Printed from the MusicK8.com Mailing List Archive

Subject: Re: [MK8]MIddle School Curriculum

From: Jyminia Tiller

Date: Thu, 13 May 2010 23:06:48 -0400

They like to DO... not to read... or NOT experience.

I've used...

Music Alive.

Roadtrip across America (excellent!!!)

Classical Connections

The Blues

(These are all by Music Alive)

Boomwhackers... I use drumsticks on over turned chairs and congas.

I've taught notation, put them in groups of 3 or 4 and let them write rhythm
raps and perform them to rap backgrounds.

We've done sound compositions. 3 to 4 part

I have classes that like to sing. Some that don't. For a few years, thy
created their own band - assigned parts, designed CD and Travel posters with
travel dates and wrote several songs for hte CD.

Sometimes, they're good.... other times (like this year) I'll have a horrid
grade level.

This year I taught the Zombie Dance from Thriller. my 6th grade and MOST of
my 7th grade loved it. My 8th grade... nothing captured their attention.

You must have a sense of humor. They are testing you. They are good at it.
It's their job. I lost my humor chip quite some time ago. HOpefully, I can
find it soon.

On Thu, May 13, 2010 at 5:32 PM, Angie Timmons wrote:

> I need some MAJOR advice! I am a second year General Music teacher in a
> K-8 school. I have middle school twice a day, 5 days a week. They are my
> worst hours of the day. For two years I have pulled my hair out trying to
> come up with a curriculum for them. We have watched musicals and had
> tests. I tried the Bach to Rock, I have tried Rock History and they SURE
> DONT want to sing! They do like playing Singstar once a week and we have
> compeitions which they love.
>
> Im almost at the point that I just want to do busy paper work with them
> because they complain about eveything else.
>
> Does anyone out there have a successful 8-10 week curriculum or any ideas
> for 6-8th grade? I want to get everything organized for next year with this
> group so there is NO dead time with them.
>
> Thank you!
>
> Angie
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>

>
>

--
Jyminia Tiller

Dear Lord: Please put your arms around my shoulders, and your hand over my
mouth.
-----