Submitted by Connie Herbon, Iowa
Idea posted April 30, 2002
I've almost survived my first year having 3rd and 4th á la cart. I can teach my K-2 classes in the high school vocal or band room. Here are some random thoughts relating to my survival.
- I have an office space, formerly two practice rooms but combined into one this year. I lock my Orff instruments, cart, guitar, stuffed animals, etc. in there at day's end. My desk and files are also in there.
- I have an old but wonderful large Panasonic boom box on my cart. Has all the bells and whistles and good power. My recorder is always with me for pitches. I rarely take a keyboard to the rooms but often take my guitar.
- I schedule chorus rehearsals for times when I can get the h.s. band or chorus room.
- For the six classrooms where I go, each student has a folder for storing song sheets, Rockin' Rhythm Raps, etc. These stay in the classrooms. They also keep music texts in their rooms, although I carry extras on my cart so each student can have their own.
- The school bought large heavy rolling stands for my big Orff instruments. I also have a couple A.V. carts I use when I want to use bell sets or other items in quantity.
- I asked each teacher to assign me two helpers per week. These students pass and collect papers, move my "stuff" between rooms, and do other assorted tasks. I also use the overhead projector to save on paper copies of songs.
- Teachers are to leave the room if they need to talk to anyone. This has been a non-problem for me :-) but had been a problem in the past for the art teacher.
- I use the classroom space pretty much however the teacher has it arranged. Sometimes I teach from two or three spots in the room during one class period. I do use a wireless mike, which helps make up for the changes in acoustics between rooms.