Re: Where's the Ruach?

[NeilNFW <NeilNFW...>]

Jeff,

I disagree.  I have more fun with my fourth and fifth graders than I do with
any other level of kid.

My approach with these kids is simple:  try something new (at least every two
or three weeks I teach a new song), try some review (reviewing a song learned
in the past month), and an old standard -- something to get the walls shaking
that we don't need words for (Mitzvah Goreret Mitzvah, Tree of Life, Miriam's
Song).  If there is time left over, I will take a request (with ground
rules).

The challenge is issued if I do not feel them singing up to potential--that
there are twenty-five of them and only one of me, so why can't they outsing
me?  Or, can any kid sing a "Dayenu" verse faster than the teacher; or, how
come the girls are outsinging the boys (always a winner).  I leave the folk
songs for camp.  Religion School is for learning, and even though the songs I
teach may be fun, there is something to be gained from them.  Folk songs, to
me are singing for singing's sake--when we have enough time to enjoy all
twelve minutes of "American Pie."

Further, I have great support from their grade teachers.  They are always
willing to help, and even embarrass themselves for the good of music class.

Sometimes, you are right--they do not feel like singing.  I'll live with it
for the week, but it usually does not last much longer than a session.

Granted, I only have twenty to twenty-five minutes a week with this class
(4th & 5th combined), but I try to make every minute count.  If one kid
leaves class humming "Sim Shalom", "The Butterfly", "The Rabbi" (another big
hit), or other Jewish music, I feel that I have done my job.

Hope that I answered your questions, Jeff.  Please feel free to e-mail me
with any comments that you might have.

Neil Weinstein
NeilNFW (at) aol(dot)com