You Want Me to Teach WHAT?!?!? Friday, May 29, 2015
We specialize in panicked phone calls here at Stanton’s. We’ve heard it all: “I lost my judge’s copy!” “I can’t find my Messiah!” “It’s Christmas Eve and my O, Holy Night is nowhere to be found!” These examples of immediate panic pale in comparison to another problem we’ve heard more and more about over the last couple of years. Dazed choral, orchestral and band teachers, many with years of experience, come in and tell us they’ve been assigned to teach elementary general music. Educators who don’t bat an eyelash at breaking up fights between high school boys in the lunch room or dealing with middle school girl drama are petrified of a classroom full of bright-eyed kindergarteners.
Never fear, Mari Schay and Michael Tolon have come to the rescue. These self-described “recovering band directors” have successfully made the transition from upper level music teachers to elementary teachers. In “You Want Me To Teach WHAT?” the authors guide you through this transition, dealing with such diverse topics as:
- Your own emotions about your new assignment-negative and positive.
- Getting to know the school, the kids, and the environment.
- Learning styles and philosophies of elementary general music.
- Playing instruments, singing, listening, reading and notating, and assessing.
There are also sample lesson plans for every grade level, and appendices about routine and purchasing materials. The bonus part of this reference is that it is a joy to read. Mari and Michael share their mistakes as well as their triumphs in a casual, conversational style that is funny enough to make you feel like you’re reading for pleasure instead of work. If you are facing this challenge in your teaching career, or are a first year teacher who didn’t expect to be teaching this level, give us a call at 1-800-42-MUSIC and order a copy today.
You Want Me To Teach WHAT? (42787)……………………………………………………………………………..$19.99
Rachel Steele has been at Stanton’s since 2013. She previously taught middle school and high school band and choir for 13 years, and holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in music education from The Ohio State University. Currently a member of the Heisey Wind Ensemble and a musician at Epiphany Lutheran Church (Pickerington OH), Rachel also enjoys reading, sewing, baking and the Pittsburgh Steelers!
