This class was one of the few that felt like it pandered to my niche perspective. I’ve always had a “fight the system” mindset and the conversations in this class gave me the fire power to maintain it. I felt there was a window of opportunity for me to let my personality shine through and be more open to others than I’d might have been in the past. The key highlights in this class were the discussion we had together. I had insight from parents, those who work in the schools, those who work with kids, and wisdom from each perspective. I think it’s important for future educators to understand the importance of “letting go” and remembering the carelessness of being a kid again. Having the understanding of childlike wonder is a great tool to have as a teacher and I think this class exercises that nicely. It’s also notable that we made history with having to adapt such an immersive class into video calls due to the pandemic. It was hard, even I struggled with it immensely, but we managed to finish strong.(B.K.)
I found this class to be very helpful for me and I learned a lot about teaching kids in a more fun way. Rather then just sitting and doing the classic teaching at the white board; I can make learning a lot more fun. Bring in music into the classroom can really improve a child’s learning. The children will be able to relate and remember things better by using music to help them remember, such as rhythm. Francis has really taught me to let my imagination and creativity run wild. It was nice to be able to share my creativity with everyone in the class. This class has really been the most important classes to me this far, I believe that this class has gave me many ideas in the future when I do start educating young students. (K.S.)
This course really taught me to bring my inner child back out. It truly made me feel like I was little again. At first I thought I was in the wrong class but boy was I wrong. The amount of energy that class gives is so amazing. Dancing before class starts to loosen you up was my favorite, although I was a little shy. The african drumming was pretty fun and a new experience for me. Although we couldn't perform at McCormick, Frances still found a way to put a smile to those kids and the community. We didn’t get to finish the class like we wanted to, but we all made the best out of it. This class is something I am going to keep in mind and take to my own classroom. Thank you Frances for all that you did for us. Your energy and spirits is what every teacher should have. Thank you. (E.R.)
1) A takeaway from this course would be the many tools that were taught to us that can help us at teachers in the classroom. I learned that kids will not want to learn if they sit in their chair and just listen. We as teachers have to get creative and get the students interested in learning.
2) The highlight was not just sitting at a table, I enjoyed getting up and jumping out of my comfort zone and getting into the rhythm in every class. Best time was going over and taking part in the African drumming session.
3) A suggestion would be to always encourage students to have food and good nutrition when coming to class, especially when if the class is in the evening. I enjoyed the dinners the students provided.
4) Yes! My learning was meaningful. I have learned that music in class will interest students.
5) This was the most fun class! Despite having to finish classes through zoom, the class was always so much fun. Dancing, and singing and having a good time as a class. I will always remember this class because it was the one class where we didn't just sit at a table and take notes while looking at a projector. Best class! (E.J.)
I feel that there is so much to take away from this course. I guess I never knew how important music could be for kids! It really is about the creativity. The kids literally love the simplest things.
I loved the singing and dancing we always did. It was always so silly but fun and funny. This class made me laugh more than any class. And I always had so much fun. The African Drumming was too one of my favorite things! My learning was definitely very meaningful! I'm sad we had to end online because this class was one of my favorite in person classes and I always looked forward to it!