Final Presentation Video:

Here is the link to my video:

http://youtu.be/d2Pqthb05R4

Final Presentation Topic:

I will incorporate music into a math lesson relating to the notes on a music staff and the value of how much each note is worth, or how many beats it is. I could also teach simple addition with ex: 2 claps=half note, etc.

Should Teachers Be Paid Based On Student Performance? What makes an effective teacher?

   I personally feel that teachers should not be paid based on student performance. This being said because of the fact that if teachers have students who are considered special ed, each one of those students are going to have different ability levels and knowing that teachers would probably make less money if their students aren't getting good grades in school. But if your students are getting perfect grades in school those teachers would probably get paid more. I feel that this is not right for teachers to get paid based on their student performance because teachers cannot choose who their students are going to be and they can't help it if their students aren't as successful as others. This also meaning that even those students can't help having a learning disability, or whatever it happens to be that could be getting in the way of their performance. I feel that what would make an effective teacher is if you are being an assistance to your students when they need it and can give them the time that they need to be successful and to help them achieve their goals. Our role as teachers is to make a difference in each and every one of our students.

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world."

-Mahatma Gandhi

Teachers Unions and Tenure:

     I believe that tenure and teachers unions are both important, but I know that with the fact that tenure plays a role on many teachers throughout their careers that they all must be knowledgable at their job and know what it is that is changing in the world at the time and how students are able to learn. Such as technology constantly changing, I feel that if a teacher is tenured, they should have to take a training on what will help them to teach in the classroom with the changing factors in how materials can be presented to their students in the classroom. As teachers, I feel that we definitely do not want to "compete" with our students on technology, but we want to be with them at the same step/level that they are then each one of our students will be impressed with us as teachers and what we know. I feel that yes, there needs to be reforms for improvement to happen. 

Extra-Curricular Activities with expectations in a Sports-Driven Society:

   Based on having a sports-driven society may make things difficult in your elementary classroom when students are focused on extra-curricular activities. The biggest importance in this is yes, let your students be aware that school work comes first. Importantly, though at this young of an age in your classroom you must make what each student is learning FUN. That is the bottom line of all of it, otherwise they will not be paying attention to what is brought to their attention and being spoken of. 

Instruments; When it is developmentally appropriate

     Based on introducing instruments to students depends upon how much they are developmentally ready. Recorders should be introduced when students are able/capable of placing their fingers in the correct spots to cover the holes and have enough capacity to blow into the recorder. You might introduce the recorder to a group of students as old as fourth grade, sometimes third grade might work, but other times that might be too early. The xylophone could be introduced as early as a toddler because they have toy xylophones and i know that my second cousin bangs on it. But to fully introduce it for them to learn more about it could be in Kindergarten as the earliest or first grade this could help with a beat or even learning patterns/repetition in music. The more students move on in grades is when it may make it easier for them with the xylophone because they are able to coordinate well with their hand/wrists and be able to see what they are doing. Rhythm sticks could be introduced earlier on maybe pre-school, or kindergarten. This also helps with patterns the same as xylophones can the reason behind these being used for the younger grades is because of the motor skills they have/don't have. The finger cymbals can also be brought into kindergarten because they are small enough for the students to hold onto. Kazoos could be brought into teaching with music at any age you would like. Once students begin to get into the higher grades they will be able to do more with them too. Based on all of these instruments it's important to know the age of your students and if they will successfully be able to use them. 

Carl Orff

His philosophy teaches children about music relating to their mind and body. He makes connections through speech, music, and movement. The philosophy is designed to help students to comprehend what is being taught. Students are able to demonstrate by doing activities. As for the 21st century, this gives each and every student the chance to show what they know and to demonstrate.