more score study, lesson plans, and more score study. I can sing Holst in my sleep. It's not a bad thing.

Attended the American Orff Schulwerk Association conference. It was a phenomenal learning experience. I meet a lot of interesting people, attended some very creative sessions, and picked up some great books. I heart books.

The high school marching band gave a great performance at the holiday parade downtown last week. The late evening rehearsals really paid off. The band sounded fantastic!

Student teaching observation by my university supervisor this week. Need I say more?

The holiday craft fair and breakfast is this coming weekend. The students plan, organize, and run the whole production. It is going to be a very busy, albeit fun, week!

What projects have you been investing your energy in?
Here's to keeping afloat!
Merry Writing!

Goodness!

Oh my, oh my! I cannot believe that it has been nearly three months since my last post. Honestly, I cannot believe that the first quarter of school is over and that Thanksgiving is just around the corner. The past few months have been a whirlwind of activities, projects, lesson plans, private students, performances, and conventions. I have been wearing many, many hats- I love dressing up!

Here I go!

The biggest bonnet I have donned has been that of an elementary teacher. So far student teaching has been a truly positive experience. The first quarter was spent teaching general music at the elementary level. It was a load of work to prepare for seven or eight K-5 classes a day, as well as after school activities, but I found the work to be satisfying. There were days that felt longer than others and less than glamorous moments, however far fewer than I initially expected. I had the opportunity to help young minds develop as creative artists- the process of guiding students through their first composition projects was amazingly fun. So far I learned that K-5 general music is both very demanding and rewarding work, and I can see myself happily teaching at this developmental level.

This week I transitioned to the high school. So far so good. Many new names and faces to learn. I now wear the hat of a conductor and tuba and horn teacher.

My most favorite hat!
Check out Julie Lynn Ivens on Flickr.

Last month Molly and Kelly designed and organized the most amazing event- the Massacreade. It was full of art, music, mischief, and mayhem. The Famous Graves had the pleasure of performing two sold out shows with the Echelon String Quartet, Evan Flynn, and Mr. Zak Larson. Best of all, I got to wear the most amazing feathered hat and fangs.

It was wonderful to catch-up with my blogosphere friends this past week. More adventures to be posted soon. Before January. I promise!

I will be taking a cue from Carmen on Monday (No School!)

What hats have you been wearing as of late?