Memories & Moments
Story Journals
Once my students have mastered their phonetic sounds then I have them begin working on building three letter phonetic words by using the Movable Alphabet. Soon after I like to allow them to write their own stories by using the Movable Alphabet to sound out each word. Once the student has written their story I model the printing for them and they copy my proper printing (while maintaining their 'mistakes' and phonetic spelling).
Grammar Journals
In Montessori there is a tangible symbol that represents each Part of Speech which we use to help the students "illustrate" each part of speech in their sentences. We start by introducing nouns, then articles and then verbs. After a little practice we adverbs, adjectives and pronouns. Lastly, we emphasize punctuation.
Class Pets & Compost Worms
We love caring for our pets and compost worms!
Christmas Concert
Multi - Grade Group Projects
Along with the assistance of our older grade five buddies, my grade two students rewrote the lyrics to One Directions Story of Our Life. Our grade two class were the Inuit experts and the grade five class were the poetry experts and so, together they were able to create a new version of the popular tune. The first step was taking the original lyrics and rewriting them while maintaining the right amount of beats per phrase. The new song was created around the theme of the Inuit people and their home. Then, as a large group we went through the song verse by verse, listening to the original and then singing our version of the lyrics and then recording it along to the acoustic melody. This was an incredibly rewarding in the end and it was such a pleasure to see how much the students enjoyed the process and listening to the final product.
Experts & Volunteers
Music Experts
The Kodály Method is a way of developing musical skills and teaching musical concepts beginning in very young children. This method uses folk songs, hand signs, pictures, movable-do, rhythm symbols, and syllables.
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We are very privileged to know Mrs. Deacon and her daughter Mrs. Brown who are trained Kodály teachers. They both come visit once a month to teach our students music theory and do vocal training.
Push your Comfort Zone
Isn’t it interesting that one can have so little trust in an instrument that has been reliable and dependable throughout life - our own voice. Children have an unwavering belief in themselves until they are, mostly indirectly, taught to doubt themselves and their abilities. However, music is a way to reconnect children with themselves, as well as other people and the world around them. Perhaps I was afraid to discover who I could be when I began to experiment again with my own voice and had to trust myself in ways that I had completely forgotten about. I believe all students are intrinsically gifted with the ability to create extraordinary music, they simply need an adult who believes they are capable anything, especially when they lose faith in themselves.
Parent Volunteers
I am always so shocked at the hidden talents that parents have and skills/specialties that they can offer! I love having parent volunteers come in to do craft, simple prep, to be guest readers and share their unique gifts.
Community Resources
It is always worth while to reach out to local community resources to see what program they may offer. Ideas include: Dental Office, Firemen, Farmers, Veterinarians, Optometrists, Baker, Librarian, Potters etc.
Just for Laughs
Music Class FUN
Kleenex Box
Under - WHERE !?
