I loved getting to see my first classes of the year today, even though it seemed brief, since we were on a shortened schedule!
First graders are reviewing their music opposites and kindergartners will start learning them on Wednesday!
Second graders already did some solo-singing today, and they sounded beautiful! Next week, they will take our Show Me What You Know/SLO Pre-test, which helps me know where they are at musically at this point in the year. I have said (and will continue to stress) that the Show Me What You Know Paper is not graded and is just a way for me to gather information. No stressing needed!
Third grade did some great solo singing today also and rocked their second grade rhythm cards review!
Fourth, fifth and sixth graders started a chant from the Philippines called "Sagidi" and will be working on "I've Been to Haarlem"(spelling intended!), an old sailor song, which we will try to sing while playing a cup game!
After our first two weeks, fourth, fifth and sixth grade will start working on their own activities and goals for each grade!
Most importantly for the first day, we discussed my expectations for music class for the year! (See the photo below!)
We also discussed that everyone will encounter something in music this year that may not come easily to them, but that we are here to GROW! I told them that I do not expect perfection, but that they should challenge themselves to improve their skills with each class activity, game or performance. I've posted this quote front and center in my classroom: "Mistakes are proof that you are trying."
I also shared that I will do everything I can to help them do their very best and grow each day! By the end of the year, I hope they look back and say, "Hey! I worked really hard and I'm proud of what I did in music! Oh, and I had fun doing it!"
:)
