K-5 Music muddle

[nafmeadmin]

I am teaching general music to grades K-5, in fourteen class periods, all in 8.5 hours per week. This means I see K-3 once each week for 30 minutes. I see two 4 classes and two 5 classes once each week, with a rotating period on Fridays that means they get an extra period of music every other week. Clear as mud?

As you can see, I feel I have far too much to fit into that measly amount of time each week. I’ve been. Trying to focus,on the basics of reading music and music appreciation. I also have zero professional development or their K-5 music teachers willing to collaborate. Any words of wisdom? They would be much appreciated!

[nafmeadmin]

Use every amount of time you can find. For example I volunteered to do the morning announcements in my old placement so that I could sing Patriotic songs on the announcements, teaching them but just not in class like I normally might. Find holes as many holes in the schedule as you can and then insert yourself there! Hope this helps a bit. Good luck!

[nafmeadmin]

First as for collaboration, why not use skype and collaborate with someone that way. I would be willing to do if we could find a matching time.

Second, as for the time you need to have a clear plan for each week and also need to map out at least every 6 to 9 weeks in advance. I have a plan for the entire year. Another thing to do is to plan out what is most essential things that each grade level is to learn for the year. I did this and it really helps. You can look at mine if you just send me your email address at simmonsja@rcschools.net , even if you do not agree with the concepts listed it is still what I use.

As for time I would love to have that much time. I have 5th grade once every 6 days, 4th grade once every 7 days, 1st and 3rd grades once every 8 days, and K and 2nd once every 9 days. All of my classes are for 40 minutes.

[nafmeadmin]

Break your 30 minute classes into three ten minute blocks / activities. With K-3 I used to do [first ten min] hello song / sung attendance then teaching / reviewing a song [second ten min] movement and listening incorporating that song / something similar [last ten min] cool down and review. This could be chanting the song or singing it again a capella then again while keeping the beat (tapping) on their knees. Kids this age must move or they don’t listen well so keep it moving.
Grades 4 and 5 can handle about 20 minutes of an activity then they should get up and stretch then sing or continue the activity. I still do about 2 different activities in that time.

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