Episode #89: Keepers from our Covid Teaching Year

Music Teacher Coffee Talk · MTCT Episode #89

 

In this episode, Carrie and Tanya discuss things that we have done differently this year due to Covid restrictions and protocols that we plan on continuing when things go back to "normal." 

Main Theme: Keepers from our Covid School Year

Here are some thing that we did differently this year that we plan to continue into the future!

Cleanliness:

• Sanitizing hands on the way in
• Better instrument cleaning procedures
• Use individual music kits for common manipulatives, if budget and time allow

Philosophy and Curriculum:

• Larger focus on social-emotional learning
• Keep the lesson focus on one main concept rather than two or more
• Slow down, use less song literature, take more time to let concepts and skills sink in
• More inclusion of music listening and appreciation of diverse music
• Project based learning (Check out great this project about Careers in Music from Michelle Rose)

Tech and Tools:

• Continue using Seesaw and Google Classroom for student assignments
• Nearpod, especially great for sub plans
• Jamboard, great for drawing, writing, drag and drop, and collaboration
• Soundtrap for digital compositions
• Use ukuleles and tie them into knowledge of chords, harmony, and songwriting

Wants and Wishes (not in our control, but things we are hoping for!):

• 10 minutes between classes to clean and set up for the next class
• One to One student devices
• Less focus on performances and programs

Know Better, Do Better

Pancocojams and other blogs by Azizi Powell are excellent resources to do song research for music from the African American community and people of Black descent throughout the world. This blog is well researched and includes sound recordings, videos, stories, and sources for many songs, dances, and music literature.

Work Smarter, Not Harder

Using Emojis is a great way to call attention to assignments and communications and helps students find work and understand directions. If you are using a Mac, the shortcut control-command-spacebar quickly opens the Emoji menu on your computer. 👍

Coda

Carrie recommends the ukulele videos on the Little Kids Rock website, particularly the "All About the Ukulele" video by Paula Fuga that introduces the parts of ukulele and its history.

Tanya recommends "We're Going to Need More Wine" by Gabrielle Union on Audible.

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!

This summer we'll be reading Culturally Responsive Teaching in Music Education: From Understanding to Application by Vicki R. Lind and Constance McCoy for our Summer Book Club. We will talk more about the Summer Book Club details in our next episode!