Friend or Foe!

There are several students that just make me laugh. Mitch and Aaron are two of these boys. A week or so ago, they decided to see if I would be their friend. They asked and asked. I always answered with "I'm your teacher" or "I'll be your friend after you graduate" or anything else I could come up with. Pretty soon, the entire 8th grade class caught on and wanted to join in. They tried everything...even a chocolate bar broken into pieces, with a sweet little girl saying, "I am giving a piece to all my friends. Would you like one?" I politely declined and thought, "Nice try!"

At the end of that first day, Mitch walked by me on the way out of the school and said, "OK, Miss Gray...You decide...Friend...or foe!" I cracked up, and haven't stopped laughing about it.

I love teaching and laughing with my students. I love it that my students can make me laugh.

A Night at the Symphony

One of my favorite things about teaching is watching my students grow up. Tonight I had the opportunity to watch one of these kids perform in a symphony I was in at the same age. She's only a 6th grader, but I've had her in class and in private violin lessons for the last four years. She's so much fun and has a passion for music! I've watched her go from book 1 through book 5 (and now into other, more advanced music). Often, her half hour lessons stretch into and hour or beyond, just because she's one of those fun kids who loves playing her instrument.
Tonight, I had the privilege to see her perform with the youth symphony. I was so proud of her! It is an awesome experience to watch someone go from the very beginning of learning an instrument to performing in a symphony. Pride doesn't begin to describe it!

7th Graders....again!

We were reading our Bible lesson today in my 7th grade class. I had chosen four students to each read one paragraph of the lesson. The first two read very well. The third one, on the other hand, stumbled over the word 'that's' He was confused on how 'that's' is possessive. I tried to explain that it was a contraction, but then I had to explain what a contraction was (understand that this is one of my more intelligent students, so I think he was just tring to be funny). Finally, he continued reading. It sounded funny so I just stared at him for a while, wondering what exactly was going on.
If he had been reading this paragraph that I am typing now out loud it would have sounded like this..."We're read'r Bib'on to'in my'th gra'ss. I'd cho'or stud'o ea'r on'ph"...and so on and so on. He finally looked up and explained that he was using contractions. I just started laughing!
He kept reading. In the last sentence of his paragraph was the phrase "the evil one." He read it and then stopped and said "I know what the contraction is for that...it's "devil."

O Wise One??

I have a student in 7th grade who never calls me Miss Gray. For the longest time, it was "Teacher". I told him I would rather be called Miss Gray, but still, it was "Teacher". I finally told him I was going to call him "Student" and that seemed to get rid of the "Teacher" comments. Although now, his new game is to figure out what new names he can call me. He calls me teacher, I call him student. He calls me professor, I call him scholar. Etc.
The other day, he deicided to call me "O Wise One" in the middle of class. I asked him if that meant I could call him "O Foolish One." That quickly ended my "Wise One" days! He's now moved on to coming up with the next name :) Middle Schoolers...I'll never understand them, but sometimes they do make me laugh!

Laughter

There are times when I just can't help but laugh at my students (maybe I should say "with" but it really is more laughing AT!) Today, in Bible class, we were going over a worksheet. Here's how it went.
We were well into the class and, amazingly enough, they were fairly well behaved with very little talking (this is my class of 5 girls and the rest of them are boys!). I was moving quickly and everyone seemed to be paying attention.

Me: Matt, number 5. What did Jesus say to the man in this story?
Matt: I'm coming to your house.
Me: John, number 6. What did the man do?
John: Um...I have a question.
Me: Answer the question, please, and then you can ask your question.
John: Climbs down and goes to his house.
Me: Okay. Now, what is the question?
John: Um...Does anyone else smell Chinese food? Cause I do. It's making me really hungry!
Me: (Looks at John, not quite sure how to respond)
Andrew: (from across the room) I don't smell Chinese but it smells like Mexican over here.

How do I keep from laughing? Random!!

The Best Moments in My Classroom

*Looking around the room and seeing the faces I've come to know and love over the last four years.
*Watching that "aha" moment when a student who has been completely lost finally "gets it."
*Stopping the band because I found an opportunity to point out the the most ornery student was the only one doing what I asked. (I loved the smile he gave me after that!)
*My "No, no, no" accompanied by three cymbal crashes at the same moment...and the laughter that followed.
*Hearing, "I have a really boring part on that song, but it really is a beautiful song and I like it!"
*Hearing, "I can't play this." (and watching the process of learning and accomplishment)
*Listening to my students begin to discuss music intelligently.
*Finally figuring out how to handle my most talkative (and sensitive) student!!

and that was just today...

Summer's End

This summer, I had the opportunity to do some playing for the Ohio Light Opera. It was amazing. I never knew that I love performing just as much (if not more) than teaching! I found that what I loved the most was being around people who love music, literature, art, and all of the things that make life so sweet! I loved just sitting and listening to conversations (I'm usually too shy to join in when there is a big group of people). I love laughing (Last night, during Bluebeard, I laughed so hard I cried several different times!). I love being around creativity, like the Looney Tunes song as Bluebeard hunting horn tune or the various costume changes of the musical director. I love being around people who make me think, sometimes about issues in the world, other times about what I believe or any other random topic, but it is refreshing to think critically about things. I love being around vocalists. Don't get me wrong...instrumentalists are fine too, but there is something so fun about the personalities of great singers! I could go on and on about all that I love. I have so many great memories that I should start a blog just for that (although I think four is enough). My mom commented the other day that she has never seen me happier. She's right....this has been the best summer of my life (I think it even tops my Africa trips, and that's hard to do!)!

Next week, I start back to school. Honestly, I am struggling right now because I don't really want to go back. I love the kids and my subject area. I enjoy being in the classroom, teaching what I love so much. I know I feel like this every year. Until I see those faces staring at me, I don't want to be there. Then, I walk into the school and hear, "Hi Miss Gray. How was your summer? I can't wait for our band trip." And I am reminded that I do love what I do during the year too. Life is good!

Snow Day!!

Today is our 5th snow day this year, the second one this week! Here is what I woke up to this morning. This is my back door (and one of my dogs when we ventured out for a minute).

Typical 6th Grade Class This Year

Teacher: Please take out the song "Come Celebrate" and turn to measure 25. [Brief Pause as they turn their pages] Michael, what song are we going to work on?

Michael: Ummm......."O Sing Out Forever"?

Teacher: [Trying not to laugh or get angry] No, that's not correct. Christopher, can you tell me what song we are going to work on?

Christopher: Ummm......."Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel"?

Teacher: [what can you do but laugh?] No, Please take out "Come Celebrate". Turn to measure 25. This is your note [teacher plays a note]. One, two, ready,...

Aaron: What measure are we on?

Matthew [whispering loudly to Aaron]: Duh, weren't you listening? 42!


What is a teacher to do?

James 1:19
"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry."

Excuses, Excuses

Today in Middle School band, I was trying to explain what songs we were going to do and two of the girls were talking. I pulled out my grade book and took a point away from each girl. Immediately, one of them asked if I took a point off. When I said yes, she said, "But I was just smelling her hair!" It's one of those comments you thought you heard wrong so you don't react. When one of the clarinets looked over and asked, "What?!" I just laughed! That's the best excuse I've ever heard!

Our Madrigal Feast

A success in every way, our madrigal this year was a first attempt to put on a huge production! What an awesome experience to sit back and enjoy watching my students come together for an entire evening of singing, playing instruments, and drama! Usually, when I watch something I've helped direct, I find something that could be improved or, at the very least, something I could have instructed better. Not so with this event! I sat back and enjoyed every minute! I still have tears in my eyes from the pride I have in my students! I cannot thank the parents and students enough who gave so much extra to make it all possible! Here are some pictures...they don't begin to capture the incredible transformation of our gym into a beautiful performance hall!

The entire gym

The King's Table and stage

Each table was beautifully decorated!

How cool are the tapestries hanging from the ceiling?!

Birthday Parties!

A few weeks ago, one of my students asked me to pray for his mom. She was in the hospital. I have three from their family in my different bands. The next day, on the announcements I read that this little boy's birthday was that day. Now, at my school, it is a huge deal for the elementary kids to bring in treats for their classmates and teachers on their birthday. He didn't have anything that day, and I knew it was going to be at least a few days before his mom was back from the hospital. I ran out during my lunch to get some cupcakes for a celebration during our band class. We surprised this little boy with a party! When we started singing, he had to turn away because he had tears in his eyes! I heard one of his friends say, "See, you did get a birthday." It was one of those touching teaching moments that I won't soon forget! For me, teaching is more about caring about that students than anything else. The students whom I have had the opportunity to show how much I care about them are the ones who work the hardest in my classes. They show me the most respect and end up to be the core of my band! The more I can encourage and show love to these kids, the more I can truly impact their lives!

Brain Damage?

I have always wondered about percussionists. They seem to be a little less interested in listening and and little more interested in hitting things! Sometimes, when I am in front of one of my bands, I can actually watch what goes on in the back of my classroom. Much of the time, even if they are quiet, there is very little listening going on! Today in 6th grade band, I was showing the percussionists their newest rudiment they need to know. I noticed some of them were really struggling with their left hands. I asked, "How many of you are right-handed?" One student acted shocked that I would ask such a question. I asked him what was wrong. He said, "Did you just ask us how many of us were brain damaged?" I think we need to do a listening exercise next time!!

Drumline

Kingsway will soon experience their very first drumline! I cannot wait to perform this piece. My percussion section has been working independently on this for the last few weeks. The piece, "I Played My Best For Him," is great and my group loves it! It goes along with the Middle School Choir singing "The Little Drummer Boy." I've been sending the percussion section into my office to work to see how they do with the piece. Today, I worked with them for the first time as a group on this number. Wow! I have some talented kids! One of them took it home and learned it all! He then taught two others in the group their part! Now he's working with another one. He knows all of the parts well enough to teach the whole song! I am so impressed! Students like this make my teaching so much easier!

Kingsway

I teach at a small Christian school in Orrville, Ohio. I love it! I have 4th -12th grade instrumental music and typing. I have five bands (4th, 5th, 6th, Junior High, and High School) and two string groups. The program was very small when I started. It was a hard first 2 years, just because of the size of the groups. I was always rewriting the music to make it fit our instrumentation. This year, my High School band doubled in size. It was a huge encouragement to me and the band members. It also saves me time since I don't have to rewrite very much anymore.

I really love what I do. I can't imagine enjoying anything else as much as I love teaching! I feel like I get to create all day long. Musical "art" is so unique. It depends on so many factors, especially when working with adolescents! All day long, I spend time helping them create sound together. Sometimes, it is beautiful. Other times, we finish a song and just laugh at at how horrible it sounded! My job is to picture what I want to hear and try to explain that through the movement of my hands. I'm still learning. (If anyone knows how to make a percussionist play quietly, let me know) The more I learn, the more I enjoy my classes. Most days, I come home knowing I am in the perfect career!

Music to My Ears

I just love 4th grade band! As they walk in the room, they fill it immediately with their enthusiasm. Today's class had 3 violins, 6 flutes, 2 clarinets, 4 trumpets, 1 trombone, 1 baritone, 2 saxophones, and 4 percussionists. There was a lot of energy in that room!!
We began by reviewing what we have learned so far this year. That includes getting the instrument out, putting it together, and making some kind of sound on their instrument. We were ready for the next step...playing a note. I walked around the room and began to show the different instruments their fingerings. I have to make this trip around the room several times because by the time I get around, someone has forgotten what I told them the first time!
We are ready. I count, "One, two, ready, play." And we're off. The year (and the careers of these young musicians) has begun.
The sound that follows my count is one of the most unique sounds in the world. It could be described in many ways. The ones I hear most frequently are: car horn, train whistle, something collapsing, or even total and complete chaos! If you listen really closely, there is usually one predominate note. In this case, that note was a 'd'. Only about %30 of the band was actually playing, but there was energy in that sound!
I love that sound. I love hearing that awful noise. It reminds me of how bad last year's first day of band was and, even more importantly, how far they have come. My fifth graders can play a 64 measure piece. It has 8 different notes. They play their instruments and count their rests. They get a decent sound and still have some enthusiasm left over from last year! But one year ago, a very similar sound came from room 125. One year ago, that 'd' (or car horn) rang out. Next year, it'll happen again and I'm sure I'll think the same thing: I love the fourth grade band!!

Expect the Unexpected

It has been a long time since I posted last. I just rejoined the world of the internet!! I am now beginning my 3rd year of teaching. (The last time I posted was during my student teaching).
I love teaching. There is nothing I would rather do with my life! I love the students. Outgoing, shy, intelligent, studious, talented, funny...I could go on and on.
I love not knowing what is going to happen in my classroom at any given time. For example: Last week, one student pulled out these funny-looking glasses in the middle of class and began to act out this dramatic scene (he's a percussionist, in case anyone was wondering). I felt like I had totally lost control of my class. We were all laughing...myself included! This is not something that happens frequently in my classroom. I decided to take a minute and just laugh. It seemed better than to threaten detention for any and all who chose to continue the disruptive behavior. It ended up being the best band rehearsal we have had so far this year! We were all really enjoying it! I later told this particular student (I'll call him Andrew, since I am sure that is not the last time he will be mentioned on this blog!) not to bring his glasses to class. He smiled and said "OK. I just wanted to see what you would do." I love how my students continue to test me. Last year, Andrew came in and serenaded us with songs he made up on the spot for and his classmates and me, hid inside the percussion cabinet, and started the "Aflac" comment after the oboe (and anyone who sounded like a duck when playing) finished a section. He makes things interesting and always adventureous! Adventure - One more perk of being a teacher!

I was just thinking it has been a week since I have updated all of you. It has been a very long week! The craziness started on Wednesday with a lockdown all day at school. There was an armed robbery and one of the suspects fled to our playground. It was quite an exciting (and scary) day! I was observed on Thursday and Friday by my professors. Yikes! It went horrible on Thursday, but Friday made up for it. The horrible class ended with the chaos of students running around the room and others hitting people with Orff instrument bars. I ended up in tears after the class. The following day, after getting upset with the class, they wrote a class song for their teacher's birthday. It was one of the worst moments in teaching the first day that turned into one of the best moments! I was thrilled to see how they turned around during Friday's class! I only have four more days of teaching at the elementary. It will be very strange to change schools. I will miss the kids so much! I hope the high school experience will be as good as the elementary!

I was observed today by Dr. Elsberry. It was great! The lesson was absolutely horrible. What I had planned did not work at all. The kindergarteners were very respectful, but I could just tell they weren't getting much out of what we were doing. I should explain that this is the ESL group (that means most speak only minimal English, if any at all) and the class with two autistic students. That translates into: The less I talk, the more they get out of it. I forgot about that concept today. Dr. Elsberry stayed a while afterwards and really gave me some good advice about what I should do to be a more effective teacher to such a unique class. I am really excited to come up with some new ideas for them. I look forward to next week when he will observe the third grade. My third graders are working on writing their own piece. This kind of overwhelmed me at first, but it's now one of my favorite things to teach during my day. It is fun to walk around the room and see how they go about writing their melody. Some just write "abcdefgabcdefgabcdefg"....so creative! Others take so much time and effort to find the "perfect" song. I can't wait to see the completed projects!!

My day today started out really well...ANOTHER 2 HOUR DELAY!!!! That would be the fifth delay so far. The day was pretty uneventful, except for a kindergartener crying through class. I found out this particular student doesn't communicate with anyone. I felt so bad. She just cried and cried. After school, I got my evaluation from my cooperating teacher. He is so encouraging. Everything he had to say was positive. Tomorrow, I will be observed for the second time. Hopefully, the class goes as well as my last observation!

Let me tell you how strange it feels to have four very nervous little third grade boys walk into the music classroom silently, expecting punishment for their horrible behavior yesterday (if you wonder about this, read my post from yesterday). I gave them worksheets of a keyboard and they had to fill in the notes over and over and over and over and over and over again. Then they had to copy clefs and some chord progressions. They did not finish it during their lunch/recess time, so during class time, they spent much of the time in time out working. The class was silent and well behaved. I guess they got the point that I was upset! I don't expect to have any more problems with that class!
My favorite student is in the kindergarten that came to class today (ok...so I am not supposed to have favorites...meet this little girl and then tell me she wouldn't be your favorite). She has about a hundred little two inch braids coming out of her head with little colored barrettes at the ends of each one. She has slightly crossed eyes and tiny pink glasses. Today was the first time I have seen her smile. I sat next to her at the circus a few weeks ago. She sat back with no expression on her face the whole time. I asked her teacher later about her. I found out she is a foster child who was expecting to be adopted, but the foster mother just told her she can't adopt right now. She moves to a new home soon. Today, I was singing a very silly repeating song with her class. I got to the part where everyone always laughs. I looked her way and saw the biggest grin on her face. Then, she started laughing. It was the best moment as a teacher so far!

What a day! I never thought third graders could be so out of control. I sent them to work in groups...I've done this with all three other third grade classes and they behaved fine. This class was different. It was a nightmare! Within a minute of sending them, one of the puzzle pieces I spent 8 hours cutting out was torn, one student had smashed his finger and it was bleeding, and another student got a split lip...IN ONE MINUTE!! It was quite an afternoon. Tomorrow there will be four of them coming in for lunch detention. What will I have for them to do? Hmmm...this could be fun!

Are gloves really necessary? I'm thinking not. I went to Walmart tonight to find something to do (I decided to make a scarf) and ended up getting so cold on the walk from my car to the door that I broke down and bought a pair of gloves. A waste of money? Probably, since it won't get as cold as it was yesterday and today ever again!! Oh well, my hands are nice and warm now. :)

First grade yesterday was so much fun! We played a circle game to practice keeping a beat. I was standing there, playing the game with them, and took a step backwards...I tripped over the riser and fell backwards. I laid on the floor for second, trying to figure out what happened. Then I started laughing. My first graders thought it was the funniest thing they had ever seen. We laughed together for a few minutes before class was over. It was definitely a moment to remember!!