Valentine's Day - a little late!

Sorry I'm a little late posting!

Right now, we're finishing up our STOMP projects, but I thought we would take a break for Valentine's Day.  I saw this great idea mentioned on the Music Teacher's Facebook group and just had to try it out! In a few weeks, they will be learning about the science of sound in their general classroom. I love collaborating and reinforcing things they are learning through music. 

So here's what we did:

The students each have their own laptop, as we're a 1:1 school. They also each have the recording program Audacity installed. After watching a brief "Bill Nye, the Science Guy" clip, we talked about sound waves and frequencies. From there, I did some demonstrations by projecting my Audacity program on the board for them to see. We did many different voices and watched the pictures change.

From there, I told them that we were making a "musical valentine" for them to take home to someone they care about. I asked each of them to record the words "I Love You" into Audacity however they wanted. Here's my photo: 

Next, we printed, cut and pasted their words onto red cardstock. 

From here, they could decorate it however they liked. Some used markers, crayons, hole punches, etc. On the back, we attached this paragraph so families could read about our introduction to the science of sound:

Happy Valentine's Day from the music classroom!
Today, the 4th graders had an introduction to the science of sound.
We used the program Audacity to learn about sound waves and frequencies.
Next, the students each recorded their own version of "I Love You" into the program. 

From there, the students printed a picture of their recording and created a special musical valentine just for you! Enjoy!

Of course, this can be tweaked, but it really was a cute and informative idea! It also works great for common core and collaborating with general classrooms. Again, I can't take credit for this awesome idea, but if you'd like my formats, let me know. Happy Valentine's Day (late)!

Five Favorite Pins of February

Happy Valentine's Day weekend! Hope you enjoyed some special time with those you care about.

I'm linking up with Mrs. Miracle's monthly party again!

#1: Dos and Don'ts of Jump Bands

I requested jump bands last year as part of my movement project with DonorsChoose.org. I still havent't successfully brought them out with the kids yet. Krisin Lukow has inspired me with her awesome videos, but now Alison Cabello has come out with her top suggestions and warnings. Can't wait to try these out in the spring!

#2: The Day the Room Fell Silent

So many blog posts are about positive or learning experiences for us as teachers. They also feature great ideas and resources. However, we all know that teaching isn't always a walk in the park. I love how real David gets with his post - I know we all can relate!

#3: Cat Tshirt

I love my cat - like more than the normal person. I also realize that there are some days that I'm not the most positive person to be around. This shirt just makes me smile because it brings them together AND supports an animal in need.

#4: Love Songs listening lessons

I cannot stop raving about Cori Bloom's listening lessons. She put together a great set for Valentine's Day and recently updated it! The new version has John Legend's "All of Me," which was a big hit with the students. 

#5: Name That Tune (Boomwhacker version)
This looks like a fun end of the year activity. Plus, the students can work together in pairs and hold discussions on what they think. Love!

Head over to Aileen's blog to see more favorite pins of February!

God Bless America

The 5th grade choristers had a wonderful opportunity this week! We were asked to sing "God Bless America" on the ice before an Iowa Wild hockey game. It was a great experience for all of the students! They also had a great pep talk from the Roosevelt HS director. It was wonderful for them to see an awesome high school performing group (a preview to what they can become!), plus they all came to talk to the students and cheer them on. 

Afterwards, we participated in some group singing of patriotic favorites and enjoyed a fun game. The Wild didn't win, but I think everyone had a fun Friday evening :)