From: Catherine Pruett
Date: Thu, 2 Jan 2014 15:13:29 -0500
This will be a great time for YOU to learn about spanish music!There is
quite a lot in the music texts that hopefully your school has, but unless
you are fluent in Spanish, you will be learning along with them. you may be
surprised how many folk songs and dances they know. With the younger ones
you may enjoy songs which have a verse in English and a verse in Spanish.
Will help you learn colors, etc in Spanish and help them in English. With
the older ones, you can engage them in listening to Spanish composers and
how music is used in whatever country they are from. They maybe hesitant
with you because they are not confident with their English skills and they
will need lots of repetition and practice. Also the dance the cumbia is
quite popular and I had a few students who could dance for the class. Do
your research and they will be excited that you share an interest in their
culture. Catherine in DC
On Thu, Jan 2, 2014 at 2:45 PM, Judi Thomas <
thankful4danteclairejames@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Happy New Year!
>
> I have hesitated to ask this question because I don't want it to sound
> like a "racial" question. But I'm going to try to explain it carefully so
> hopefully it is clear and not offensive.
>
> This is my 3rd year at a bilingual school. Our population is around 90%
> Hispanic. I LOVE teaching at this school but I'm still figuring out some
> things. My K, 1st, 2nd & 3rd graders are singing better......not perfect,
> but better. I was really excited about the way my 3rd graders sang in their
> Christmas performance.....it was noticeably better singing.
>
> However.......My 4th and 5th graders are nice, cooperative and we get
> along fine, but I still don't have their interest in music & musical
> concepts. They love PE and soccer and anything competitive. My thought was
> to use games to practice music information but I can't figure out how to
> PRESENT the information so that we have something to practice.
>
> These students were 2nd & 3rd graders when I started at this school. Is
> this situation because they are not "my kids" that I have grown up in my
> program? I am grateful that they are nice because otherwise this would not
> be fun! (It is also a challenge because music happens only once a week.)
>
> I have tried to play instruments quite a bit and reinforce music concepts
> as we learn pieces. I have tried several of Artie's movement activities as
> well. I never feel like I'm reaching them.
>
> I know many of you teach in bilingual schools with a higher percentage
> than I have. I know that many of you have crazier schedules than I do. I am
> hoping to learn from your experiences!
>
> One more thing.....I'm looking for a composer from Mexico and I'd love to
> hear your suggestions.
>
> Thanks!
> Judi
>