Relection #9

What did you learn from the process you engaged in to create this music lesson?

I learned that it is difficult for a person who has little music skills to write a song. It was fun coming up with the lyrics and trying to put them to the music of some song. I also figured out as we were working in our group that it is easier to use songs that are easy to place words with. We tried using Yankee Doodle at first, but the form of the song sounded different in my head than when someone else tried to say it. It would be OK if I were then only one trying to teach it, but only if the students knew the tune of the song.

What did you learn from the actual presentation experience?

I learned that it is hard to teach music when inexperience is a factor. I learned that because of inexperience I would need to be extra prepared for what might happen in the classroom. We may not have been quite as prepared as we thought we were. I found myself thinking it would be easy to do, but when we got right down to it we did badly.

So What is important for you to remember and learn?

I need to remember that music is a great way of preparing student's minds for learning. I remember songs much better than I do words that are read or spoken. If it can be placed to a tune the students will retain the information much easier than the alternative.

Now What are your next steps?

My next steps will be to use music in the classroom. I will try and incorporate it into many lessons I will teach. Not only will my students learn, but they will have fun with music. I still remember learning music in grade school. It can seem like it may be hard to do, but with the project we just did I had fun doing it.