DonorsChoose.org

I DID IT! I finally got up the gumption to fundraise for my program. I didn't think I would ever do it because I HATED fundraising when I was in school and I still feel awkward asking people for money. Still, there are a lot of things that would help any teacher in any school. So, I created a project at DonorsChoose.org. I have seen several posts about this website for awhile, but finally took the plunge.

I was just relaxing on Sunday and started reading a fellow blogger's post about his experiences with DonorsChoose.org. He has been able to fund a lot of projects and get great materials for his music classroom. I read and read and kept thinking "hmm...this looks promising!" After talking with him, I decided to create my project. Granted, it does take some time envisioning your project, what you need and how it will help numerous students. But, it was great putting my feelings into words for others to see! Here's his detailed information about DonorsChoose.org - it's a great resource!

http://makemomentsmatter.weebly.com/1/post/2014/01/donorschooseorg-getting-started-tips-and-pointers.html

I also uploaded a picture of a 4th grade performance from Veteran's Day. It was perfect because it used manipulatives as movement props, which is just what my project asked for!

I decided on submitting a wishlist for the following: a jump band kit (for tinikling from the Phillippines), ribbon wands, egg shakers, a ton of kazoos and a book about Christopher Kazoo and Bongo Boo. These items will benefit every single grade and are durable to last for years. They can be used with rhythm, movement, beat and lots of other things for classroom or program use.

I already have an awesome teacher friend that donated on Day 2. For the first 7 days, anyone that donates will have their donation matched! Even $5 is helpful and turns into $10 with the code word INSPIRE.

I know every classroom has needs, but I thought I would put the word out through my blog as well. Donations can be written off on taxes, plus you will receive an awesome, personalized thank-you package from my students. Every little bit helps - just double it with the word INSPIRE on the check out page from now until March 30th.


Thank you!!! :)

http://www.donorschoose.org/mrsskog

Five Favorite Pins of March

I'm linking up again to Mrs. Miracle's Music Room! I pin so many awesome things that I often forget what I really have. Five Favorite Pins is a great way to review some pins that might have fallen by the way side in a pinning frenzy! hahaha

http://www.mrsmiraclesmusicroom.com/2014/03/five-favorite-pins-of-march.html

1. SOL and MI Print & GO

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sol-And-Mi-Print-Go-1170585

                My first graders are finishing up their programs in the next few weeks. I can't wait to get back into Sol & Mi practice. Lindsay Jervis just whipped up these quick worksheets to use. Great for review or a sub day!

2. Musical Form Bulletin Board

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/110338259595479754/

I am working really hard to introduce more form activities into our music classes. I would love to use this at the beginning of next year to review form with the older students. So cute and relatable!

3. Singing at Home

      

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Singing-at-Home-interactive-singing-homework-for-elementary-music-1157761

I'm not a fan of "homework," but I want to get more parents involved in their child's musical education. I've also started following "The Yellow Brick Road" and love these ideas I'm seeing. I hope to use this at the end of the year or beginning of next school year to spark some family discussion of music. Love, love love!

4. Activate! Magazine

                  It's my third year teaching and I've finally gone through my whole classroom. I've sorted and organized everything to make it more accessible to me. In doing so, I found a great resource called "Activate! Magazine." I grabbed one quick last week and found a great dance by Phyllis Weikart. I also found this video on Youtube of her teaching it to some students. My kids K-5 loved it for a St. Patty's Day dance.

                                     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvYThquxwQU

5. Stretchy Band

http://musicalchildren.wordpress.com/2013/08/01/games-and-movement-band/

       I was just recently at a workshop that used a stretchy band. I want one of these things! However, they are pricey and I don't have much of "carefree" budget. However, I came across this pin that shows how to make your own, no matter what the size or color. AND, you can change it quick whenever! AAAAAHHH - I hope to get to the craft store sometime to start on this project - it says it only takes 5 minutes!

A Peek at My Week

I LOVE this Linky Party. March is music's busiest month of the year AND it's Music in Our Schools Month. I'm linking up to Mrs. Laffin's "A Peak at My Week."

http://mrslaffinslaughings.blogspot.com/2014/03/currently-march-peek-at-my-week.html

Kindergarten
          It was Dr. Seuss's birthday this week and Read Across America. This worked great with Kindergarten! Their program this year is all about Dr. Seuss. I've been using some songs from "Seussical," as well as some made-up gems I've found on teaching websites. The students are loving the stories and making connections in class. Awesome!! They are also going to be creating their own "Seussical Musical Instrument" this week. I picked it up from Sarah Davies on Pinterest.

1st Grade

          The students are also working on their program for April. It's all about Earth Day and protecting our planet. I'm using a lot of Raffi resources for this one, as well as "Let it Grow" from The Lorax. So much Seuss this week :)

2nd Grade

           2nd grade just finished up learning about Peter and the Wolf. Now, we are onto a mini-performance. The primary building is celebrating Cancer survivors with a Cancer Coffee. The 2nd graders wanted to do some singing so we are putting together a few songs for them. They will be singing "Happy Birthday," "Hero" (Spotlight on Music) and "We Appreciate You" (Music K-8). The kids are excited about this and it's a great way to give back to those local heroes in the community.

3rd Grade

           It is concert time! The 3rd graders perform their concert "Feelin' Good" next week. I chose this theme because our community was chosen as a leading Blue Zone Community in the state of Iowa. This means we are working as a team to make healthy food choices and become more active. I love Music K-8 and Teresa Jennings creations. She had a perfect collection for this program idea! We are also adding in the "Harlem Shake" to have the kids be active on stage and have some fun. It's hilarious - I can't wait to show some pictures!

4th Grade
       We just finished our STOMP project. The kids loved this! I posted some on the bulletin board for MIOSM advocacy. Now, they are learning some Irish songs and games to coincide with St. Patrick's Day. This week, we played "1,2,3 O'Leary" from Music a la Abbott.

http://www.musicalaabbott.com/2014/01/one-two-three-oleary.html

5th Grade

        5th grade is finishing up their work with GarageBand and ABA form. I mentioned this in a previous post about technology. It's great and I love seeing how creative they are. 

Wheww - that is just during the school day! It's also musical weekend nearby. I'm playing for another school district and they are performing "Shrek the Musical." SO MUCH FUN! :) Also, I have 2 concerts next week, honor choir and conferences the following week. Oh mylanta - it really is a busy time of year!