We have a reputation at our school for being the liveliest. You can regularly come into our room and hear squeals of happiness (about learning) and passionate debating about whatever we are learning. I want to take their interests and use them to deepen their learning.
My kids are in first grade.
They are English language learners from around the world. They represent places like Bangladesh, Bosnia, Mexico and Somalia. These students are at-risk and all of them receive free lunch. We are the only first grade classroom for English language learners at our school. Our school is an urban public school.
My Project
Students have been reading books and singing songs about Germany as part of a Global Music Partnership. They have already been introduced to the harmonica as an instrument believed to have been invented in 1821 in Berlin by Christian Friedrich Buschmann. The children's enthusiasm for the instrument was evident as they eagerly asked questions and hoped to play the one being demonstrated. With each student having their own harmonica, the teacher and students can engage in a hands-on experience of the harmonica - practicing basic notes and songs. Additionally, what they have learned in song about Germany will be enhanced by using an actual instrument connected to the history of Germany and continued in the USA.
With the harmonica, in addition to learning some basics, students can explore and write their own "songs".
Set 'right and wrong' answers is not the rule of thumb. The harmonica beckons the user to try out all the possible sounds, string them together into a tune they may know or write their own. Building self-confidence as well as providing an outlet to "step outside the box" within the classroom, the harmonica opens new doors of exploration in which every student can be successful.
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