Today I presented a workshop for a school district and we were discussing the sequence of lessons. One teacher shared that her upper elementary students (at a new school for her) had not yet learned how to read music independently. She is working toward that goal and was starting with what they should have learned in previous years.
Earlier this week I was engaged in conversation with teachers of varying philosophies in my own district on the sequence for teaching concepts. It seems that no one is in complete agreement on what that sequence should be. Except, that is, until I speak with other Kodály trained teachers. Sequence is vitally important to us. It gives us the framework, the foundation upon which everything is built. Most Kodály certified teachers talk about the idea that their teaching lacked something, but they never really knew what that was until they learned the sequence in the Kodály approach to teaching.
I love the fact that when I hear my administrators discussing backward design curriculum that I can honestly say I do teach with the end in mind and that through the Kodály approach I am teaching a very well planned sequence that spirals up throughout all the grades. It is a beautiful way to teach a beautiful subject.
With that idea in mind, I'm wondering what sequence do you take? Is it thoughtfully planned and has music to support it? What about games and dances - do they require a sequence as well? I believe that they do. What is the best sequence for those? I'm exploring that topic at the next SLAKE workshop on November 16th while Colissa Alexander shares some ideas for small group instruction. I hope that you will be able to attend. I also hope that you will take a minute to leave your thoughts regarding sequencing.
Earlier this week I was engaged in conversation with teachers of varying philosophies in my own district on the sequence for teaching concepts. It seems that no one is in complete agreement on what that sequence should be. Except, that is, until I speak with other Kodály trained teachers. Sequence is vitally important to us. It gives us the framework, the foundation upon which everything is built. Most Kodály certified teachers talk about the idea that their teaching lacked something, but they never really knew what that was until they learned the sequence in the Kodály approach to teaching.
I love the fact that when I hear my administrators discussing backward design curriculum that I can honestly say I do teach with the end in mind and that through the Kodály approach I am teaching a very well planned sequence that spirals up throughout all the grades. It is a beautiful way to teach a beautiful subject.
With that idea in mind, I'm wondering what sequence do you take? Is it thoughtfully planned and has music to support it? What about games and dances - do they require a sequence as well? I believe that they do. What is the best sequence for those? I'm exploring that topic at the next SLAKE workshop on November 16th while Colissa Alexander shares some ideas for small group instruction. I hope that you will be able to attend. I also hope that you will take a minute to leave your thoughts regarding sequencing.