My favorite moments of being a teacher are when I see the light bulb light up in a student's head. Seeing them hit the "ah hah" moments are really the greatest. This year I had two 8th graders ask if they could join orchestra. I'm a strong believer that even though I only have one orchestra class in which most of the students have been playing since 4th grade, no student with the desire to play should be turned away. So of course, I said they could join. It's been difficult because one of them hadn't been allowed to stay after school (due to lack of transportation home). Finally I convinced his parents to let him stay. In a mere two hours after school, we went over note reading, rhythms, and learning to play the double bass. Until today he had been playing the bass part but on cello. Against any better judgement I had today, I decided that I would have him try playing his part (that he's been attempting to work on) on the bass instead of cello. I have to say, I'm so glad I went against my better judgement! The kid can play the heck out of the double bass! And now my bass-less orchestra has a bottom!! WOOT! But really, after vomiting note reading 101 in about 15 minutes the kid spent the rest of the time correcting another kid who stayed after every time I asked what a note was. By the end of the class he could tell me a note name in about 3 seconds. SUCH AN IMPROVEMENT FROM CLASS TODAY!! The most important thing that I took away from today is that by the time we left, he was so excited to be able to play the music and actually understand why everything is the way it is.
It really is days like this that make me completely forget about all the not so great parts of being a teacher (like tomorrow when we won't have 8th grade orchestra because of Junior Achievement day in the morning and then won't see our 6th graders because of a Black History assembly (in which we're packing the ENTIRE school into the gym) in the afternoon).
In a nutshell, I love being a teacher and live for days like today.
It really is days like this that make me completely forget about all the not so great parts of being a teacher (like tomorrow when we won't have 8th grade orchestra because of Junior Achievement day in the morning and then won't see our 6th graders because of a Black History assembly (in which we're packing the ENTIRE school into the gym) in the afternoon).
In a nutshell, I love being a teacher and live for days like today.
This morning during 8th grade we worked on a piece for LGPE. It's the easiest of the 3 so I've pushed it off for a bit. We just started working on it yesterday. Already they can play about 3/4 of the way through two of the 3 pieces, and about 1/2 way through the other piece. The piece that is a level III on our II/III split program is the one they play the best! They were really proud with how well they played everything today and even told me "Ms. McHugh, we need to work on this piece a little more because of all the accents and that's what the judges are going to be looking for." THEY ARE USUALLY TOO WORRIED ABOUT WHAT THE NOTES ARE TO EVEN SEE THAT ACCENTS EXIST! It was awesome.
Also, I did double bass auditions during 6th grade today. Realized that my plan to get the rest of the class involved in the judging process actually covered the "Evaluating music performances" standard. WINNING!
Also, I did double bass auditions during 6th grade today. Realized that my plan to get the rest of the class involved in the judging process actually covered the "Evaluating music performances" standard. WINNING!
Yesterday (because I forgot to blog):
During 7th grade, a student who I often have behavioral issues with, told me that my class and one other class were the only ones she was going to participate in that day because it was her birthday. She said those two classes were the only ones she likes. And I said "oh really, you like my class!?" (because I was was surprised with the statement). She said "yeah, Ms. McHugh, I love your class" and played the entire class. It was a nice change!
Today:
We started working on a new piece in 8th grade and the students really enjoyed playing it. For it being the first day, they worked really hard and got a lot accomplished. To the point that they could actually see what they accomplished. Hopefully they'll remember that feeling!
During 7th grade, a student who I often have behavioral issues with, told me that my class and one other class were the only ones she was going to participate in that day because it was her birthday. She said those two classes were the only ones she likes. And I said "oh really, you like my class!?" (because I was was surprised with the statement). She said "yeah, Ms. McHugh, I love your class" and played the entire class. It was a nice change!
Today:
We started working on a new piece in 8th grade and the students really enjoyed playing it. For it being the first day, they worked really hard and got a lot accomplished. To the point that they could actually see what they accomplished. Hopefully they'll remember that feeling!
Overall, not a bad day. I do wish it could have been a little more productive, but when you spend most of it collecting fundraiser forms and finishing quizzes, I guess you can't get too much done.
Best part of today:
Had a meeting with my principal to discuss what he saw during the observation last week. The new observation system has 10 sections of which you can be rated Ineffective, Needs Improvement, Proficient, and Exemplary. Out of the 10 sections I had zero "ineffective ratings," only one "needs improvement" rating (only because he didn't spend long enough in my classroom to see that I do in fact differentiate my instruction...) a bunch of proficient ratings, and two exemplary ratings. Professionalism was exemplary (yay to me!) and the biggest feat and the thing I was most excited about was an Exemplary rating in "Positive Learning Environment!" In the meeting he said that it was clear to him that I have established rules and procedures and that the kids really enjoy being there. I will call it a successful day!
Best part of today:
Had a meeting with my principal to discuss what he saw during the observation last week. The new observation system has 10 sections of which you can be rated Ineffective, Needs Improvement, Proficient, and Exemplary. Out of the 10 sections I had zero "ineffective ratings," only one "needs improvement" rating (only because he didn't spend long enough in my classroom to see that I do in fact differentiate my instruction...) a bunch of proficient ratings, and two exemplary ratings. Professionalism was exemplary (yay to me!) and the biggest feat and the thing I was most excited about was an Exemplary rating in "Positive Learning Environment!" In the meeting he said that it was clear to him that I have established rules and procedures and that the kids really enjoy being there. I will call it a successful day!
Good or bad, sometimes there are just no words to express how you feel (as a side note, this is why I'm a musician).
Best part of today: While working with my 7th graders, a student who normally acts out and causes issues in the class was actually on my side today. The student encouraged other students stay on task and follow instructions. At one point this student (student A)was talking to another student (student B) and I said to the students "if we can't stop talking, student B is going to come stand next to me." So student A brought their instrument and music and stood next to me and played for the remainder of the class (A HUGE ACCOMPLISMENT!) It felt so nice to have this student on my side instead of always fighting against me!
The rest of the day will go unmentioned.
Best part of today: While working with my 7th graders, a student who normally acts out and causes issues in the class was actually on my side today. The student encouraged other students stay on task and follow instructions. At one point this student (student A)was talking to another student (student B) and I said to the students "if we can't stop talking, student B is going to come stand next to me." So student A brought their instrument and music and stood next to me and played for the remainder of the class (A HUGE ACCOMPLISMENT!) It felt so nice to have this student on my side instead of always fighting against me!
The rest of the day will go unmentioned.
Yesterday: Decided that 8th graders cannot be trusted to sit where they want and still get things accomplished. After two days of assigned seats, we have accomplished SO MUCH in the music!
Today: Principal observed me today and my 6th graders we so incredibly well behaved that I was actually able to do everything I needed to! (Wish they would have stayed that way after he left....) But, I will take what I can get!
Story of the day: Student A threw Student B's belongings in the trash can because Student C said student B put their belongs on top of Student A's. (Student C most likely put them there...). Ugh...middle schoolers.
Today: Principal observed me today and my 6th graders we so incredibly well behaved that I was actually able to do everything I needed to! (Wish they would have stayed that way after he left....) But, I will take what I can get!
Story of the day: Student A threw Student B's belongings in the trash can because Student C said student B put their belongs on top of Student A's. (Student C most likely put them there...). Ugh...middle schoolers.
It's Friday. 6th and 8th grade made that very apparent today! I'd rather not bore myself with the details of the negative aspects from today, so I'll just jump past all that to 7th grade! I have had so many great days in 7th grade this week! Ever since I threw some beats up while they play they ask me every day "can we use ____ beat today? That's my favorite!" Or "did you bring any new ones today?!" It's been so awesome because they are getting SO much better and we play SO much more!!
Just to touch real quick, I love my new 6th grade basses. The 4 boys that I switched to bass are some of my most talkative, hyperactive students. Ever since they got the bass they have sat quietly and played. They are already so good!
Just to touch real quick, I love my new 6th grade basses. The 4 boys that I switched to bass are some of my most talkative, hyperactive students. Ever since they got the bass they have sat quietly and played. They are already so good!
After switching 4 students to double bass yesterday afternoon, the balance in my 6th grade orchestra has increased exponentially. I love that we have some low sounds in the group now (even if they still don't really know what they're doing).
So, I have this amazing 6th grader with SO much talent; even from the beginning he'd be able to tell me when his strings didn't sound like they were supposed to (out of tune). His ability to play grows every day. By far, he is the best player in the class. He is one of the students that I switched to bass (which is hilarious to watch because he's maybe 4'8'' so the bass is about double his size). After one afternoon of learning the basics, he is just as good on the bass as the rest of the class, even better than some students who aren't on a new instrument! It is really awesome to see students succeed!
I introduced my GarageBand track that I made for the 7th grade class to the 6th graders. It was awesome because as soon as I turned it on and it clicked off they just sat silently and played. I've gotten them used to playing with accompaniment tracks so when the hear the click off they get quiet. I think they were especially quiet because it was a hip hop beat that they love to listen to.
Overall, a really successful day! Made me really love my students.
So, I have this amazing 6th grader with SO much talent; even from the beginning he'd be able to tell me when his strings didn't sound like they were supposed to (out of tune). His ability to play grows every day. By far, he is the best player in the class. He is one of the students that I switched to bass (which is hilarious to watch because he's maybe 4'8'' so the bass is about double his size). After one afternoon of learning the basics, he is just as good on the bass as the rest of the class, even better than some students who aren't on a new instrument! It is really awesome to see students succeed!
I introduced my GarageBand track that I made for the 7th grade class to the 6th graders. It was awesome because as soon as I turned it on and it clicked off they just sat silently and played. I've gotten them used to playing with accompaniment tracks so when the hear the click off they get quiet. I think they were especially quiet because it was a hip hop beat that they love to listen to.
Overall, a really successful day! Made me really love my students.
Fundraiser kick off day!
Not too much happened today. Encore fundraising came in and hyped up my students in hopes of selling some awesome candles to raise money for the orchestra. A lot of the students were really excited....mostly they were excited at the possibility of getting cash prizes.
One thing I realized today: most middle school kids don't have the capabilities of understanding what it takes to be entered into a "regional" drawing. They were all excited at the thought of possibly winning $500 or $1000. Not fully understand that their chances are like winning the lottery...
Taught 5 6th graders how to play the double bass. IT WAS SO AMUSING. They're so tiny and seeing them hold these giant instruments just made my day. I love seeing their enthusiasm! They were all so super excited that I told them they could play in class.
Not too much happened today. Encore fundraising came in and hyped up my students in hopes of selling some awesome candles to raise money for the orchestra. A lot of the students were really excited....mostly they were excited at the possibility of getting cash prizes.
One thing I realized today: most middle school kids don't have the capabilities of understanding what it takes to be entered into a "regional" drawing. They were all excited at the thought of possibly winning $500 or $1000. Not fully understand that their chances are like winning the lottery...
Taught 5 6th graders how to play the double bass. IT WAS SO AMUSING. They're so tiny and seeing them hold these giant instruments just made my day. I love seeing their enthusiasm! They were all so super excited that I told them they could play in class.
Overall a really great day! 8th grade got A LOT accomplished on a piece today and I was so proud of how well they behaved and played. 7th grade was impeccable! I've started adding rap/techno beats via GarageBand to everything we play and now they request beats to play with! Today I gave them a new one and they loved it so much they couldn't play. So I told them "you have one track to listen, dance, and get your crazies out, then it's back to playing." Several students who I usually have to beg to play were like "OK!!" After the song was over, before I even said anything those students said "ok, guys, let's get to playing now!" One student told me I need to do the "Hold Up" (pronounced huhl uh) to this beat. #theridiculousthingsIdotomakemystudentsplay
In 8th grade this morning I sent two of my cellos off to work on a part in the music together. When I checked on them a few minutes later to see how they were coming along one girl stated "it's really slow." The other kid, who just started taking lessons last Friday, stated "it doesn't matter. Just play the right notes. Let's go." I was SO proud of him for understanding that playing the right notes, no matter what tempo you need to take it, is the first most important part!!
The rest of the day was interesting. Some kids were smoking pot in the bathrooms behind my classroom....needless to say it got sent through the ventilation system and into my classroom. You can make your assumptions from there.
The rest of the day was interesting. Some kids were smoking pot in the bathrooms behind my classroom....needless to say it got sent through the ventilation system and into my classroom. You can make your assumptions from there.
Man....Friday! While the kids were off the charts today, I was able to work with some students who've been needing a little extra help. 6th graders made it through two new songs today! Every day it gets better and better!! Also, switched a 6th grader to cello today and he was so excited. He couldn't wait to be able to take it home and practice.
