[HANASHIR:6747] Re: K-6 sunday school music

[Joshua M. D. Segal <jsegal...>]

This year I start a similar challange.  I have taught 4-7, but am now
picking up K-3.  I find that with the fourth through seventh grades I have
been lucky.  They have had good experiences so far with Jewish
music.  They don't *hate* it.  Some have had enough with doing the same
things every year but for the most part they are a workable group.  In my
opinion, the best thing to do with students of this age isjust to be
honest.  They can tell when you are being fake.  If you find a song that
they like, sing it a lot.  If there is a song that they do not like that
you too do not like, tell them.  If they see you on their level, they will
rise to yours - if that made any sense.  Teach but have fun.  Throw in
some pop songs to get them involved.  Sit down with them and say, "You
know that you have to be here.  I'm not having fun singing for you and
you're not having fun sitting there.  What can we do to make this better
for all of us?"  As for repatoire, get books and tapes and tapes and
books and learn more and find 'cooler' stuff for them.  Maybe get a few
NFTY kids to come help out.  

Personally, I am excited to teach K-3 full time.  I subbed a little last
year, but I think I will enjoy being able to shape these kids' repatoires.  

Anyway, good luck and take care...

-- 


-Josh
----------
jsegal (at) brandeis(dot)edu
AOL IM: Gumby 4
781-529-4612
MB 1305 Brandeis University
PO Box 549239
Waltham, MA 02454-9239

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