Music In Our Schools

This month has been a great celebration! This is the first time I have celebrated MIOSM.  I use to be intimidated by it because I really didn't know what it was, but after this month and starting small, it's nothing! Here are some things that I did over the course of 3 weeks:

1. Teacher Riddles- Teachers gave clues about their past musical experiences as children, teens, adults.  I had 18 riddles displayed outside the cafeteria.  Within the 3 weeks I posted a new bunch each week-that way to keep them coming back and not get bored with them!

2. Bulletin Board- I have a huge bulletin board outside my room and I love it! (Just got it this year!)  I sent home half sheets of paper that say "Share the Music". Students filled them out about ways they share the music outside of class or what they enjoy about class. The younger ones drew pictures where the older kids wrote out what they liked.  These 2 pictures really made my heart smile!

3. Music Spirit Week- I came up with 5 ways to dress. I came up with sayings that could related to how we were dressing. I went back and forth other ideas-but for elementary I found this to be the easiest.

These signs were posted through out the school as reminders

Music adds color to the world! (wear tie dye or bright colors)

Saddle up with a favorite song! (Country Western attire)

**Didn't get one of exercise** :o(

Music takes you away in your dreams (Wear PJs)

Music RED OUT! (or school colors/Panther spirit)

4. Morning Announcements- The principal read my daily fun facts about music, instruments, etc over the live announcements.

5. Staff Did You Know- I emailed fun interesting facts about artists from their generations and advocacy facts (from NAFME) through email. It was cool to get responses from teachers about memories of certain artists

6. Newsletter- I sent a newsletter home to every student in the school explaining MIOSM and what events would be taking place during that month

Seating Chart

Here is my seating chart that I redesigned for this school this year. I wanted to be able to keep my assessment grades on the chart as I walk around the class.

Each student has a spot on the risers. When assessing I put them in their groups. Either in an "X" formation on the floor with them sitting around a color card so I know what group it is or in color rows on the floor.  Lately I've been walking around with a pad of paper and writing down quickly names and scores. Instead of going through and trying to find every single one-it's easier to write down the name of who isn't doing so well. 

I have a cover sheet in front of each grade in my binder that aligns with the grid on the seating chart. The reason for so many squares is because we're on trimesters and I thought I'd take that many grades!