Music Teacher Coffee Talk

In this episode, Carrie and Tanya discuss ideas and tips for online and distance learning.  We share what worked well in our first week of online learning, and what we plan to focus on in the weeks to come.  We talk about finding balance between keeping an online presence and holding students accountable, but always keeping the focus on meaningful and active music making.  We also share some of our favorite tech tools that we have had success with. Things that worked well in Week 1 Carrie: Creating a thematic unit (ie STOMP-inspired unit) in Google Classroom using tools such as YouTube links for listening, Google Forms for responding, and Google Slides for composing. Using Flipgrid for video responses to encourage participation and active music making. Tanya: Creating sing-a-long and read aloud videos with Loom so students feel connected to you. Using puppets and props in videos to keep students engaged. What we are planning for the weeks to come: ...

In this episode, Tanya and Carrie discuss some highlights from the 2020 OAKE National Conference.  We talk about some of our favorite sessions, topics, and overall impressions of the conference.  Kudos to the conference co-chairs, planning team and the OAKE staff and Board of Directors for putting on a fantastic conference!   Things mentioned in this episode: First Steps in Global Music by Karen Howard Musician of the Month Project Coda Recommendations: A Simple Favor Laura Clery - Perks of the Coronavirus

Like many of you, Tanya and Carrie have entered the world of online and distance learning due to COVID-19.  In this episode, we will share some resources and ideas we've gathered so far.  Remember to wash your hands, and don't be racist!  (credit to @littleupbeatclass on Instagram: Self-Care Songs #13) Online Resources: Isle of Tune (requires Flash) BeepBox Incredibox Kahoot and Quizziz Musician of the Month Online Subscription Resources: Sighteading Factory SmartMusic BrainPOP SoundTrap MusicPlay Helpful Blogs and Groups: Midnight Music Mrs. Miracle's Music Room Organized Chaos Facebook group: E-Learning in Music Education Online Learning "Work Smarter Not Harder" Teacher Tips: Consider turning off comments on online platforms (ie Google Classroom) or teach students how to comment appropriately. Watch and vet videos all the way through before posting!  Look into SafeShare  to eliminate ads and other YouTube video conc...

In this episode, Carrie and Tanya discuss strategies to instill resilience for students and teachers during tough times.  This time of year is particularly challenging due to winter blahs and testing stress.  What can we do inside the classroom to help keep the joy during this time of year?  If you are looking for resilience ideas more specific to teachers and things you can do outside  the classroom, check out  Music Teacher Coffee Talk  Episode #34 on Resilience . Tanya and Carrie's tips to instill resilience for students and teachers: Take the time to include Mindfulness and Restorative Practices a little more this time of year.  It is important to build community and trust with students before you can make music with them. Plan more Folk Dancing and movement activities.  Some of our favorites: Sashay the Donut, from the New England Folk Dance Masters book Sashay the Donut Chimes of Dunkirk , from the New England ...

In this episode , Tanya and Carrie discuss strategies and tips for acing your music teacher evaluation.  Your evaluation should be a natural demonstration of the amazing work you do every day with your students.  But let's be honest:  it's perfectly normal to want to up your game a little bit on those evaluation days to help you grow as an educator, and to advocate for your program and your students.  Here are our 5 tips for acing that evaluation! 5 Tips for Acing your Music Teacher Evaluation 1.  Know your expectations and the rubric that your evaluator will be using.   Use that rubric to help you set your routines, classroom management procedures, and overall curriculum.   Share links with your principal about Kodály-inspired teaching: OAKE website Holy Names University Kodály Center Ask friends/colleagues come in and observe you teach before your evaluation or make a video of a lesson and evaluate your sel...

In this episode , Carrie and Tanya share 2 sample lesson plans based off of their long-range planning as mentioned in Episode 56.   Tanya shares a Kindergarten lesson focusing on steady beat and high/low.  Carrie shares a 4th grade plan focusing on ti-ta-ti (syncopa) and high do.   Songs and Activities mentioned in this episode: *Clap Your Hands* Looby-Loo with percussion Hop Old Squirrel Here's a Nest for Robin Here's a nest for robin, Here's a hive for bee, Here's a hole for rabbit, And here's a home for me! Two Little Puppets Two little puppets, one on each hand, Isn't she lovely, isn't he grand? Her name is Bella, his name is Bo, She says "Good morning" (or afternoon), and he says "Hello!" "Personages with Long Ears" from Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint-Saens *Old King Glory*   The Ants Go Marching  Illustrated by Dan Crisp ...

In this episode, Carrie and Tanya discuss the progression of long-range planning to daily lesson planning, including the formation of your overall curriculum, yearly plans, concept plans, lesson plans, and learning targets.  Click on the image to listen! View Carrie's guide to Planning in a Kodály Inspired Classroom here! Things mentioned in this episode: Knives Out Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist