The Olivers (my girls at work and I) have a fantastic ritual we call "Wine Night." This week it got me through a week that felt interminable and sometimes just motivates me at the end of a long day. Every couple of weeks we get together at someone's house for a couple glasses of wine, snacks and catching up on our lives. There are 4 of us and because we teach different things in a large building and rarely have lunch periods together this is necessary. It's one of my favorite things. Even last night, when I was falling asleep on the couch, I got up and was excited about Wine Night.
I love our night together because it's a totally relaxed and free-form event. There are nights we play on the Wii and act like kids. Board games and card games come out. Or, like last night, there is WAY too much catching up that we need to do. There is nothing too private and there is no judgement. My girls are the best. They have been so supportive throughout Sarge's deployment and I told them tonight I that this needs to be lasting ritual. It almost reminds me of how the girls from Sex in the City would get together to catch up...we're just different enough but have enough in common that sharing is always interesting.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Friday, March 2, 2012
Inspiration
I made it through the first week back and it's time for All-County. This time for my 6th graders, some of who had me laughing during rehearsal today. I have one kid who is such a ham and was dancing and enjoying the music so much it was a joy to watch him. He did need some reminders to stay focused but it was so amazing to see that unbridled enthusiasm for singing. It reminded me of how much I used to love these weekends as a kid....they are probably a huge part of why I became a music teacher in the first place.
I also got to see one of the teachers who definitely inspired me to become a music teacher. Ms. J was my band director in middle school and I remember deciding that I would go to the college she did and become a music teacher in 8th grade. It all happened, though when it did I was sure that I was meant to be performer and this was just a "back up plan." Ms. J, myself and another teacher had a fantastic discussion about a teacher we all and our VERY different reactions. 15 years before I was in high school Mr. M was energetic and inspirational. He was to Ms. J what she was to me. By the time I was in HS he was more apathetic and really not the teacher I can imagine he was during the peak of his career.
This discussion is making me think tonight about how I need to find ways to continue enjoying my students and their learning. It is so easy to get bogged down in the every day nonsense that has nothing to do with music. I am not sure when I fell in love with music but it might be time to start looking at how to bring that love into my classes more regularly. What music made me want to sing? (Ok, I know Les Mis was involved somehow...it's the first Broadway show I remember listening and singing along to repeatedly on cassette. Yes, I'm old.) I know I pick music I love when prepping for concerts, but I'm not always sure I pass that love on to all of my kids. Is that even possible?
I also got to see one of the teachers who definitely inspired me to become a music teacher. Ms. J was my band director in middle school and I remember deciding that I would go to the college she did and become a music teacher in 8th grade. It all happened, though when it did I was sure that I was meant to be performer and this was just a "back up plan." Ms. J, myself and another teacher had a fantastic discussion about a teacher we all and our VERY different reactions. 15 years before I was in high school Mr. M was energetic and inspirational. He was to Ms. J what she was to me. By the time I was in HS he was more apathetic and really not the teacher I can imagine he was during the peak of his career.
This discussion is making me think tonight about how I need to find ways to continue enjoying my students and their learning. It is so easy to get bogged down in the every day nonsense that has nothing to do with music. I am not sure when I fell in love with music but it might be time to start looking at how to bring that love into my classes more regularly. What music made me want to sing? (Ok, I know Les Mis was involved somehow...it's the first Broadway show I remember listening and singing along to repeatedly on cassette. Yes, I'm old.) I know I pick music I love when prepping for concerts, but I'm not always sure I pass that love on to all of my kids. Is that even possible?
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Sub Plans
One of my least favorite part of teaching is creating sub plans. Most of the time it is just easier to drag myself to school and teach myself but the occasion comes when I do need to be out. As a music teacher it can be difficult to find a sub willing to, and capable of, running a rehearsal. So often, I leave videos and worksheets for plans. However, there must always be a set of plans "just in case" the person who might be in for me is music teacher.
I find this difficult because I know how tough it is to be a sub. It was how I started out in my career and it can be rough. Middle school is just challenging in general, think back on yourself in middle school and you'll begin to remember just how challenging. I want to leave activities for the students that are meaningful, fun, educational and won't torture the teacher, either.
To the other music teachers out there, what do you do?
I find this difficult because I know how tough it is to be a sub. It was how I started out in my career and it can be rough. Middle school is just challenging in general, think back on yourself in middle school and you'll begin to remember just how challenging. I want to leave activities for the students that are meaningful, fun, educational and won't torture the teacher, either.
To the other music teachers out there, what do you do?
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