Classroom Construction...

So I am currently under classroom construction...

I have to somehow come up with ideas and a theme for my new Kindergarten Music room! (Actually, I've got about 2 days to come up with ideas, and 2 small window of days to get it finished!) I have a couple of Rock Star/Hollywood themes that keep running through my head. You know...

A sweet collection of CD's hanging from the ceiling, inflatable instruments all around, the Composers' Walk of Fame, "Now Playing" and "VIP Section" signs (among others, I'm sure), and an awesome red sheet that covers part of my north wall where the SmartBoard resides.

I'm all for being a rock star teacher myself, but let's be honest... This could take me a LOT longer than the time I have. Yes, I could absolutely put it together piece by piece, but who wants to walk into a classroom looking like that? (Truthfully, I wouldn't mind. Being that I just spent the semester in what can only be called a storage closet with my 20 small friends, AND sharing it with another teacher!)

I walked into my room today, and even though my desk is still not moved in... IT LOOKED HUGE!! I have all kinds of room to play great games with my friends and move around and really get into MUSIC!! I've got planned an artistic activity with the music, creating our own book for each classroom, movement activities, and a program! I CAN'T WAIT!

Who am I kidding... I'm a teaching nerd in the works. Haven't been out of school for a week and I already can't wait to get back in the classroom. Hopefully, I'll have enough time to send in a daily (or weekly) blog during all of my construction!!

Happy Decorating!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, EVERYONE!!!

I hope everyone had as much fun as I did over the holidays... Catching up with family and friends, plugging in hours and hours of travel time, and, finally, finding a few precious moments to take that much-needed (and well-deserved) break!

Once we arrived home yesterday, I will absolutely say that we and our two precious pugs were completely wiped out! They slept most of the day today, while my hubby trotted back to work. I'm picking up a couple of extra days working for a friend at the office, but realized that I am not getting as much rest as I probably need.

Our last day of the first semester was December 22nd... Putting me in quite a bind when it came to Christmas shopping! Nothing like getting it all finished in the last couple of days! When actually, we start up again Monday, January 3rd!

Before we get back in the classroom with our friends coming off of their sugar high, I've (somehow) got to get moved from one classroom to a portable at one school while they renovate -- yes, they will be renovating during the entire spring semester -- and get my classroom set up again. I'm sure for everyone else it seems horrible to be out in these portables, and I will hate walking in the cold everyday, but my classroom size will almost triple! I wasn't quite in a closet this past semester (not that I would ever complain -- we made it work), but it will be great for my little friends and I to stretch out again!

I'm sure I'll have plenty more to say once the semester starts up again. Possibly changing schools (wouldn't it be GREAT not to travel each and every day??!), starting up my master's, and (to make the parents happy) start talking about having Mini Mimi's someday...

What a life to come! Can't wait!

Program Parents... You Gotta Love 'Em!

Wow... I am officially taking a recovery day (aka day of rest) from school today. I have had a cold for approximately 1 1/2 weeks now, and it must have a mind of its own. I won't complain, but I'm glad I'm getting a rest day since I've been postponing taking one until after the program. Which reminds me...

MY WINTER PROGRAM IS FINISHED!!!!

The first graders did a fabulous job, I will say so myself. A few highlights may include a fantastic Jack-in-the-Box prop (yes, the box looked awesome!), a bunch of small friends dressed up in their cutest pajamas (because let's be honest, only 6-year-olds can find the best pj's!), "Naughty Cousins" jamming out on their solos, and about 30 toys that came to life on our stage! Ballerinas dancing, Rag Dolls playing leap frog, Toy Soldiers marching, and Disco Bears gettin' down to the beat! (Disco Bears dancing may have possibly been a crowd favorite.)

But one mystery man can really steal the show. A parent, apparently, was coming up front, walking in front of all 250 SEATED students to be able to see better. We do have chairs set up for all families and friends, and our students sit in front on the floor. (I know, the life they have sitting on the floor for 45 minutes.) ANYWAY, this man decided to TAP MY ARM IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SHOW to ask if he could sit beside me! ME!! THE DIRECTOR!! I thought it was worth posting, because let's face it... How often does that really ever happen?

Luckily, my principal was on her game and asked him to move because he was not allowed to sit there. Once I saw her coming to take care of it, I kept the program moving. Had no idea until AFTER that he became irate that she had touched his shoulder! Another performer's parent is also a cop, who was seconds from escorting the man out himself. Who would've ever thought such drama could've come from a sweet little Christmas program?? WHEW!

On a rock star note...

I am mid-teaching "Peter and the Wolf" and I've got this great idea to include what I learned last week from my Arts Integration workshop. Main idea poem + lots of creative kids! I can't wait!

Christmas Program Stresses...

I have been searching and stressing this entire weekend! (It doesn't help that my hubby is sick and I need to take care of him... We'll just hope I don't get the stomach bug next!) I am trying to find any and all last-minute costumes, props, and stage decorations for our 1st grade program that is THIS TUESDAY!! I have no idea if any of this will come together, but I'm praying and hoping all goes well!

I mean really, those people that have no clue how hard we work have zero ideas of how much goes into putting on a program. I started adding it all up and I can't believe that after this week, I will have finished preparing NINE programs -- all in this semester!! Who in their right mind does this??! Believe me, I don't think I could get through any of it if I didn't actually love what I do. Programs aside, I do have a pretty great time.

Does anyone have a great idea for a Kindergarten spring program? It's my LAST one of the year and I need a few great choices. Thanks for reading, and I hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Introducing Musical Mimi

Good afternoon!! I've created this site so I can post and (hopefully) gain ideas for my music classroom! I am an elementary music teacher in Oklahoma, and I love my job! (I'm still new enough that I can say that and mean it.) I am in my third year of teaching, second year teaching K-5th.

I'll be honest, coming right out of college, I expected greatness. I was newly engaged and looking for a job close to my husband's, but found out that there was not much around for a music teacher. I traveled 40 minutes to a small school to teach PreK through 12th graders and 40 minutes back home. I was EXHAUSTED!! The students hadn't had a real music teacher in probably 5-10 years, so many students had no idea how it worked. The classroom teachers had to pick up the slack, unfortunately, which meant that they spent 1-2 days "covering" musical topics and called it good. Sadly, when I left, they did find another teacher that also left after the first year there, so as of this current year, they have no replacement! They went back to the classroom teachers. It is so frustrating for the arts!

Luckily, I was able to find a job in the town we live it and have been there since that first year. It has been WONDERFUL! I am able to collaborate with all our other teachers in the district, who are all rock stars!

As for today's report, I just finished up my first course in Integrating the Arts with Marcia Daft. She is amazing! I was actually the only music teacher there, and most of it was geared towards classroom teachers, but there is always room to modify! It was great to be there because she uses musical terms to help the students with their reading and writing. I was able to see what would help the classroom teachers from my music room that they could apply to reading. (Word Painting, tempo, etc.) Such a great connection!

I should be back to write sooner, rather than later, but it is our busiest season with Christmas programs, concerts, performances around town, etc. What would we ever do without such chaos and stress in our lives!

Hope you are all having a terrific Tuesday!

Always singing,