Fall into Music

Hello to all!

I know it’s been a while since I’ve posted, and for that I extend my apologies. Getting in the groove of the new school year has taken up a lot of time and kept me quite busy.  I also had an unexpected occurrence in my life; my husband and I were surprised to learn that I am pregnant. It was unplanned, but now that we’re used to the idea, we’re very excited.  The only wrench this throws in the school year (besides growing a large belly, mood swings, and increasing uncomfortable-ness) is that I will be taking leave the last 6 weeks of school. Good timing for my baby and I as we’ll move right into summer without any interruption, but that does leave me with the task of finding a qualified long-term sub to take over my classes and direct the 4^th graders’ recorder performance while I’m on leave. I do have someone in mind, but it depends on her availability. I know it’ll work out somehow.

Back to school now. It’s already fall, which I love because that means the holiday season has begun. I created a “Fall into Music” bulletin board that states all musical concepts in a creative fall-themed way. Here are some photos:

 Another addition to my classroom is the “Rest Area” chair.  This chair is in a designated space in my classroom where I can send students who need a moment away from the classroom activities to alleviate their disrupting behavior by sitting in a solitary space away from others for a few minutes.  It’s very basic: a classroom chair with the “Rest Area” sign taped above it.  Of course, the sign is themed with actual musical rests; to be specific, half rests and quarter rests.  I made the sign using a simple word document. I typed the text and then inserted pictures of quarter and half rests around it.  Feel free to duplicate in your classroom! I’ve found it to be a very effective outlet for re-directing instruction.  Here’s a picture:

Other things on the horizon that I will be planning for are holiday assemblies and the 5^th grade December performance.  I’ll try to do much better about posting more often to keep you updated on things I’m doing.  Thanks for stopping by!