THESE TRICKS ARE FOR KIDS
TRICKS OF THE TRADE FOR TEACHERS OF ELEMENTARY MUSIC!
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Although THESE TRICKS
Let me share a story with you about a student I had about fifteen years ago. As horrible as the circumstances were, in retrospect, no other single event has affected me, my philosophy, the way I teach, and why I am writing this book to you, more than:
MY DECEMBER WITH AARON
It was early in my teaching career – back when I thought I knew all there was to know about teaching, music, and children! Fifth-grade Aaron wanted to play the part of Santa in our musical and I must say, had potential to be a smashing success! That child could sing, dance, and deliver lines like a Pro! He was bright, happy, reliable, a remarkable student, and as cute as a button, too!
As the performance date crept closer and all the students polished their lines and practiced their solos, our old buddy Aaron, had fallen apart. Our “Superstar” could not get through a single sentence without dropping lines and missing entrances! He mumbled, shuffled his feet, talked to the floor when he did finally say something, and spoke so softly that he couldn’t be heard from two feet away. Each day I grew increasingly more impatient with him! I knew Aaron was capable, but for some reason, he was not learning his lines and he had the lead! Even after days and days of being extraordinarily nice and patient, working with him during lunch, before and after school, trying to help him memorize his speaking part and solos, he would not sit still or stay focused long enough to get anything accomplished! It was so frustrating.
I tried the old consequences and guilt-trip routine that was so popular back then: “Aaron, if you don’t learn those lines, I’m going to have to give someone else your part!” “I thought you wanted to be the lead character! Everyone is depending on you!” In spite of nagging him, he only got worse and it was too late to find a replacement! What on earth was I going to do? This talented ten-year-old little boy had me over a barrel! He was going to ruin the show for the rest of us, make
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THESE TRICKS
About the Author
Debbie Gray, Blue Springs (Missouri) elementary teacher and clinician has been honored as Blue Springs Jaycees Outstanding Educator, Who’s Who in America (‘'05-'08), Who’s Who Among American Women (‘05 -'08), and Who’s Who Among American Teachers (’96, '02‘05). Debbie has been the building Teacher of the Year four times in her 29 year career and has been nominated by former students for Disney’s American Teacher Award (99, 00, 02). Under Debbie’s direction, her students have supplied the vocals in many radio and television commercials, including the nationally televised ad for
After a bachelors degree in music education, a Masters degree in teaching, post graduate work in behavioral studies, directing vocals for commercials and national recordings, designing choreography, and entertaining as a conference speaker and workshop clinician, Debbie realizes she is an antique. After all, she was on earth before Candyland,