It seems like programs for children not quite ready for kindergarten are popping up in my area of Michigan and music teachers are being challenged with this new class. These classes are called so many different names – pre-k, young 5s, DK, child development,...
At the end of the year, it is inevitable that our students’ behavior gets a little crazier. In my district, the kids are doing tons of state testing, spending hours staring at computer screens and are very stressed out. At least in my state, we have had a long winter...
Many teachers intend to spend a good chunk of their summer preparing for the next year. Everything from revamping lessons to taking levels to reading professional development books. Intentions are always good and sometimes goals are achieved (yay!). But...
How is it possible that it’s already time for school to start in many districts around the country? I’ll be meeting my own students for the first time on August 6th…right in the middle of summer…in Atlanta…also known as HOTlanta…for a reason. I hope the...
As I embark on what would have been my 10th year of classroom teaching, I thought I would share an article with you that I wrote right after my first year of teaching for Oklahoma Music. I hope that these tips help you this school year! Gather Information Once...
Imagine this scenario: Your class is lined up quietly, waiting to be picked up by their teacher (who happens to be running late). You have only seconds to come up with something for your kids to do, but it’s too late. Your once-quiet line has erupted into 30 chatting...