The students at my school really enjoy playing musical instruments, and it is a joy for me to teach them. They embrace each new challenge with great enthusiasm. When they finally get something they have been trying to play on an instrument, their faces light up and they want to show what they've learned to the class.
The students are so good about taking turns with the instruments, because we don't have a classroom set of any of the instruments in my room.
They get very excited when I introduce them to a new instrument! I recently showed them an ocean drum, and they were amazed that it sounded just like the ocean.
Learning to play musical instruments is such an enriching experience for children! The kids at my school are hungry for the opportunity to learn to play many different types of instruments. They are eager to learn and to perform, and I am just as eager to teach them!
My Project
Many of the students in my school have expressed an interest in learning to play the guitar, and I feel a good starting point would be to learn to play the ukulele. It only has 4 strings that are made of nylon, which are gentler on beginners fingers. I plan to start 3rd, 4th and 5th grades next year in the fall, and 2nd grade in the spring. I would love to include ukuleles in the Spring Sing concert for next school year.
Because my students are interested in playing string instruments, I believe it will make a big difference in their willingness to learn to read notes on the staff and to practice their finger placements.
This will also make a difference when playing recorders in my classroom. Once they can read notes on the staff, it will open up a new world for my students as far as different songs and instruments they can play.
Learning to play a musical instrument is such a huge help in other areas of a students life! It teaches them to be diligent in all areas of their school work, and has connections to all subject areas such as language arts, math, science, and history. Music can teach self-expression, creativity, and stimulate intellect and memory. I'm sure that the students will blossom in their musical development with the addition of ukuleles to their curriculum.
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