Kids & Curriculum - Are they really BFF's?
Teachers love coffee & kids love curriculum, right?
Actually, I don't love coffee. I don't even like it. I can blame it on my heart condition & explain how I don't drink sodas or even fancy bubbly water, or just make peace with the fact that it's not my thing.
But I do love me some hot cocoa!
The same applies with kids. We can spend our time explaining all the logical reasons why kids might not like curriculum; not an area of interest, old people using even older resources or references, administrative decisions made by non-teachers, mandatory testing...the list goes on. or we can meet 'em where they're at.
Ya know what they do love? Ask them!
1. Learn to love what they love
I may be drawn to crunchy leaves, comfy teacher tees, apple scents, & sassy lyrics, but that doesn't mean kids will be.
That's where Pokémon. come in.
Then my kiddo came home one day asking about evolutions. I thought about dinosaurs. Hubby understood the assignment: Pokémon.
Like Pikachu's lightning bolt, I was struck with the realization that my students would love to learn the notes on the staff by using the first letter from each character's name!
2. Get Creative
- Scarf routines to pop music - Snag yours here
- Use holidays to guide music repertoire
- Take inspiration from the shows they watch, the video games they play, & the artists to which they listen.
- Create playlists
- Use music to inspire visual art
3. Meet their needs first
Sometimes music will come second.
Kids that are experiencing trauma (personal or global) aren't ready to learn. Students that are feeling isolated won't be strong ensemble members.
Social emotional learning has to be central in your music class! You can use this bundle of books, practice creating a safe space verbally, and by aligning your curriculum to the Casel competencies. Learn more here.
- Wiggly bodies need to move, so dance.
- Worried bodies need breathe & get centered.
- Anxious bodies need comfort. Hug, squeeze, or use a body sock.
Once you've met those needs, you'll have happy bodies ready to create, perform, respond, & connect!
4. Make peace with Imperfection
How often do your lesson plans allot time to get off topic?
Those imperfect lessons matter because it gives students opportunities to share things about themselves, but it also allows them to learn about you.
"Do you have kitties, Mrs. S? Because I have kitties. 2. And they are better than dogs. But that dog is cute."
In my attempt to redirect the mini musicians back to the song at hand, I shared that I've had over 50 foster dogs. One student took that detail home to a parent who wanted to do the same thing but was hesitant. We chatted about the joys & hardships, and now they are a family who fosters dogs!
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Your lessons do NOT have to be perfect. You don't have to be, either. Being authentic is enough & that's what will help connect to the kids in your class. Once the connections & trust are established, students are much more inclined to buy into the curriculum!
5. Be Inclusive
curriculum that reflects only the dominant culture isolates many of your students. Inclusive means many things & celebrating each person for all the beautiful facets that make up that individual.
Include a variety of:
- holidays
- Gender expressions
- Cultures
- Socio-Economic class
- Music styles, genres, & songs
- Bodies
- Learning styles (Check out reasons for ASL in your classroom!)
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