FINLEY-OATES

We have been very busy in music class. Our 3^rd graders just finished their presentation. Since we weren’t able to get on stage and perform as a group (thanks for COVID), each class sang a winter song and played instruments. The videos turned out great and they will be online soon.

2^nd and 3^rd grade have been working with rhythms a lot since we limit our singing. We play a fun game called Poison Rhythms that they love to play. If you’re interested in seeing the game, I think there are some examples on Youtube.

3^rd grade will soon be getting into reading the musical staff. 2^nd grade is preparing a presentation that will be ready by May, if all goes well. 1^st grade and K have been learning about TEXAS, singing the state song, playing some Texas songs on the bells and learning some singing games that Texans used to play long, long ago. Remember the Alamo!

This will be my last year at Finley Oates. After 25 years of teaching, I am retiring. I hope to be able to see my grandkids more often and travel some. I will still be around FO in some capacity. I will substitute a little and maybe volunteer as well.

I can honestly say that after 25 years, I still enjoy my job. I love the students and I think they are proud when they accomplish things as a group in music class. Every student can succeed in my class. 

I hope everyone has had a great back to school week! We have lots planned for the music room this month.

Kindergarten – Fast and slow, high and low, and the instruments of the orchestra

First grade – Martin Luther King, half notes, moving from lower to higher

Second grade – Rhythm reading, Martin Luther King

Third grade – Martin Luther King, preparing for our winter presentation ( to be presented late January via video).

I hopee everyone has had a great start back to school. I know I have enjoyed seeing my students after being out of school for so long! We have been busy in the music room learning new things!

Your child’s music grade is based on their participation. I never ask for perfection, but I do expect them to try!

I try to incorporate other subjects into my lessons such as social studies and history. We also summarize lyrics to songs and talk about word meanings. Music is very cross-curricular.

The 2^nd 9 weeks of school, we will build on our previous lessons, and focus on these concepts:

K – rhythm and singing games

1^st – rhythm reading and form

2^nd – form

3^rd – form, musical maps, and preparing for our January program, (which will be pre recorded)

I hope everyone has had a great start back to school. Things are a little different, but we are still learning. 

Because of COVID-19, we are unable to sing right now, but we listen and hum along to our songs.

September learning:

Kindergarten – Steady beat, using our 5 different voices, learning how to use the instruments, following the conductor

1^st grade – Strong/weak beats, meters of 2,3, and 4, practicing rhythm

2^nd and 3^rd grade – Reading rhythm notation with quarter notes, eighth notes and rests.