Final Course Reflections
N.B: Dec 12, 2019
The class wasn't what I was expecting, but I didn't know what to expect because I never took any type of music class. At first I didn't understand the activities but as we progressed into the semester they started to make sense. Especially at the performance I honestly thought the kids were going to be bored and be uninterested but when they started singing and clapping along with us it surprised me a lot. The kids I grew up laugh at everything and I thought that when we did the performance that was how it was going to be, but when they were excited and engaged it become fun and I stopped worrying. I am glad that I had the opportunity to take this class I learned a lot from it! :)
G. S. Dec 12, 2019
Hi Everyone, First I just want to say I enjoyed the semester with you guys and I will miss it. At the beginning of the semester, I was excited to take the class, but once I read the message about creative drama and performing, I was a bit nervous and undecided if I should keep the class. I'm definitely glad I kept the class and learned so much. I learned that interacting and teaching kids in different ways other than the textbook can be more helpful in learning rather than the "regular teaching" that is taught in today's classrooms. Our performance at McCormick Elementary School was AWESOME! I was totally nervous, but once they started to sing and interact with us, all the nerves vanished. Honestly, after I did the "The Crocodile's Toothache" is when I calmed down and concentrated on the audience. They really enjoyed it and had fun. I also felt like kids wouldn't care for poems because of today's generation and all the technology, but they really enjoyed it. Overall, I did learn that learning in different ways can be more helpful in educating students. It was fun! :)
M.O.: Dec 12, 2019
I really enjoyed this class. I came into this course with a very closed mind. Francis opened my eyes to all the possible way that music can help with literacy and engaging students. I remember the first class, we had to be in a circle and dance. Everyone was so timid and shy. But as a teacher, we can't be that way. We have to be very open and loud. It was great to see everyone break from their shell.
The McCormick performance went great. It went better than we all imagined it would. All of us did our performance great. We did it very loudly and the students absolutely loved it! They were so engaged and so wowed by our poems. I loved reading their comments on our performance. I am very proud of all of us.
I am really going to miss this class and everyone in it.
M.L.: Dec 12, 2019
This class completely pushed me out of my comfort zone in a very unexpected way. I tend to be very shy when it comes to preforming or speaking in front of others so when I found out about the performance of the poems and songs I was very nervous. However, at the end I was taught valuable lessons about bringing classrooms alive and interacting with the students in a way that allows them to create and think on another level. This class has been one of the most rewarding class I have taken as I was able to meet amazing people and learn how to get out of my own head and comfort zone. As far as the performance I was very shocked at how interactive the students were and how it wasn't as scary as I had thought it was going to be. The school and students were very warm and friendly which helped my nerves and the students really enjoyed the performance which was rewarding to see and learn because of how long we had been practicing.
I really enjoyed this class and everyone in it and I will miss you all and Dr. Vitali I hope everyone has a good holiday.
S.L.: Dec 21, 2019
This class was very different from all of the other classes I have taken this semester. There were no lectures, instead the class was very interactive between teacher and student. I have learned how to interact with future students, play the recorder, and perform in front of an audience of students. We did things that many people don’t do until they have their own classroom. In regards to our performance, I didn’t expect much but with that, I was greatly rewarded for the work I put in by the audiences reactions and participation. Overall, it was an unforgettable experience and now I have a new party skill thanks to the recorder.
K.J.: Jan. 5, 2020
Music for the Elementary class course opened a new view to teaching and getting involved in the class room. Ms. Frances did a good job for getting all of us out of our comfort zones and try new things that I probably wouldn't have tried in the first place. I remember after the first day of class I felt a little nervous and hesitant to continue on with the semester. But after putting my fears aside and opening up my mind I was very satisfied and happy on how the course ended. After completing our final poetry performance at the elementary school I felt so happy with myself and my classmates. The feeling I got at the end of it was worth all the disagreements and going beyond my comfort zone to see the happy little faces of the students. I would just like to say, "Thank you for opening a new view to teaching and communicating with students." If someone were to ask me if they should take this course I would definitely tell them YES because Dr. Frances will push you outside of your comfort zone but it will make you a better educator.