Music IN Education....Things to Think About

1.  How do you use music in YOUR life?

In my everyday life music is all around me.  I am always listening to music, singing along with the radio, and dancing like a complete fool.  I am very involved in the music department at WSC, because music is so important to my life.

2. What musical activities and interests did you have as a child?

When i was a child I always was the kid that sang the loudest in music class.  Music class was my favorite time of day.  I loved learning anything and everything about music.

3.  Have you observed children at musical play?

Yes I have.  During my observation hours, I sat in on the class at music.  It was an eye opening experience.  The students weren't really that engaged, and the teacher was trying her hardest to make it an enjoyable experience.

4.  Are there some musical skills you are able to teach to children more easily than others?

I will be able to teach children to singing, and rhythm the best.  I have a background and music, and these were always my strong suits.

5.  What do you think that all children should be able to do, musically, as a result of a MUSICAL education?

I believe that all children should have a basic knowledge of music.  This includes the ability to read music, and sing, and play at least one instrument. 

6.  Have you ever observed a teacher integrating music into the classroom?  Cite examples.

I have not ever seen a teacher integrate music into their classroom.

7.  How do you think music can be integrated into the elementary classroom?

I feel like music can be integrated into an elementary classroom in simple ways.  You can play music as the children walk in at the beginning of the day, and you can do little games involving some simple singing.

8.  How do you think music can be used as an interdisciplinary tool in the elementary classroom?

I think music is an easy way to get children to learn things that couldn't quite get it before.  I had trouble remembering my multiplication tables when I was a kid, and so I made up a song to help me learn them.  You can use music to help introduce everyone at the beginning of a school year.