After 3 weeks of 'break down after students leave' Tuesdays, today was finally a good day. I think 5th grade is finally on board.
Today was the first day of "Glee Club". Six 7th grade girls with beautiful voices. Our first song is
"Let It Be" by the Beatles. I am re-arranging the score a bit to accomodate 3 part harmony. So excited! None of the girls have sang 3 part harmony yet but they are very enthusiastic.
Cute story: One of the glee members has a sister in 4th grade. She told me her sister has been practicing yoga everyday at home in the basement. She even has her brother doing it. Supposedly, this little girl opened a 'yoga studio' in her basement!! HOW AWESOME!
Another cute story: I decorated my room as previously mentioned. After a few more purchases, my room was debuted today. The students love it! I went with the scary, spooky theme. Cobwebs everywhere, skulls (glitter, light up, big and small), tombstones, a body outline with a syringe and a brain next to it, black roses, and a heart organ...hahaha. It was so funny. The kindergarten didn't know what to think, poking and prodding everything, the middle grades thought it was cool, the older grades were enthralled. Student, "Miss Courchaine! You really love holidays!" Me, "I did all of this for you! Because I thought you might like it."
You know, a lot of my students have been asking me a very interesting question, "Why did you give up your dream/performing to be a teacher HERE??" It's hard to explain to them how life works. How we are given many paths to choose. How our path is unique to each of us. It's hard to explain life to those who are just starting to live. I want to be clear. I did not in any way give up on my dream. I think I've accomplished quite a bit. I've recorded a CD of original music, performed in Chicago, have taught music to multiple ages, and hopefully inspired a few people along the way.
I know I created this, but I know I did not accomplish it alone. I've always had the support of my family. Always. I love my family dearly. Each person is so unique and inspiring. I'm also blessed to have the best guardian angel a girl could ask for. Love you bro. 10/16/03
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
Halloween Extravaganza!!
Because last week was SOO up and down, I did not feel the urge to write. Better to ride the wave...
This week in music is "HALLOWEEN EXTRAVAGANZA!!!!" What this means exactly, I'm not even sure. I just made it up to get the kids excited about Music and Halloween=Musicween?? Anyways, I decorated my room today. It's full of cobwebs...and spooky stuff. It should be fun. I have a large stash of candy and prizes for the winners of 'music bingo'. Not to say that there won't be some ass whooping in a few classes...
First off, 5th grade. They're gettin' a shake-down tomorrow performed by the principal and myself. They need to be reminded of who is in charge and where they are. Business attire? I think I shall.
This week in music is "HALLOWEEN EXTRAVAGANZA!!!!" What this means exactly, I'm not even sure. I just made it up to get the kids excited about Music and Halloween=Musicween?? Anyways, I decorated my room today. It's full of cobwebs...and spooky stuff. It should be fun. I have a large stash of candy and prizes for the winners of 'music bingo'. Not to say that there won't be some ass whooping in a few classes...
First off, 5th grade. They're gettin' a shake-down tomorrow performed by the principal and myself. They need to be reminded of who is in charge and where they are. Business attire? I think I shall.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Whoa! Week 9
Time sure flies when you're havin' fun! Or have Columbus Day off, can't get back in the groove, then travel to Wisco and finally take out the trash...that was last week/weekend. But. I am finally settled back in my newly clean apartment, fridge stocked, and ready to rock. This week is the FORM quiz for grades 5-8. It will be interesting since they still have a difficult time understanding that they receive a grade. I will also be handing back graded assignments. I have to wonder, "Why would a music TEACHER not require assignments or grades in music class?" This seems to have been the case, and let me tell ya right now folks, that ain't the case no more. Yes you will be graded on 'assignments'. Yes I do record them in the grade book. Yes your music class grade affects your GPA...HELLO?!!
OK, now on to the next unit. MELODY. Yes, it's about time these kids sing. We will be learning the ever helpful Solfege method. Their task? Teach the class a song using solfege. The younger grades move on to the recorder. Don't worry, earplugs are in the mail...
Now for the reflective portion...I was working at my computer today and the principal walked in with a dude. They asked where I'd like a flat screen because all classrooms will eventually have them. This made me very happy. What made me not so happy was when my principal said, "Well, maybe we shouldn't put one in here because you will have your room set up and then be gone." Me: "What?" Him: "Well, you will probably leave us for a better offer." Me thinking in my head: "I understand why you said that (cause I'm SOOO awesome), but please give me a chance and trust that I don't start something I can't finish." At this point, I can't imagine going to another school. I'm just getting started. This school needs me! And I need them. This school will allow me to teach and learn to teach music to a Large group of students. This job allows me to teach private lessons and gain experience with one-on-one interaction. This job allows me to sing and worship on a regular basis. Now, I'm not saying anything for sure, but I think I've got a good thing going and I'm not about to think of quitting or moving on now!
OK, now on to the next unit. MELODY. Yes, it's about time these kids sing. We will be learning the ever helpful Solfege method. Their task? Teach the class a song using solfege. The younger grades move on to the recorder. Don't worry, earplugs are in the mail...
Now for the reflective portion...I was working at my computer today and the principal walked in with a dude. They asked where I'd like a flat screen because all classrooms will eventually have them. This made me very happy. What made me not so happy was when my principal said, "Well, maybe we shouldn't put one in here because you will have your room set up and then be gone." Me: "What?" Him: "Well, you will probably leave us for a better offer." Me thinking in my head: "I understand why you said that (cause I'm SOOO awesome), but please give me a chance and trust that I don't start something I can't finish." At this point, I can't imagine going to another school. I'm just getting started. This school needs me! And I need them. This school will allow me to teach and learn to teach music to a Large group of students. This job allows me to teach private lessons and gain experience with one-on-one interaction. This job allows me to sing and worship on a regular basis. Now, I'm not saying anything for sure, but I think I've got a good thing going and I'm not about to think of quitting or moving on now!
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Week 7
As I've mentioned previously, my resource period of 40+ students practices yoga on Mondays. I downloaded some cool tribal music to get into our zen. I also started sending emails to local yoga studios in hopes of getting mats donated. Well, we are on our way to getting mats for each student! The studio I practice at has 4 locations and the owner emailed me back and said they have a bunch of mats for me to have...yes, have. I am so pumped and I think the students will really start to take it more seriously. It's so funny watching them try these poses hopping around and asking me, "Miss Courchaine!! Am I doing it right??" They aren't too shabby either. It's really cute.
This week the 6th and 7th grade handed in lyrics to a song for our unit on Form. We began with looking at verse-chorus form which is standard in contemporary music. Their job was to print out a song and label it...we went through the guidelines...what was appropriate or not, etc. Yet, I still got lyrics that had swear words, racial slurs, songs talking about having sex, booty, drinking, drugs...you get the picture. So, I compiled my "favorite lines" from these songs and read my compilation to each class. Of course I was very dramatic and tried to read these lines with gusto and poetic rhythm. Almost with a Bill Cosby flavor, "I got passion...in my pants. Girl....shake your...booty." At first some students couldn't help laughing, but by the time I was reading a lyric that had the 'n' word in it, their eyes were popping out of their heads and they were actually blushing. I threw them all away and told them to start over. We went through each detail very carefully several times of what is appropriate and what isn't. I HOPE that they proof-read like we discussed because if anyone still hands something of poor taste in, it is an immediate conference with them, their parents, and the principal.
Sometimes it amazes me how badly behaved these kids are. I mean, I understand it's grade school, but this community of students is really bad! I don't know when they are going to learn and it is unfortunate that the school does not have a better back-up system for discipline. There is a discipline code, but it's out of date and not able to be used properly. Very frustrating.
On to a more uplifting note. I sang for the masses on Sunday morning. This was done on minimal sleep (hey, I have to have some sort of social/dating life right?!) but I woke up anyways and got it done. There were many students and their families at church. It was so cute when they saw me because they just gave a huge smile and wave hi. Of course I smiled and waved back! It's so funny how the Catholic church is so serious that a kid feels it's wrong to even wave or smile or LOOK at someone else...anyways, after the last mass, some of my piano students and their moms were outside so I said hello. The moms were very nice and praised my singing. thank you. Here's the best part: As I walking away, I overheard one of the moms say, "Isn't she just lovely? She is so lovely." That has to be one of the most touching compliments a mom of a student could say, or anyone for that matter! It really gave me a sense of pride and acknowledgement that I must be doing something right. If I were described as anything, I only wished it would be that kind. How blessed am I?
The 8th grade has really been coming around after I shared the field trip opportunity. The way the 6th and 7th grade have been behaving, I really think it's going to be the 8th grade that I take. They REALLY want to go and have already changed their behavior in lieu of this opportunity. I was surprised when I told the 7th grade about it and how it was between them and 8th grade, that one student said I should just take the 8th grade cause it's their last year and the 7th grade could go next year. He didn't want the 8th grade 'missing out'. I thought that was really thoughtful and nice. Anyways, my principal is pumped about it and completely backing me. Yay!
I also finally got the piano in my classroom tuned!!! Just like I did as a kid, I spent a few hours playing all the music I have at school. It's a really great piano and I'm getting used to the feel of it. My piano students are also very thankful...How can you really play piano with the A below Middle C note sticking?? You can't. My students have really been doing well this week with the piano. I can tell they are practicing more. I will be picking up 2 more students soon...where will they fit in?? OH, didn't you know that you can summon extra hours out of the day if you need them? Just kidding, I will work it out. I'm just excited that so many students are interested in music. I love my job!!
This week the 6th and 7th grade handed in lyrics to a song for our unit on Form. We began with looking at verse-chorus form which is standard in contemporary music. Their job was to print out a song and label it...we went through the guidelines...what was appropriate or not, etc. Yet, I still got lyrics that had swear words, racial slurs, songs talking about having sex, booty, drinking, drugs...you get the picture. So, I compiled my "favorite lines" from these songs and read my compilation to each class. Of course I was very dramatic and tried to read these lines with gusto and poetic rhythm. Almost with a Bill Cosby flavor, "I got passion...in my pants. Girl....shake your...booty." At first some students couldn't help laughing, but by the time I was reading a lyric that had the 'n' word in it, their eyes were popping out of their heads and they were actually blushing. I threw them all away and told them to start over. We went through each detail very carefully several times of what is appropriate and what isn't. I HOPE that they proof-read like we discussed because if anyone still hands something of poor taste in, it is an immediate conference with them, their parents, and the principal.
Sometimes it amazes me how badly behaved these kids are. I mean, I understand it's grade school, but this community of students is really bad! I don't know when they are going to learn and it is unfortunate that the school does not have a better back-up system for discipline. There is a discipline code, but it's out of date and not able to be used properly. Very frustrating.
On to a more uplifting note. I sang for the masses on Sunday morning. This was done on minimal sleep (hey, I have to have some sort of social/dating life right?!) but I woke up anyways and got it done. There were many students and their families at church. It was so cute when they saw me because they just gave a huge smile and wave hi. Of course I smiled and waved back! It's so funny how the Catholic church is so serious that a kid feels it's wrong to even wave or smile or LOOK at someone else...anyways, after the last mass, some of my piano students and their moms were outside so I said hello. The moms were very nice and praised my singing. thank you. Here's the best part: As I walking away, I overheard one of the moms say, "Isn't she just lovely? She is so lovely." That has to be one of the most touching compliments a mom of a student could say, or anyone for that matter! It really gave me a sense of pride and acknowledgement that I must be doing something right. If I were described as anything, I only wished it would be that kind. How blessed am I?
The 8th grade has really been coming around after I shared the field trip opportunity. The way the 6th and 7th grade have been behaving, I really think it's going to be the 8th grade that I take. They REALLY want to go and have already changed their behavior in lieu of this opportunity. I was surprised when I told the 7th grade about it and how it was between them and 8th grade, that one student said I should just take the 8th grade cause it's their last year and the 7th grade could go next year. He didn't want the 8th grade 'missing out'. I thought that was really thoughtful and nice. Anyways, my principal is pumped about it and completely backing me. Yay!
I also finally got the piano in my classroom tuned!!! Just like I did as a kid, I spent a few hours playing all the music I have at school. It's a really great piano and I'm getting used to the feel of it. My piano students are also very thankful...How can you really play piano with the A below Middle C note sticking?? You can't. My students have really been doing well this week with the piano. I can tell they are practicing more. I will be picking up 2 more students soon...where will they fit in?? OH, didn't you know that you can summon extra hours out of the day if you need them? Just kidding, I will work it out. I'm just excited that so many students are interested in music. I love my job!!
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Week 6...or technically 7
There are many things I am thankful for today. The first two that come to mind are my mom and dad. I have inherited an incredible work ethic from my father and a natural, common sense smartness ( ok my mom is too smart naturally), from my mother. This being said, as I close one door of my path, 10 more open. I am no longer slinging drinks on Saturday nights. Yes! This has been a goal of mine for too long. With that, however, I have been picking up work with the church. In the past 10 days I have sang for 3 funerals and 3 masses with another funeral tomorrow. Yes, 3 masses...all this morning...the first at 8:30am...how does this help me slow down and get a day off? I'm not sure. But I do know that I'd rather be singing in church, seeing my students and their families, building a reputation with my school and community, participating in what I can, teaching these kids, showing them that I do more than just teach in a classroom...than working til 3am every weekend.
I also attended my first school function on Saturday evening. Our school held a fundraiser that included a silent and live auction. It was very successful. We raised so much money for our school. When my principal saw me, he gave me a hug and thanked me for coming. This makes me realize how lucky and blessed I am to be a part of this amazing community. This I am also thankful for.
A recap of this past week may be lengthy but it was a turning point I hope. Tuesdays continue to be a struggle...It is my fault. I need to prepare better. I need to be ready for my students, choose one strategy and concept, then execute. This simple process though, is very tough. I had my first breakdown on Tuesday. As soon as my break came, I closed my door, and the tears wouldn't stop. I was so frustrated with a few students and it had a domino effect on the rest of the day. I know it's partially my fault for not planning better, but damn! sometimes those kids can be little shits! I was able to re-group and have a better week.
I was also able to secure a location for my field trip. Yes, old friends come in handy! Instead of just bringing a class to a musical or something, I thought I could get a bit more creative. I now have confirmed a trip to a professional, state of the art recording studio. The class going will get a tour and tutorial of how a song is really put together. These kids have no idea how much layering, editing, etc goes into the music they listen to! At the end, this class will record a song and get the CD as a memoir of sorts...how cool?! I have been really thinking of which class to take...6th grade has been very responsive to our work in class and they can really sing...7th grade heathens have been coming around and at least participating...8th grade....well....I feel like I've been letting them fall to the wayside. So, I had a conversation with the 8th grade on Thursday. See, I haven't been teaching them what the other classes have been learning. I thought I could have a more formal, mature, Internet and Music type of class. But, it's BORING!!! I don't want to lecture to them! I don't want to treat them as young adults cause they aren't! They are still kids. Still kids who need to laugh and learn and sing and be goofy. I realized this and told them that I have not been doing my job. I have not been giving them the essential tools of music like the other grades. I have not been giving them a fair shake at succeeding with music. I have not given them the benefit of the doubt. So, I told them about the field trip and what it would take for them to have a chance at going. Basically, they are 2-3 weeks behind the other grades. They were so excited about this opportunity and said they would do whatever it took to have a 'chance' at going! This gets me pumped. Even though I only have them for a year, why can't I teach them all I know about music? Why can't they learn what the other grades are learning? Why??? Well, they can. And they will. Yay.
On Friday after school, I had four 7th grade boys come to clean my room as punishment. They showed up right at 3pm on the dot. "Miss Courchaine! We're here! What should we do?" I gave them a long list and they got to work. I had my ipod going and all of a sudden, 3 more 7th grade boys poked their heads in..."What are you guys doin? Oh! Cleaning? I wanna help...errr..." I had 7 boys in my room cleaning. What a sight! It was a good time to bond. One of the kids who popped in has been having major problems at school. He is on the cusp of either turning things around and being a good kid or...going the other way. I am so thankful he poked his head in and stayed. I basically told them all: "Listen you little shits, you need to start behaving in school or you will have a hell of a lot of trouble ahead". By the end of their time, they asked me if they could come and clean everyday...how funny. I love it though.
As I get more comfortable with my job and getting to know my students, I can't help but think how lucky I am. Teaching is an extremely difficult profession but the rewards are so incredible. I love what I do. Now that I am building more relationships with students, teachers, parents and the church, I know this is where I am supposed to be. Even at the masses today, having the kids see me and wave and say hi, made my day. No. I did not sleep much. Yes. I am tired. But I have such a sense of peace when I am there. I cannot wait to see what happens next!
I also attended my first school function on Saturday evening. Our school held a fundraiser that included a silent and live auction. It was very successful. We raised so much money for our school. When my principal saw me, he gave me a hug and thanked me for coming. This makes me realize how lucky and blessed I am to be a part of this amazing community. This I am also thankful for.
A recap of this past week may be lengthy but it was a turning point I hope. Tuesdays continue to be a struggle...It is my fault. I need to prepare better. I need to be ready for my students, choose one strategy and concept, then execute. This simple process though, is very tough. I had my first breakdown on Tuesday. As soon as my break came, I closed my door, and the tears wouldn't stop. I was so frustrated with a few students and it had a domino effect on the rest of the day. I know it's partially my fault for not planning better, but damn! sometimes those kids can be little shits! I was able to re-group and have a better week.
I was also able to secure a location for my field trip. Yes, old friends come in handy! Instead of just bringing a class to a musical or something, I thought I could get a bit more creative. I now have confirmed a trip to a professional, state of the art recording studio. The class going will get a tour and tutorial of how a song is really put together. These kids have no idea how much layering, editing, etc goes into the music they listen to! At the end, this class will record a song and get the CD as a memoir of sorts...how cool?! I have been really thinking of which class to take...6th grade has been very responsive to our work in class and they can really sing...7th grade heathens have been coming around and at least participating...8th grade....well....I feel like I've been letting them fall to the wayside. So, I had a conversation with the 8th grade on Thursday. See, I haven't been teaching them what the other classes have been learning. I thought I could have a more formal, mature, Internet and Music type of class. But, it's BORING!!! I don't want to lecture to them! I don't want to treat them as young adults cause they aren't! They are still kids. Still kids who need to laugh and learn and sing and be goofy. I realized this and told them that I have not been doing my job. I have not been giving them the essential tools of music like the other grades. I have not been giving them a fair shake at succeeding with music. I have not given them the benefit of the doubt. So, I told them about the field trip and what it would take for them to have a chance at going. Basically, they are 2-3 weeks behind the other grades. They were so excited about this opportunity and said they would do whatever it took to have a 'chance' at going! This gets me pumped. Even though I only have them for a year, why can't I teach them all I know about music? Why can't they learn what the other grades are learning? Why??? Well, they can. And they will. Yay.
On Friday after school, I had four 7th grade boys come to clean my room as punishment. They showed up right at 3pm on the dot. "Miss Courchaine! We're here! What should we do?" I gave them a long list and they got to work. I had my ipod going and all of a sudden, 3 more 7th grade boys poked their heads in..."What are you guys doin? Oh! Cleaning? I wanna help...errr..." I had 7 boys in my room cleaning. What a sight! It was a good time to bond. One of the kids who popped in has been having major problems at school. He is on the cusp of either turning things around and being a good kid or...going the other way. I am so thankful he poked his head in and stayed. I basically told them all: "Listen you little shits, you need to start behaving in school or you will have a hell of a lot of trouble ahead". By the end of their time, they asked me if they could come and clean everyday...how funny. I love it though.
As I get more comfortable with my job and getting to know my students, I can't help but think how lucky I am. Teaching is an extremely difficult profession but the rewards are so incredible. I love what I do. Now that I am building more relationships with students, teachers, parents and the church, I know this is where I am supposed to be. Even at the masses today, having the kids see me and wave and say hi, made my day. No. I did not sleep much. Yes. I am tired. But I have such a sense of peace when I am there. I cannot wait to see what happens next!
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