Dare to Dream

I'm joining some other bloggers today to dream just a little.  I have been creating and selling teacher resources for about 7 years or so.  I got several years before that when I went hunting the Internet for music bulletin board ideas and products.  I didn't find much at all!

Not discouraged, I thought I would create some and post them on a website to share with other teachers.  Thus, Bulletin Boards for the Music Classroom was born.  I loved creating and sharing and loved the feedback from other teachers.  A couple of years ago I found Teachers Pay Teachers and this little hobby has flourished into a part-time business.

Today, I'm daring to dream about what the future may hold.  I'm linking up with Third in Hollywood's blog.  Be sure to click and dream with others too!

1.  Live debt free.
This seems to be SO close and yet so far away.  Last year my husband and I took Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace Institution classes.  It was a smack in the face and we knew that we had to make some changes.  We created a budget, we tracked our spending.  We dreamed about a day when we wouldn't have to worry about how the ends would meet.  We decided to live without the burden of credit.

Then...well, we were in a car accident in July.  I broke my wrist.  My husband broke his sternum and was pretty scratched up.

We lived.  We were miserable but we lived.  So thankful!  My husband spent the night in the hospital and watched as his abdomen and side swelled and ached.  The seat belt had saved his life, but really messed him up too!  His doctor stopped his blood thinners as his abdomen grew to twice its normal side.  A few weeks later, he suffered a stroke.  What a difficult time for him and for our family.  We were thankful as friends and family reached out to help us in every way possible during this time.

Months of therapy, a pacemaker/defibrillator in December and many doctor's visits later our perfect plan to be debt-free seemed almost impossible.  God has blessed in the last year and we are hanging on.  I dream about a day where my online business will allow me to live completely debt free.

2.  Make teachers' lives easier.

It is tough being a teacher and juggling all the demands on our time and resources.  I create products that make teachers' lives easier and save them precious time.  I hope that by downloading a bulletin board that's ready to go or worksheets that require no prep help teachers use their time at school more effectively.  In the same way, I hope that teachers look at my products and are inspired to try something new.  Doing something new, happy with a few extra minutes, using great resources...what a great way to create a joyful classroom!

3.  Be an outrageous giver.

Did you ever watch the Oprah's Favorite Things show when the audience got TONS of stuff?  Surely you've seen the one where everyone in the audience gets a car?  Oprah goes running around screaming "YOU GET A CAR!  And YOU get a car!  And YOU get a car!  And YOU get a car!"  Yeah, I want to do that.  I want to be an outrageous giver.

I have been so blessed, I would love to be able to meet the needs in my community.  I would love to be able to surprise my family with amazing gifts for no reason.  I would love to be an unstoppable force of love in Jesus' name.  I dream about being an outrageous giver.

It's fun to dream, isn't it?  What are you dreaming about this summer?

Dip Tray Workstations: Bottle Cap Pitches

Like many teachers and moms, I am a big fan of dollar stores.  I love a good deal and am often inspired to create while walking the aisles.  My husband is most tolerant of my dollar store ways, so that helps feed my addiction too.  In this week's edition of Summer Project Sundays I'm sharing a project with you that is fun to make, fun to use and inexpensive if you have a dollar store near you. This week's project is a Dip Tray Workstation.

This workstation is great for 3rd grade and up.  Students are given a box or bag of bottle caps that have treble clef notes on them.  Students identify the note and then place it in the appropriate compartment. My students loved the novelty of playing with the bottle caps and the dip trays.  I loved that they were practicing naming treble clef pitches and staying on task. To make this dip tray center, I printed out a set of treble clef pitches on the staff.  Using a 1-inch hole punch I punched out each of the notes.  I printed this sheet on both card stock and regular copy paper.  There wasn't much of a difference in the finished project, but I thought it was easier to manipulate the ones that were printed on card stock.

I have a large collection of bottle caps that I use for a variety of activities (including Bottle Cap Staff).  I just grabbed a few of them for this project.  If you choose to start collecting them, 2 liter soda bottles work best.  There are also some plastic water bottles that have lids with a 1-inch diameter that would work well too.

After the notes have been punched out, I attached them to a bottle cap with regular school glue.  This was such a bad idea!  After the first group I realized that this was not a good solution.  The notes popped right off bottle cap.  I took that batch home and used Modge Podge (an adhesive and sealer) on them.  This worked MUCH better!  I would recommend using it instead of school glue for your project.

The finished result was a unique and useful music manipulative.

My kiddos really enjoyed this activity.  It was a great addition to my pitch workstations.  My students used the dip tray workstation on the floor, but it could just as easily be used at a desk or table.

You can download a directions sheet and the sheet of pitches designed to work with a one inch hole punch HERE.  Next week I'll show you a few more ways to use dip trays in your music classroom.  If you are just now check out this project you may want to check out projects from the last two weeks:
Pool Noodle Ponies-What to Do With Your New Herd Steady Beat Swords (Pool Noodles)
Pin this idea for later.

Steady Beat Swords

Welcome to another edition of Summer Project Sundays.  Last week I posted pictures of my ponies, my pool noodle ponies.  This week I'm sharing another project with noodles because they seem to be everywhere this time of year!

I suppose my inspiration for pool noodle swords is quite evident.  Have you ever seen a bunch of kids using them in the pool?  They make a great weapons!  LOL.  Okay...don't tell my kids I said that!  I loved the sound that they made when whacked against each other and new my students would as well.

To make the noodle swords you'll need a sharp knife.  I used a chef's knife.  It has a 

smooth, large blade.  It was very easy to cut through each of the pool noodles.  I cut each noodle in half (or as close to half as I could guesstimate).

Next, using shiny silver duct tape and regular black duct tape I created handles for each of the swords.  I didn't worry about being precise and tore the tape rather than trying to cut it. 

For best results, put a piece of tape on the bottom of the noodle to cover the hole, then cover about 5 inches or so with the same color.  Tear a couple of rectangles to put on each side of that as a "button" to turn the swords on when they become light sabers.  I also went back and added a trim of black or silver when they were all finished.  I just wanted to make sure I had enough tape before embellishing.  I made 24 noodles with 2 rolls of tape.

In my classroom they were stored in a large laundry tub with handles until I found a sturdy basket that worked well.  

I use them for several different movement activities with K-2, but my favorite activity works for K-6.  My fifth and sixth graders LOVED learning about the music of John Williams.  At the end of our John Williams studies we used the pool noodles or "Steady Beat Light Sabers" to explore the form of "Imperial March".   You can read about some of the John Williams activities HERE.

Before we start with this activity, I pass out the swords and explain that even one single attempt to use the steady beat sabers to hit or poke another person will cause them to be retired.  No one wants to miss out on the opportunity to play with swords in music class so behavior is EXCELLENT during this activity.

Here's a silly little thing I do before we begin.  The video shows a group of third graders.

Silly, right?  The kids love it!

Before we listen to "Imperial March" we discuss how composers use music to represent characters in stories.  We'll talk about Peter and the Wolf and the motif used for the wicked witch in The Wizard of Oz.  I'll ask them to raise their hand as soon as they know what character is represented by the music.

Hands shoot in the air as the main theme of "Imperial March" starts.  I'll explain that when we get our steady beat light sabers that we'll keep the beat with a partner when we hear the theme and then we'll pretend to be jedi knights and sneak around the room looking for bad guys.  When they hear the theme again, they should find their partner and keep the steady beat again.  For older classes, I'll encourage them to find an advanced way to keep the steady beat.

This might mean tapping the swords together high and then low, using both hands or even adding a little turn.  Such fun!  Here's a clip from a 5th grade group.





Some classes also use the swords for a play along.  I found this little gem while looking for something else on Youtube.  The link takes you to a SafeShare version that I use in the classroom.  I like not having to worry about what may pop up at the end of the video.

I hope you enjoy making steady beat swords or steady beat light sabers this summer!  Let me know of some ways you use them in your classroom.  My kiddos will LOVE more opportunities to play and learn.

Like this idea?  Pin it for later!

An InLinkz Link-up

Small Goals for June

Ah!  June!  It's one of my favorite months just because I can almost hear the screeeeeeeeetch of my life as I hit the brakes and try to slow the pace of every day life.  This year, however, is a bit different.  This year I am starting my "new" job.  Due to some medical issues with my husband and my need to have a surgery (with a lengthy recovery) my district has granted me a one year sabbatical.  I am excited to have this time with my kids.  Although my son is 15 and is not terribly interested in spending MORE time with Mom, my three year old thinks that I'm a rock star and can't get enough play time.  I'm also grateful for the time to help my husband heal.

During this time I'll be working on resources for my website and Teachers Pay Teachers store.  I'll also be able to travel and present workshops a little more.   So during June, I'll be working furiously to get things ready for the back-to-school rush that comes during August and September.  I don't want to lose sight of all the other fabulous things there are to do in the summer so I've decided put a few goals down in this blog post.

I'm linking up with Jennifer from The Yellow Brick Road to share our goals for the month of June.

1.  Sleep.

Shut up.  I don't do much of this during the school year.  My body can only go so long on 5-6 hours a day before it shuts down.  I start to feel that every May and am thankful that I only have to set my alarm a couple of days a week during June.  In only two weeks, I've already felt a difference.  Soon, I'll have to give up my sleep all night and sit all day routine for something healthier, but *whew* right now I am loving it!

2.  Organize just a little.

We moved to a tiny little house during May and although it LOOKS like we are moved in there are two closest that are crammed from top to bottom with boxes and bags and stuff that had no other place to go.  I figure that as soon as I've tidied this up and organized the stuff in those closets that I'll have more room to cram new stuff.  Win!

I'm also working on organizing a work space for the next year (no office in the new house).  I've downloaded a great planner and customized it for my needs and am making short term goals to keep me on track.  Later this month I'll blog a little about the planner and let you know how I'm doing.  I'm excited about possibly working while sipping sweet tea and sitting on the patio.

3.  Eat better.  Move more.

I've been avoiding this for about 4 years now.  It's time.  Not big, crazy life changes, but small changes I can do consistently.  Summer is a great time to eat better here in southeast Missouri.  There are TONS of fresh fruits and veggies and they taste fabulous.  Eating better?  Easy!  Moving more?  Hmmmm.  I hate being sweaty.  LOL.  I'm going to explore water aerobics classes.  I've done them a few summers and loved them.  We live about twenty minutes away now, so it seems like a lot more work.  *fingers crossed* 

4.  Give.

I've been thinking about this one for a month or two now.  This Sunday, my pastor challenged us to choose a focus word and scripture for the summer.  I was already there.  My word?  Give.

During the school year it is so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life.  This summer, I'm going to focus on giving more.  I hope to give more time to play with and listen to my family.  I hope to give more time to local charities and needs.  I hope to give more to those that may need a little bit of encouragement.  I hope to give more financially as we work to live debt free and on a budget.  I hope to give more of myself so that I can be less like me and more like Jesus.

I know.  That sounds like a BIG goal, doesn't it?  The thing about big goals is that they are really just a bunch of little goals away.  :-)

Pool Noodle Ponies: What to do with Your New Herd

Hurray for summer!  If you are a teacher, it means a slightly slower schedule but many projects.  My summers are filled with professional development, college classes, designing next year's classroom (I'm sure that I'll totally get it perfect riiiiiiiight before I retire.) and working on the projects I just couldn't squeeze in during the school year.   Join me during June and July for Summer Project Sundays.  This series of blog posts will inspire you to get started on a few projects of your own.  

A few years ago I posted  about how to create Pool Noodle Ponies.  Check out that post HERE to learn how to create these adorable creatures!  Last summer I gained an entire herd of noodle ponies.  I had been in a car accident, so I really just supervised their construction.  My fabulous sister in law manned the pony factory and created them.  We decided to use a western themed duct tape to bind them together.  I love how that turned out!

Now that you have created a herd of noodle ponies, what can you do with them?  Here are a few ideas:

1.  This is the Way We Walk Our Horse

You know that song "Here We Go 'Round the Mulberry Bush"?  It is used as a nursery rhyme reminder of daily chores (Monday=wash the clothes, Tuesday=iron the clothes, Wednesday=mend the clothes, etc...).  You may have learned this version in elementary school.  Check out this link to learn about pioneer living and daily chores.

This song transforms into a perfect pool noodle pony song!  Take a look at a video of some of my Kindergarteners using their ponies with this song.

Fun, right?  This is an adaptation of an activity by the amazing Artie Almeida.  Here are some of the lyrics we use: 1.  This is the way we walk our horse 2.  This is the way we pet our horse 3.  This is the way we trot our horse 4.  This is the way we water our horse 5.  This is the way we jump our horse 6.  This is the way we feed our horse 7.  This is the way we race our horse 8.  This is the way we brush our horse 9.  This is the way we trade our horse (Chaotic but fun!) 10.  This is the way we stable our horse (put horses back in their tub "stable") 2.  Act Out Horse Songs A couple of my favorite are "10 Little Horses" (think 10 Little Indians) and "Trot Old Joe". Trot Old Joe Trot old Joe, trot old Joe, You ride better than any horse I know. Trot old Joe, trot old Joe You're the best horse in the country, oh Whoa, Joe! We keep the steady beat on our laps like singing.  Then we change the lyrics so that old Joe can walk, run, jump, skip, dance etc...  After learning this song it is great fun to act it out with the pool noodle ponies.  It's a great way to talk about tempo and it creates a memorable experience for your kiddos. 3.  William Tell's Overture Who doesn't love this classic?  I've done it with instruments, with movement, with manipulatives and now with noodle ponies.  Create a listening map for this piece (or use the fabulous one in Artie Almeida's "Parachutes, Ribbons and Scarves, Oh My".  On the "A" section, ponies trot in a circle.  Use instruments or other movement during the other sections.  4.  Wild Donkeys (from Carnival of the Animals) This quick little piece (called "Wild Asses" in most translations) is perfect for getting the wiggles out with a noodle pony ride.   I have about 8 students line up with their ponies.  Four students on one side of the room and their partner on the other side.  Students switch places with their partner by galloping with their noodle.  They start when the music starts and stop when the music stops.

This activity is usually used with several Carnival of the Animals activities.  Read more about those HERE.  We talk about tempo, but don't really analyze the piece.  I use it more as an opportunity for them to get to hear the piece over and over in an exciting way.  When we go back to listen to the pieces from CofA they really know this one!

Here's a clip from one of my classes:
There are many other ways to use the ponies in your classroom.  If you've used them, I would love to hear about it or see pictures.

Music Freebies I Love!



Everyone loves getting something for free!  Me too.  Now, I must admit that I spend a hefty amount of pocket change on Teachers Pay Teachers buying resources that other music educators have created so I am delighted with the occasional freebie that I find too.  Here's a list of some of my favorites.

RHYTHM

Rap It, Clap It, Music Match It - by The Bulletin Board Lady
This is one of my favorite freebies!  I've used this with 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders.  My 3rd graders did it as part of a workstation rotation as it didn't take them as long to complete the activity.  This freebie has students match the syllables of themed words with simple rhythms.  This is a jungle themed one, but there are many more to choose from.

Engine, Engine Number 9 - by Lindsay Jervis
So, I teach this song most years to my 1st graders, but this year it was even better with this freebie!  Lindsay has done the work that I was too lazy to do myself.  A cute and clever freebie for learning this song.

Where's Freddy's Pad?  (8th notes)  by Linda McPherson
This is so stinking cute!  I've used this with 1st and 2nd grades with great success.  In this interactive PowerPoint, students listen to a rhythm played by Freddy the Frog.  Then, they click on the lily pad that has the rhythm they heard.  The sound effects are so fun!  Check this one out for sure.

Rhythm Wristbands by Amy Abbott
Amy is SO clever.  Not too long ago she released several wristband products that are fun, practical and just plain genius!  Try these Wristbands for Rhythm Practice for free and then check out her other sets.

Imperial March Listening Lesson by Aileen Miracle
Aileen has many amazing freebies, but this little sample has been really useful to me for the last couple of weeks.  I've been teaching my kiddos about the music of John Williams.  The older groups enjoyed seeing the rhythmic notation for the theme and wanted to go and pluck it out on the xylophones.  Fun!

Note Duration Chart by Sara Bibee
I love everything that Sara makes!  I've found that I use this little chart for many activities in my classroom.  For struggling students this gives them the help that they need. For me it saves LOTS of kids at my desk asking questions. :-)

MELODY
Zoom to the Moon (sol mi) Melody Game by Totally Tuned in Teacher
Tina has done a great job putting together a singing game that is perfect for assessment.  I love the graphics in this because it seems that it would be something that appeals to boys and girls equally.
The Adventures of Sophie Solfege -Lines and Spaces by i heart teaching music
I haven't used this yet, but only because this is something I focus on at the beginning of the year.  I am planning to add it for next year.  Angie suggests that you use bingo chips to follow along, but I think I might use the big stash of bottle caps that I use for Bottle Cap Staff activities.


WORKSTATIONS
Student Tracking Sheets for Workstations by The Bulletin Board Lady
I have several different ways to track students when they are working in centers.  Here are a few of the sheets that I use.

Symbol Safari Worksheets by Melody Payne
I came across this fabulous little set of worksheets while looking for something else and knew immediately that they would make a perfect addition to my workstations for 6th grade.  They come in a full color version which would be perfect for using in a private studio.
Beginning Ukulele Songs (1 and 2 Chords) by Malinda Phillips
Okay...I must admit.  I'm a string instrument impaired.  I dropped out of Class Guitar.  Twice.  I bought a ukulele one year during a snow apocalypse and gave up again.  BUT...this freebie is fabulous for people like me.  Why?  Well...if a song has 1 or 2 chords you can play it with Boomwhakers or xylophones or Autoharps!  HURRAY!  Adding these to a workstation with Boomwhackers, xylophones or autoharps is instant magic.
Tiptoe, Walk and Jump-Mini Composition by Brittany DeLaruelle
I used this little gem in a workstation with third graders.  Brittany suggests that this is useful for younger grades, by it worked well in a workstation.  I also instructed students to turn the page over and write out the notation.  Tiptoe=barred eighths and so on.
American Composers Coloring Sheets by Cori Bloom
I just love Cori's style.  So cute!  These worksheets are wonderful additions to workstation rotations for practically any elementary grade.

Favorite Folk Songs  Alabama Gal by David Row
I love these SO much!  I have a couple of sets of these and my 4th graders really like them too.  They like learning about the piece and seeing the notation and I love that when I introduce a non-David Row song that they ask if I have a PowerPoint with "all of that history stuff" on it.  *giggle*  David has many quality freebies in his store and you should check them out, but start with this gem.  He market them as bulletin boards (which I am sure are lovely) but I use them as instructional tool.  You might like Looby Loo.  (A freebie as well!)

My Musical Summer Foldable Booklet by Sara Bibee
This is a great whole group activity, but it also works a part of a workstation rotation. It asks students to reflect on their musical summer.  Great for back to school time!

Peter and the Wolf Vocal Explorations by The Bulletin Board Lady
My K-4 kids love these vocal exploration sets during workstation rotations.  I usually set them on a music stand and leave 4 or 5 different pointers for them to choose from.  I have toys, pointers from the teacher store, flyswatters, magic wands, light sabers and more that we can use as pointers.

Want to check out even more freebies?  Check out this blog linky party.  Music bloggers are listing their favorites.  Thank you to Jen from Noteworthy by Jen for hosting!

Making May Musical Linky Party

Today I am linking up with the Totally Tuned In Teacher for a linky party.  Thanks Tina for hosting this great link-up before the next Teachers Pay Teachers sale!  Check out her blog for more blog posts featuring great products.

 

1.  A Resource from My Store I am Excited to Sell:  Peter and the Wolf Workstations

 

I love teaching Peter and the Wolf and have been combining some resources in my classroom to put together as a set of workstations.  Here it is!  In this set you get

Peter and the Wolf Color by Note  Kids love to do these and I love that they get a little extra practice identifying notes.  My older students rarely get a chance to color so they really seem to enjoy these activities. 

Peter and the Wolf Crowns  -I must admit that I love these so much that I use them more often for a small group activity or whole group dramatization than I do as workstations.  They work as a workstation though.  You may want to do some pre-cutting if your rotation time is limited. 
Peter and the Wolf Cut and Tell  -Perfect for rotating through workstations.  This worksheet asks students to read the story of Peter and the Wolf and then glue the matching pictures beside each sentence. 
Peter and the Wolf Dabber Activities  --Seriously may run my dabbers dry this year!  This dabber set ask students to match the characters with the instruments that play their theme. 
Peter and the Wolf Flap Book  -I had a parent tell me that her son loved this book SO much that has nearly worn it out!  *giggle*  I love when that happens!

 

Get the whole set separately at each of the links above or get the set here:  Peter and the Wolf Workstations

 

2.  A Resource that I am Excited to Buy:  Favorite Folk Songs Leading Ladies

It seems that I don't own EVERYTHING that David Row has in his store.  At least not yet!  LOL.  My kiddos love the songs in his Favorite Folk Song series and I love the format in which they are presented.  Although they were designed as a bulletin board, I use them as instructional tools.  Can't wait to try these.

3.  A Clipart Item on my Wishlist:  Music Kids by Dancing Crayon Designs

 

I don't even know what I am going to do with them yet!  :-)  Just gotta have them! 

 

The big TeachersPayTeachers sale is May 5-6.  Use the code THANKYOU to save 28% on most items in my store!

   

How to Make 300 Ribbon Streamers for $10

I'm cheap.  There.  I said it.  Well, maybe I should say that I'm "thrifty".  As a music teacher I am always looking for great deals on all sorts of odd things.  I've been on the hunt for rubber ducks, plastic axes, coon skins, plastic fruit, bottle caps, icing lids, cutting boards and more items that may seem a little unusual for the classroom.  When I can make one of these unique items I certainly do.

For my non-concert program this spring we are going to do an activity with ribbon streamers.  I need enough for all of my third and fourth graders and at least one of their parents.  I guesstimated about 300.  To purchase ribbon streamers, I would have to spend more than a thousand dollars!  YIKES!

Instead of that, I spent about ten bucks.  The kids love them and they are actually pretty sturdy.  I have a classroom set that I made about 7 years ago that are still in great shape.  The streamers are made from unsharpened pencils and plastic tablecloths.  Here's what to do:

1.  Call a local business and ask for a donation of unsharpened pencils.  It's advertising for them and a money saver for you.  If you can't find any you could substitute chopsticks or dowel rods.  My pencils look like money because a local bank donated them.  My older set is just a plain white pencil with no eraser. 

2.  Purchase several rectangle shaped plastic tablecloths.  I don't have an exact number for you, but I was able to make 28-35 streamers out of each one.  I wasn't very concerned that they were uniform in size, so it varied for me.  Choose several different colors for added interest and for more variety in the kinds of activities they can be used in.  These were $ .97 each at Walmart

3.  Cut the tablecloths into strips.  I folded the tablecloths so that I would be cutting the width of the tablecloth.  (This is the shorter side.)  Cutting it longways creates a ribbon that is too long for most of my kiddos.  Cut the strips about 2-3 inches wide.  It is not likely that the strips will be even and straight unless you cut very precisely.  I just called them whimsical, shrugged my shoulders and moved on.

4.  Unfold one of the strips and add a piece of tape about the same size as the ribbon on the end.

5.  Tape this to the end of the pencil with a little bit of tape hanging over.

6.  Roll the pencil toward the ribbon until it touches the other side of the tape.

7.  Roll the entire ribbon up and you have a streamer that is ready to use!

What kind of things do I do with these?  I'll post more ideas soon but for now you might want to check out these visuals for using ribbons, scarves and streamers in music class.  It makes activities easy and fun!

Want some more great ideas that work for real teachers?  I'm linking up with Mrs. Miracle's Music Room to share even more ideas with Worked for Me Wednesday.  Follow the link to see more great ideas!