Mrs. T started her class by reviewing their discussion about MLK Jr. from Monday's class in the auditorium seats. They remembered his speech, "I had a Dream," and recalled some of the issues going on during the Civil Rights Movement. Mrs. T says, "I love teaching students and showing them the power of music and how it enhances and relates to their everyday lives. " She did not shy away from a deep discussion on social justice, segregation, and racism. "I always use music to teach the value of what is going on in the world...such as Martin Luther King Day. We share out and tell stories a lot in my classroom."

Then, the students stood up to sing. Standing up doesn't seem like a big movement, but I noticed this piece of small physical movement helped students transition to the next part of the lesson smoothly. They were focused on the music, following along with Mrs. T, some were even tapping their feet to the beat. The rap about MLK Jr. was upbeat and fun.

The kids continued to move throughout the lesson. After a great discussion about their personal dreams in their seats, they stood up again to sing a "Winter Magic" song. This small transition between sitting and standing kept the students engaged. Mrs. T says in every class, "We work on music concepts using singing/score reading/dancing/worksheets/partner-group work/games." It's not unusual to see physical activity in every lesson.

Before the end of the lesson, the students moved again. This time, into their own personal space on the stage. Kids were sprawled on the floor or the risers in various places, but Mrs. T could easily get their attention with a simple line - "eyes and ears".

Mrs. T's class had me in admiration for multiple reasons. First, I admire the connections she is able to make with each student. She sees hundreds of kids each day for only a few short minutes, but she knows them well. Second, she is a master at classroom management. Students don't have time to get off task with all the transitions and movement embedded in her lesson. And finally, she is a master at her craft. The knowledge about music history, terminology, and skill alone is phenomenal. Then, she engages her students through personal connections and real world issues! She's amazing.

After leaving Mrs. T's class, I thought seriously about what opportunities I'm missing in my own lessons that could include MOVEMENT! Simply adding more transitions and more physical movement during classroom conversation could be a good start. Below is a good article I found on how to incorporate some new ideas.

Thanks again, Mrs. T, for letting me visit! What an amazing lesson.