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Showing posts from April, 2023

Episode #133: Teacher Appreciation

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Music Teacher Coffee Talk · MTCT #133: Teacher Appreciation   Past Episodes about End of the Year Activities and Tips: #111: Wrap It Up! #90: Your Future Self Will Thank You #15: Closure Main Theme: Teacher Appreciation In this episode, Carrie and Tanya remember their favorite teachers from the past and the qualities of those teachers that have affected and influenced us. Here are some of the qualities we have noticed from our favorite teachers: Putting students first Playfulness and joy Fostering passion and creativity Importance of solid pedagogy Kind and caring Importance of research about child development If you would like to show your appreciation for any teachers you know (maybe even us), we encourage you to give back to organizations that benefit teachers such as the Organization of American Kodály Educators. We encourage you to give to OAKE's 2023 Giving Campaign. OAKE is an organization that has greatly impacted us as educators, so if you appreciate the ideas and advice

Episode #132: 3 Stars and a Wish

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Music Teacher Coffee Talk · MTCT #132: 3 Stars and a Wish   Upcoming Events: Tanya will be presenting a workshop titled "How Can I Keep Them Singing: Singing Games and Activities for Older Students" on Saturday, April 22 for the Plains States Kodály Organization (PSKOR) in Kearney, Nebraska.  Get more information here! Main Theme: 3 Stars and a Wish Carrie and Tanya share some thoughts about their first year at their new schools. We each share 3 things that have gone well, and one goal or wish for next year. Tanya's 3 Stars and a Wish ⭐: Tanya has focused on singing just for the joy of singing and not necessarily tying every song into a specific concept or skill ⭐: Tanya has been thoughtful about organized dancing and movement and how to introduce specific skills at each grade ⭐: Tanya has been including more genres of music other than traditional American folk music (popular music and "world" music) for listening 🧚‍♀️: Tanya's wish for next year is to ha

Episode #131: Subbing For Yourself

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Music Teacher Coffee Talk · MTCT #131: Subbing for Yourself   Upcoming Events: Tanya will be presenting a workshop titled "How Can I Keep Them Singing: Singing Games and Activities for Older Students" on Saturday, April 22 for the Plains States Kodály Organization (PSKOR) in Kearney, Nebraska. Get more information here! Main Theme Carrie and Tanya talk about lesson ideas and activities for when you are subbing for yourself, meaning you are not feeling well or have low energy, but you still need to teach. Here are some ideas for lessons where students are still actively making or responding to music, but you are preserving your health, energy, and sanity. Ideas and resources we mention:  YouTube play along videos Musication Ready Go Music Independent instrument practice time (recorder, ukulele, keyboards, etc) Stations or centers (only if students have done them before) Music listening, appreciation, and responding Individual listening (give choice when possible) Read-along