“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” – Plato
Our extended school year session is in full swing at Culver City Unified School District. With the ESY program and other camps being held, are learning everything from science and math, to computer animation and sports.
I have had the pleasure of teaching a group of six year olds, doing my best to prepare them for life in first grade.
During the school year, I work with students for smaller chunks of time, doing lunch groups and individual work to support students in their classroom.
Being back in the saddle as the classroom teacher requires a different level of organization and focus, and renews my appreciation for the job that all of our teachers do during the regular school year.
One thing that has really helped my classroom run smoothly has been music. It has been a great way to harmonize with my students, literally and figuratively.
Through music, we practice turn taking, actively listening to one another, and working together to create music that sounds great.
We also try out different instruments, practice counting, rhyming, and remembering the days of the week.
The use of music is nothing new in the teaching world. What amazes me is the level of engagement that I get from students who are notoriously disengaged.
One student, who does not talk much, and is on the autism spectrum, gave me an eye opener last week. As we prepared to play music, he approached me, looked me in the eye, and said, “Time to get up and do my thing, my favorite.”
He was referring to a song I wrote called Time to Get Up, and reciting some of the lyrics. We start each day by playing this song together. The eye contact, the words, and the intention were all a big deal for some students, like him, with autism.
What touched me most, however, was how much the music meant to him, even when he appeared to be distracted or not paying attention at all. I invited him to strum the guitar with the guitar pick as we played the song. Suddenly he was a fully functioning member of the band.
This summer has been a great opportunity to use more of who I am, and more of what I love, in service to my students.
It is just one more way that we, as a district, are reaching and including more children, and more learning styles, in our educational community.
I find that things always work out for the best when I follow my hunches, and share my gifts and talents with the people in my life.
When my students come out of their shells to dance, play and sing along, we tap into genius together and gain a new appreciation for who we are as a group and as individuals.
So I recommend taking the time to share your own talents and interests with your children and students. They will appreciate the experience, and have a good time in the process.