a blog about youtube and the music classroom (PLN Wk2.4)

I saw this posting and thought the book that is mentioned (YouTube in Music Education) could be very useful.  I plan to investigate this book more and see if I can put it to use in my classroom.  I know there are so many things out there.  The challenge for my class (as I am sure with many of you) – youtube is blocked at my school.  I know there are ways around this but sometimes it seems like so much prep work.  Plus, showing a youtube video to a large choral ensemble is difficult due to the number of students trying to watch.

http://www.musicteachershelper.com/blog/make-youtube-yourtube/

a good reminder (PLN Wk2.3)

This was a good reminder for me – to say yes and take the extra time.

It's a blog posting based off of a Mister Rogers quote:

I hope you’re proud of yourself for the times you’ve said “yes,” when all it meant was extra work for you and was seemingly helpful only to somebody else.

-Fred Rogers

http://involvememusic.com/2011/03/inspiration-from-a-childhood-friend/

a blog posting on technology integration in the classroom (PLN Wk2.2)

I thought this was a good blog to post since we are learning about integrating technology into our classrooms and lessons.  I like how it talks about how using technology for the sake of using technology isn't really integration, and how a student doesn't benefit from technology just because technology is being used.  The students really benefit when they are familiar enough with the technological tools used – they are no longer trying to question how to use the tools but are using them to enhance their learning.

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/meaning-tech-integration-elementary-mary-beth-hertz?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EdutopiaNewContent+%28Edutopia%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

a blog about rhythm simplification (PLN Wk2.1)

This blog is set up for a discussion on the simplification of rhythms when teaching students familiar tunes.  I know that with my piano students and my choral students, when they are learning a piece they know, it is very difficult to read the rhythms as they are written -- my students want to do a lot of it by ear.

http://colorinmypiano.com/2011/03/15/qa-forum-rhythmic-simplification-in-arrangements-of-familiar-tunes/

a blog about program notes (PLN Wk1.2)

This is a post about program notes and having students write them.  It is written for piano teachers for their students, but I will use this in my choral classroom.  I have always wanted to have my students write the program notes for our concerts and I haven't done it yet.  There are some good pointers to get them started.

http://www.musicteachershelper.com/blog/writing-effective-program-notes/

A blog that could be helpful (PLN Wk1.1)

As I was adding to my google reader I found this blog.  It has some very basic music worksheet pdf's that may be helpful for review or evaluation in the music classroom.

http://musicworksheets.net/

A little about me ...

Just to share a little about who I am. . . My name is Kristen and I live in Toledo, Ohio.  I teach vocal music for grades 6-12 in a rural district west of Toledo.   I have great students who I enjoy working with and I love making music with them.  It's one of my favorite things to see it in their faces when they know they are making great music!