Using the SeeSaw App to assess

Using the SeeSaw App to assess

Are you looking for an app to both assess students AND communicate with parents? Check out SeeSaw!

I heard about SeeSaw a couple years ago and had it installed on my ipads, but it wasn’t until this past spring that I was finally able to check it out. SeeSaw is known for being a great advocacy tool, in that parents can see what’s going on in the music room! Whether you post a snapshot of a student’s completed worksheet, a video of him/her singing, or a video of the entire class performing, it can be a fabulous way to communicate with parents.

Last year, at a technology workshop with my friend Andrea Halverson (whose technology blog can be found here), I had the realization that I assess students through the app too! I tried this out last year and will detail below how I did it.  Please note that I have not yet connected parents to the app, but instead used it for my own assessment purposes. Here goes!

I decided to try out composition with my second graders last year. Although they had learned tika-tika at this point, I wanted to assess how well they could compose only with ta, ti-ti, and rest, and how well they could read their composition to a steady beat.

First, I inputted all the students’ names into the SeeSaw app. I realized after I did this that SeeSaw has a limit to how many classes you have before you pay, so keep that in mind. (You might input all of the students from one grade level into one class.) If you can copy their names from an Excel spreadsheet or csv file, that will make things go much quicker!

After you do this, each class will have their own unique QR code. I printed these out so students could easily scan.

After I did this, I sent a picture to my ipads of one of my composition worksheets; you can grab it below:

Then, to compose, students opened up SeeSaw, then scanned their class QR code.

Students clicked on new project, then clicked “camera roll.” Then, they opened up the composition worksheet I had put on the iPads.

Then, students chose the pencil tool and wrote a 16-beat rhythm with their finger!  I asked that they had variety in their composition…so not all rests!

Once they are satisfied with their composition, they then clicked “record,” and read their composition. You could also have them play on a non-pitched percussion instrument! Then, they clicked the green checkmark.

After they had listened to their composition and were happy with what they’d done, they chose their name from the list and submitted it to me (they each have their own cute animal icon.)

Here is a sample composition from one of my second graders:

Students were working independently, so there is noise in the background when you do it like this, but I heard all of my students just fine! 

After they submitted it, I was able to sit and watch each video. As I watched, I assessed whether they had variety in their composition, whether they wrote the rhythms correctly, and if they could read the rhythm correctly to a steady beat. It was fun to hear what they had composed and how well they could read! And they loved it!

If you're looking for more composition worksheets to use with SeeSaw, check out these sets:

      

There is one composition worksheet in the tika-tika set, and lots in the composition bundle!

This is just one idea for SeeSaw…the possibilities really are endless! What have you done with the app? Feel free to comment below, and happy planning!

Specdrums: A fun techie tool for your music room!

Specdrums: A fun techie tool for your music room!

I am SUPER excited today to blog about a new piece of technology I have in my music room...a Specdrums ring! I first learned about Specdrums from Katie Wonderly's awesome Instagram page. Then I found out that Amy Abbott had a ring coming, so I reached out to the Specdrums page and was able to get one for my classroom too!

So what is a Specdrum ring?

It is a ring that you can put on your finger, or students can put on their finger, and they can make music with it by touching different colors. So for example, if you touch red, it might play C, if you touch orange, it might play D, if you touch yellow, it might play E, etc.! You can create different tone sets in your app...the sky really is the limit!

Here's a video of me playing "We are dancing" with the ring:

So how do you make a tone set? Here's how it works:

You can also make a tone set by selecting a color with your ring and then tapping the letter you want.

So what might it look like to use it in your classroom?

If you only have one ring, here are some ideas:

• "Play" the pattern while pointing to colors on your SMART board or white board, and students echo (great for visual learners!)
• Do the same, but with a student leader
• Have students figure out which color is which solfa after you play a song on the board
• Have students decide which color they want for each solfa and make a tone set on the spot!
• "Play" a song on kids: I got this idea from Amy Abbott...see her Specdrums blog post for an example! Choose three kids with the right-colored shirts...or make a default tone set on the spot! "Play" the song by tapping the kids on the shoulders (like the orange shirt for sol, red shirt for la, etc.)

If you have more than one ring, I think they could work really well in centers! I have one right now but am going to donate and receive two more, so that if I have six students at centers, students can work with a partner with a ring. Here are some ideas for centers (please note that you would need a device, such as an iPad or iPhone, for each ring students are working with, as the app needs to be open to use the ring):

• Students get a tone ladder and songs in stick notation, and figure out how to play songs.
• Students are told which solfa a song starts on and which solfa it uses, and they figure out how to play (great for inner hearing!)
• Students work with solfa manipulatives (read more about them in this post); they can write a pattern with manipulatives and then play with the Specdrums ring!
• Students work with colored notes on a staff and play the pattern
• Students label colors with hand signs and/or solfa after playing around with the colors (again, great for inner hearing!)
• Students play a song on a barred instrument such as glockenspiel with mallets, with the bars marked with colored stickers, then do the same thing but with the Specdrums ring!
• Students create songs within a specific tone set.

Like I said, there are SO many possibilities! Make sure to check out Amy's blog for videos of the ring in action!

As I'm posting this, there is only ONE DAY left to donate to their kickstarter campaign! If you donate  $39 or more, you'll be sent one Specdrums ring, and if you donate $74 or more, you get two! If you'd like 10, you can get them by pledging $349 or more. The rings will be delivered to you in January of 2018.

Once I receive two more, I'll be posting again with more ideas for using the rings! If you already have one, please comment below with some ideas, or if you have any questions, please let me know by commenting below. Amy and I have created this FB group for music educators with the rings to share ideas, so please join if you're interested. Have fun!

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Music Teacher Finds at IKEA

Music Teacher Finds at IKEA

I am VERY excited that a new IKEA store just opened in Columbus, only about 15 minutes away from me! If you've never been to IKEA, it's quite the experience...kind of like going to a museum and going shopping at the same time. I found so many great ideas for organization when I last shopped, so today, I'm blogging about several different items that you could purchase from IKEA for your music room!

I've linked each picture to the item on IKEA's website, so simply click if you'd like to view or purchase.

These baskets and metal tubs would be great for lots of different items: scarves for movement, tennis balls for practicing meter, rhythm sticks, wood blocks, and so much else!

I have two of these tables in my room, and they are GREAT. Very cheap, easy for kids to sit at and work, and/or good for placing items like pencils, worksheets, etc.

These carts would also be great for storing instruments and mallets!

Again, a great way to store instruments!

I considering buying a few of these stools, since I use flexible seating. However, they have a weight limit of 77 pounds, so I think they'd work better in a K-2 classroom. These would work well for putting glockenspiels on, though, so kids don't have to play them on the ground.

These rugs would be great just to add some color to your classroom! You could also use them as a visual for matching pitch (the purple circle could be in tune, and the blue circle could be flat or sharp.)

These could be great for storing recorders!

These rolls of washi tape could be great for labeling drawers, mallets, and more!

These would be a great way to add a little pizazz to your classroom!

This is a picture from inside my classroom, of my cardboard magazine racks for different concepts. I really have loved having everything sorted so clearly!

You could also use these racks, which are a bit more expensive but prettier:

Or these white metal racks:

These cute tail hooks could work for any number of things: holding schedule cards, holding a sign for your classroom...really anything that you use 3-M hooks for!

These fake plants are pretty AND of course don't take time to water!

While I was there, I bought these stools for my flexible seating area:

I also bought these wall decal to go with my travel-themed classroom:

What are your favorite finds at IKEA for the music room? Feel free to post links below, and happy shopping and organizing!

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Classroom Reveal 2017-2018

Classroom Reveal 2017-2018

After many hours of working in my room, I'm FINALLY ready to reveal my music room for this year!

Here is a view of my room as you walk into it. I am super lucky to have a pretty big room!

Here's a panoramic view of my room:

I decided on a travel theme this year, and I have to say, this might be one of my favorites! I love the colors in the theme, AND I love that it fits in with my school's theme of "Oh, the places you'll go!" I really tried to be intentional this year to not cover every single wall with something, so that kids could learn in an engaging setting but not be overwhelmed. 

Here is my word wall. Instead of posting words by individual letters, I decided to group letters. I'm loving this, because in years past, I felt like my word wall was a bit overwhelming (and honestly, do we HAVE to have the word "zydeco" up there just to fit the letter Z?) This is much more manageable!

A bit further up the wall, I have hand drums hung with 3-M hooks, which is great for easy access! The baskets have clipboards and props in them; I bought those at Target. The partner poster is a great visual for students who can't find a partner to go to; you can download it for free here.

My first bulletin board is a "Road map to the lines and spaces" and is a great visual to remember the names of the notes! I just added this bulletin board to my travel-themed music classroom set; if you've already purchased, you can re-download under "my purchases." The globe paper lantern I already had purchased when I did a space theme a couple years ago, so I just got it back out of the closet to hang it!

Here is my other bulletin board. As students learn songs and dances, they can add them to the map and point to where the song or dance is from!

Here is my musical symbol wall, as well as my hand signs. I love having this wall, because I've seen kids make so many connections as I'm teaching and as they are figuring out which symbol we're discussing!

At IKEA, I picked up a different type of stool for my flexible seating area. The white stool is called the Maximus, and is super affordable! For more flexible seating ideas, see these blog posts.

I also picked up this wall decal and map-themed clock at IKEA!

Here is my points poster and my editable schedule cards. The cards help me keep on track every day, and can be purchased here.

I decided to post my rules closer to the ground so kids could see them better!

I created this globe above my computer on an awesome site called blockposters.com. I simply uploaded the jpg, printed out the poster, cut it out, and laminated it! I created the letters for "Oh, the places you'll go" with my Cricut.

These are my grade-level bins, which really help me stay organized! The bins are by Really Useful. I added these to my Music Room Organization Set, which includes lots of other themes.

These hang above my bookshelves to help students remember the instrument families. I also created labels for my bookshelves to remember what goes where!

Here is the display by my door, which shows musicians from around the world. My kids really seem to love this display and are often asking me questions about it, or exclaiming, "This is cool!" You can download it for free in this blog post.

If you'd like to put together a travel theme for your music room, here is the set I used when decorating:

I hope this inspired you as you set up your classroom! Here is a Pinterest board about music classroom decor, with more inspiration:

Good luck setting up your classroom, and I hope your year starts off well!

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Choosing a Theme for Your Music Classroom

Choosing a Theme for Your Music Classroom

For many years in my classroom, I did not use a theme in my classroom...I simply decorated with whatever fun, colorful decor I had in my closet. But a few years ago--probably through Pinterest--I discovered that teachers were choosing themes for their classroom, and decided I wanted to try that too. Over the last few years, I've tried several different themes, and now I look forward to choosing a theme and implementing it in my room.

Here are some ideas and strategies for choosing a theme for your music room!

Why use a theme?
First, why use a theme in your classroom?

To me, it's a great way to start the school year on a new foot, with a different theme and different decor. Of course, some of your decor will be the same, but I love being able to give my room a makeover. I spend SO much time in that room during the year, it's nice to shake it up and make things look a bit different!

It can also be a great way to tie everything in your room together. Whether you are "soaring high in music" with a bird theme or traveling to different places in music with a travel theme, I love how it unifies everything!

How to choose a theme
The first thing I like to do when choosing a theme is to figure out what my school's theme will be for the next year. For example, this upcoming year, my school's theme will be "Oh, the places you'll go!" Instead of decorating with Seuss decor, I chose a travel theme to play off the "places" aspect. There have been years that I haven't gone along with the school theme, but I always like to check that first in case there is something I think will work well with it!

The second thing I like to do is to browse Pinterest. There are SO many cute ideas you can find, just by searching "classroom decor" or "classroom theme." If there is a certain theme that intrigues me, I then create a board with that theme to get my creative juices flowing (check out some of the boards below!)

Different themes
I've done everything from monsters to birds to space! This upcoming year, I'll be decorating with a forest theme. I created this set to help:

Last year, I decorated with a travel theme. I created this set to help:

Jodi at the Clutter Free Classroom has done lots of work brainstorming phrases and coming up with ideas for different themes, many of which can be adapted for the music room. Here are a few links, blog posts, and Pinterest boards to help you as you plan!

Beach:
Click here to read Jodi's ideas for a beach theme.

Camping:
Click here to read Jodi's ideas for a camping theme, and check out my camping theme Pinterest board:



Western:
Click here to read Jodi's ideas for a Western theme, and check out my Western theme Pinterest board:


Monsters:
Click here to read Jodi's ideas for a monster theme, and click here to read my blog post about my monster theme. Check out my monster-theme Pinterest board:



Jungle/ Safari:
Click here to read Jodi's ideas for a safari theme, and click here to read my blog post about my jungle theme. Check out my jungle-theme Pinterest board:


Space:
Click here to read Jodi's ideas for a space theme, and click here to read my blog post about my space theme. Check out my space-theme Pinterest board:


Travel:
I will be blogging about my travel theme classroom soon! Here is my travel-theme Pinterest board:


And here is a link to ideas to several other themes!

I've also recently created a collaborative Pinterest board with examples of music classroom decor! Here it is:



Which theme are you thinking of using this upcoming year? Feel free to comment below, and have fun setting up your music room!

Flexible Seating in the Music Classroom {Part Three}

Flexible Seating in the Music Classroom {Part Three}

This past year, I implemented flexible seating in my music classroom. Earlier this year, I wrote about which seats I bought, and a few months after that, I wrote this post about how I introduced flexible seating. In today's post, I'm writing about what worked and what I'm changing for next year.

What worked?

Overall, the kids LOVED the seats in my room! They were always super excited to get the seats, whether they were working on worksheets, working in small groups, or at centers. I also had some students get special seats if they'd been star student the previous lesson...that reward was a BIG hit!

When working at centers, I sometimes had only one center with seats, and that center had all the same seats. For example, the worksheet station would have only wobble seats. That was a great way to make an otherwise not-as-exciting center WAY more exciting!

Which seats did students like the most?

By far, the two most popular seats were the exercise balls and the wobble stools.

After that, I'd say the wobble cushions/ balance seats were pretty popular.

Note: these links above are affiliate links.

Which seats weren't as popular?

I had high hopes for the jump bands on chairs, as I have always been one to move my feet a LOT when sitting in a chair. But they just weren't as popular as I thought they would be. Neither were the rugs I purchased at Five Below, or the bath mats I mentioned in my first blog post.

What didn't work?

I love the idea of giving students with attention and sensory needs special seats to help them focus. It's not that this didn't work at all, but I think I can do a better job of thinking this through, and pulling students aside to explain that they could use those seats if needed. I ended up just doing it when I thought about it, which was kind of haphazard and not as effective as I think it could have been.

What I will change for next year

I want to do a better job when I'm writing my lesson plans of thinking through if and when students get seats. I had this one fifth grade class last year that as soon as I would give directions to get into small groups or work individually, they'd run to the chairs. I had to stop them several times to explain that I hadn't said to get the chairs and that they needed to wait for me to say that. I may tell students at the start of the year that if they think it would be a good time to sit in the chairs and I haven't mentioned it in my directions, they need to ask. 

On that same note, I'd like to give students more opportunities to get the chairs. Whether I put more seating into my centers or I play more games like "Scoot," mentioned in the second blog post, or I intentionally write more seating into each lesson, I know the kids will love it!

Final thoughts...

Even though there were seats that weren't as popular, it was good to have enough seats for every child to have something. Next year, I'm thinking of doing my saucer chair, exercise balls, wobble stools, wobble cushions, crate seats, and then add other seats, like the stools from Five Below that Tracy King mentioned in this blog post, or a few bean bag chairs. I could still have the seats that weren't as popular for students to choose from, but then add a few new ones!

Flexible seating supposedly helps students with sensory and attention needs to focus while learning. Did I see that? I think so. But beyond that, I think what I love about flexible seating the most is that it honors students as learners. You are saying to them as their teacher that you know they don't all learn the same way and that you know they need different things. It is a powerful message. I think that besides the novelty of sitting on the chairs, students really do appreciate that you are taking the time and space in your room to honor them.

What is your experience with flexible seating? Feel free to comment below, and happy planning for the year!

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