Hump Day Hilarity #7

Debbie's Quick Teaching Tip #13

Preparing Sol and Mi

Are you starting your young ones (or your old ones!) on some Kodaly work, or some basic sol-fa? Pictured below is an example of some of the sheets available to download at crescendo.com.au. 

This one is part of a set that you could used printed and laminated or also on the projector. We can sing through them as a group, half class, individual, play them on two chime bars, on two boomwhackers…all part of the steps to teach reading writing and understanding high and low notes a minor third apart.

Friday Finds #12

This week's find is a visualisation of part of Stravinsky's the Rite of Spring -  a sort of animated graphic score. This might be useful with some of your older kids in understanding all the textural layers of this piece or in using graphic notation. Check it out below!

Got something you think should be featured on Friday Finds? Email info@crescendo.com.au and let us know! Or Facebook us here.

Hump Day Hilarity #6

Early Childhood Music Workshop

Debbie is presenting at a Crescendo workshop for Early Childhood Music. Don't miss out! Book your spot today - email debbie@crescendo.com.au for the full information flyer and a booking form! 

Debbie's Quick Teaching Tip #12

So, it's winter. And all your students are getting sick. And so are you. 

Well at least I am. And you can blame the dreaded lurgy for the absence of post last Friday. Sorry, faithful blog readers! 

My particular brand of lurgy is that really terrible brand, complete with no voice! Just in time for the start of term! So, how can you look after a struggling voice as a teacher? See my tips below!

Hump Day Hilarity #5

Debbie's Quick Teaching Tips #11

Planning

When planning, there are always systems, experts, fads, school and system priorities, expectations for paperwork… Enough to make us go under I say. Recently I have reflected on how I have not burnt out or stayed under (permanently). I am not saying I have not had crises, I have had many of those, but how is it that I keep plugging along? I think the way to effectively plan is:

1. Know what you want to teach
2. Know how to teach it
3. Know how you will assess it

Friday Finds #11

This week we've found an awesome YouTube clip for your viewing pleasure. With thanks to Anne O'Regan for sending this in. Click below to watch it!

This might be a great way of introducing some Beethoven to your students! And super relevant with the World Cup on at the moment! Use this clip to springboard into some melodic dictation, melody analysis or discussion of orchestral instruments. 

200 Posts!

Yesterday, we hit 200 posts! That's TWO HUNDRED neat tips and tricks you can use in your classroom and teaching lives.

And we know that the best teachers share their resources, so why not share this blog with a teaching friend of yours or on Facebook? I'm sure they'd appreciate it and we sure would too! 

Just copy the link up there in the address bar and email or Facebook away! 

Hump Day Hilarity #4

Debbie's Quick Teaching Tips #10

Wear a funny hat.

Yes, I said wear a funny hat. Connect it to a song, game, joke, anything! The kids will immediately brighten up, teachers will smile. (Sure they will think you are nuts but that doesn’t really matter because they already think that). Behaviour issues from outside the room are more likely to be left outside, you will be happier…everything is better! 

In this case, the two dollar store is your friend. Or those little stalls in the centre of shopping centre aisles: you can pick up furry Australian animals or an occupation specific hat like a construction hat. 

Here's my favourite: 

Try it and let us know how it works out! 

Friday Finds #10

This week's find is from Teachers Pay Teachers. A great site that provides instant downloads created by teachers. Some are free and some are paid. 

This week our find is cute musical poster to brighten up your classroom! Click here to have a look and browse around the rest of the site!

Hump Day Hilarity #3