International Bridge with Fashion and Education

There were many surprises in the readings this week for fashion. New ideas that don't make sense to me almost hurt my head because it is like I am trying to figure out what to do with this information where does it fit? The first one was the Afghan women risking prison to wear make-up and style their hair. I can't imagine taking such a risk but I think that is because I have never had anyone tell me that I couldn't do those things. I do feel better with my make-up and my hair styled. I watched students carry lip gloss and risk getting it taken away at school. I saw a student who is in second grade taking off her snow pants before she got close to school. It was below zero and she stopped and took off her boots, mittens, and coat. Then she removed her snow pants and put everything back on. She didn't want her friends to see her in those fat looking snow pants even if they were helping to keep her safe and warm.
The next surprise was the idea of Branding Nations. I understand that nations get reputations but I didn't think about countries having Branding Agencies. I can compair this to schools. If they get a bad reputation it is hard to get rid of that reputation. It can have negative effects on the whole community with families moving out and property values falling. Then the schools have less money for educating the students. Schools get reputations and sometimes they are based on word of mouth, or test scores or new building.

Intergenerational Music

I am compelled to share my experience with music that my son and I shared last night. His piano teacher invited us to a concert at a beautiful church. Takis Pazannis is his paino teacher and he is the accompanist for the Steiner Chorale. He tells us about musical opportunities in the area.

Steiner Chorale was performing and the MSU Jazz Ensemble directed by Sunny Wilkenson. Steiner Chorale is an adult singing group in the Lansing area which includes many senior citizens and the Jazz group is 11 young MSU students. At the end of the performance they sang two songs together, one of which was Can you Tell me How to Get, How to Get to Sesame Street? This was such a compelling moment.

The song is a pretty simple song but it has a catchy tune that so many people know. They did Jazz it up and there was a smile on everyone's face. Of course, I don't know this for certain because I was so captivated and cheesing myself that I didn't look at everyone. This is an intergenerational, magical moment brought to us by an educational program for children! This touched memories for everyone in the room.

During the time that Sunny was directing it was so enchanting to watch her direct. I have seen her sing before but to see her direct was a true reflection of her warmth. I could see the love of music in her movements and her love of her students. That is what teaching is about. If we could capture that in a bottle and use it every day in our classroom we would all be magnificent teachers.

Music in the classroom

I am a person that perfers silence when I study. I also do well on tests. My teenagers on the other hand have test anxiety and always play music at home when they study. I don't know why there is this difference but my guess is that most students today are used to having noise of some sort in their lives at home. Many have earphones on much of their life or tv's or computers.

The quiet work environment is not condusive to learning for everyone. Why shouldn't the student have a choice of listening to music if it helps them take a test? Sometimes I put on music in the classroom and a student will say they can't concentrate but most of the students prefer to listen to music. Then I will split the time half with music and half with out. Many educators need to lighten up and evaluate what is really condusive to a learning environment. Rules should have a strong presence in what is best for the learning of all students not just to have rules to make students miserable. Students are more likely to learn if they are comfortable in the environment. If a student is stressed then the test is most likely not going to be a true representation of their knowledge.

Imaginative Bridge with Music

Music is so much part of my life especially at home. My daughter was in choir from 6th grade through 12 grade. She has been in so many voice lessons, concerts, and competitions. My son has been in band since 5th grade and lessons since 4th grade. My father couldn't believe that I bought him a $300 drumset when he was only 10. Music is a priority for them so I made it a priority for me. Music has made wonderful memories for them and for me. It gave them a reason to go to school.

There is not enough music in our schools. In our district the elementary students get music once a week. Music should be a part of their day everyday. Behavior problems are often caused by boredom. Is there really a reason that students can't listen to music when they work? My daughter and son always play music when they do homework. The schools are so busy pushing math and reading but ignore the fact that music can help with both math and reading. I have never heard an elementary teacher say to the class for writing today you can write a song. A second grader could listen to a song and then write about what it means to them. I am excited about the posibility of trying this in the classroom. Music should be more of a priority especially for our younger students.