Submitted by Andrea Cope
Idea posted May 13, 2002
I am using Recorder Karate for the first time this year with absolutely amazing results (started last month). Every kid is into it, even the "slackers." I originally planned to spend half of each 55-minute class on testing, but that was leaving too many disappointed kids. I told them that once everyone got their white belt, I'd go back to 20-30 minutes per class, but until then, we'd spend almost the whole time on it.
I also made an arbitrary rule that everyone in class had to complete white belt before anyone could get yellow. Same thing for yellow and orange. After that, I'll let them move at their own speed. So, for those that are waiting to advance to the next belt, their job now is to tutor their classmates. We'll see how that works.
Each class had a handful who would have slipped through the cracks otherwise, more from a lack of confidence than from lack of motivation. I had two or three out of the whole 4th grade who didn't have their white belt because they didn't bring their recorders to school. I did not let that hold the others back, but for those few, I increased the penalty from 10 points per class (for not bringing recorder) to 20 points. I also sent a letter to the parents explaining the situation and letting them know that it would be reflected in their grades.
The biggest problems I'm having are: 1. How to keep the class focused and working while I'm listening to them play one at a time. 2. Convincing them to do anything else. You'd think they were getting a pay increase for each belt! Even the fourth grade teachers are getting into it. This group is so thrilled with recorders that I'm thinking about continuing it into fifth grade next year.