INTEGRATING MUSIC INTO THE ELEMENTARY CLASSROOM
CHAPTER 2 – GUIDELINES FOR TEACHING MUSIC
I. Designing Integrated Learning Experiences with Music
1. Identifying Long- and Short-Term Goals – Goals are generally concerned with what is
desired in terms of
Long-term goals represent the philosophy of the educator or the school system, and it is
from these long-term goals that short-term goals and more
Short-term goals – are related to long-term goals but are generally attained within a
Teachers who take time to formulate long- and short-term goals tend to have a clearer
sense of direction about
To Do – Go to the 2003 MS Visual and Performing Arts Framework and download
MUSIC-INTRODUCTION on page 4 and MUSIC BENCHMARKS on pages 5-9. Bring
copies to class and be prepared to discuss. The website is:
http://www.mde.k12.ms.us/docs/curriculum-and-instructions-library/music.pdf?sfvrsn=2
2.Deciding on Musical Concepts – A concept is a collection of experiences or ideas that are
grouped together based on
Principal musical concepts include
3.Developing Objectives – Objectives should be stated in terms of observable behavior so that
the teacher can actually observe what students are doing to demonstrate
To Do – List 8 very appropriate verbs that can be used in any teaching objective.
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4. Choosing Appropriate Musical Materials and Activities – Choose musical materials and
design activities that
1) are within the capabilities of
2) are interesting and
3) can be integrated with other classroom
4) emphasize active involvement in musical experiences such as singing, playing
Presenting is generally teacher centered, whereas teaching focuses on the
To Do – (OBSERVATIONS) From the chart Some Long-Term Goals for Various Grade Levels,
find the grade level you plan to teach. MEMORIZE those long-term goals for that grade level
and be prepared to discuss in class and list on a quiz.
5. Teaching and Learning in Logical Sequence – Children learn best when ideas progress
logically from simple to
You will need to consider presenting the same idea in
6. Deciding on Length and Frequency of Lessons – The length of lessons will depend on the
Kindergarten through third grade students should have a lesson length of
Grades 4-6 should have a lesson length of
It is generally better to have frequent short lessons rather than long lessons with
7. Relating Music to Students’ Personal Lives – Preliminary activities normally call for
teachers to present something familiar to students, with the idea of letting the experience act as
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8. Developing Multisensory Experiences – Children often learn more effectively if several
Give the 3 main sensory modes 1)
2)
3)
9. Including Multicultural Experiences – Provides a distinctive opportunity for students to
broaden their understanding of other cultures and to develop
10. Using Instructional Technology – Integrating technology into a lesson is an effective
means of engaging today’s digital generation as well as a useful way of
11. Bringing Closure to a learning Experience – Near the end of a lesson schedule a summary
or closing activity in which to pull together the separate parts of the lesson and
12. Assessing Learning – Children need a sense of accomplishment, and a regular program of
assessment gives them needed
Assess students with respect to:
1)
2)
3)
In performance, assessment focuses on progress made in
It is better to give short quizzes at frequent intervals than to wait for long periods of time
and
To Do – Critical Thinking - What is meant by embedded assessment???? Provide an
example.
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II. Writing Lesson Plans
Detail is critical so don’t leave anything to
1. Reminders for Planning and Teaching Lessons – List 3 that you think are the most
important.
1)
2)
3)
2. Some Options to Use When Teaching Music – List one for each category.
If you can’t sing in a high register:
If you have difficulty singing a song in tune:
If you feel insecure in finding the starting pitch and getting the children to sing together:
If you don’t know what to do when children won’t sing:
3. MAKING GOOD TEACHING GREAT TEACHING - PLEASE BE A GREAT
TEACHER, NOT JUST A GOOD ONE. List 4 important ways you can make your teaching
better than good.
1)
2)
3)
4)
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III. Integrating Technology – Go to Your Music Education Resource Center, Chapter 2 
Classroom Videos – View the 2 video assessments listed and answer the following
questions in short answers but complete sentences.
1) How did he involve all of the students in the reflective process?
2) Provide 2 questions that he asked the class in either or both videos.
My Paddle's Keen and Bright
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