Mt. Mercy Fall 2011 discussion

Gary Dulabaum discussed using music to make literacy accessible. How might you apply this? What makes this a great way to teach? What makes you nervous about this? What do you want to remember about what he said? If you could not attend, read others' comments here and respond to them.

I liked that Gary Dulabaum presented ways to use music in a variety of ways so that it applied to anyone regardless of the genre being studied or their age. We use music in my classroom with poetry. Rap music is a great way to keep students' attention, but of course you must be careful with the context and appropriateness. We also do a unit with music and writing creating a soundtrack to their life and reflecting upon the music with personal comparison to popular hits.

Thanks, Kellie.
I wonder if you agree with everything presented, if there are any points you'd argue with, if there's anything you aspire to, or if there's anything you thought Dulabaum assumed. (This is the 4 "A"s protocol). As more of you answer in this thread, consider these 4 "A"s.

I thought using music is a great way to present information t students of all ages and across the cirriculum. I thought aabout using it to sing the ABCs in my classroom. Plus the sharpening pencil I am going to share with another collegue who has the same problems.

@Heather. I know that teaching does require one to get out of their comfort zone and not be afraid to act silly, but I will say that there is no way my seniors are going to happily sing and dance around the room with me. What happens when kids reach the age that they aren't willing to do everything the teacher suggests? Do you use one of his techniques and allow some kids to just sit in their seats and watch? You can't force them to get up with anything more threatening than participation points.

I do think that Gary's presentation was based on the assumption that all kids love music. But I can tell you there were several fellow students on Tues. that were absolutly horrified when they were asked to stand up, sing, and dance. I'm guessing that those same students when they where in junior high or highschool would not have gotten a lot out of singing or rapping an assignment. Personally I love making a fool of myself, but I don't think that I could rap or sing infront of highschool students and have them take me seriously. Maybe a really cool, younger, hipper teacher could pull that off. We just read in our text book in interlude 2 that African American males are our nations poorest readers. One reason for this is that they are unable to relate to their assigned materials. Maybe incorporating rape would help them out. My favorite part of Gary's presentation was when he told us how his Aunt taught him how to sing books and when he would do that he would not stutter. I got chills, I wish someone would have taught me that when I was young.

I think it is important that music and dance is one strategy that can be used in the classroom. I am reminded that not everyone at the presentation happily participated. I do see the value in bringing music/dance into the classroom but I think it has to be purposeful and authentic. I can list the names of some of my own students who would be put off by it... of course, I can also give a list of those students that it would help immensely.

I could not attend so I didn't hear Gary Dulabaum speak. However, I have always found that music is a good way to get some if not all students engaged in learning. I find music to be a good way to learn new things. When I was in eigth grade I learned the 16 counties in the state of Maine by singing them to the tune of Yankee Doodle. I can still name them all because I can sing the song. I also find that even if the students don't want to sing with you, they often stop and listen when you start singing. It can be a good attention getter.

I really enjoyed Gary Dulabaum's presentation and found myself singing and dancing along. It was very uplifting to hear him talk about how he learned to read and write through music and how he became a teacher. I would love to teach reading and writing though music and be that high energy, fun-loving teacher but unfortunately that just isn't me. I also would have been that kid in school who would have been mortified if I had to sing and dance in front of others. I do use music when I teach poetry and we sometimes write poems/raps/songs when learning new material. I currently have 2 students that love to write raps and perform for the class on a regular basis. As much as I enjoyed Gary's presentation, I do think he assumes all students respond to music and dance, and I have had students like myself as a kid who are too shy and/or embarrased to participate. My step-son whould probably start to hyperventilate if he had to participate in that kind of lesson. I agree with Michael that all lessons have to be purposeful and authentic. If I tried to replicate Gary's teaching style, my students would probably call the office and tell them that Mrs. Chalstrom had completely lost it.

I have to admit that I was skeptical going into Dulabaum's presentation but left very impressed and with a couple of ideas to use in a classroom. I really latched on to his use of beat and matching a beat with the words or back and forth. I know this is a thing that can be used in class and there are lots of student who do learn more with audio help than others. I have also thought about using rap with my classroom along with a simple marching cadence that some of my students who are real military buffs would enjoy.
I really enjoyed this presentation and am glad that I had the ability to go and went.

I enjoyed the presentation and value music & beat when it comes to teaching students. I didn't mind getting up and participating as a group. However I would not feel comfortable getting up and doing this by myself. I'm just not creative, musically and am not a very good singer. It is not one of my strengths. This I am VERY aware of. I would be more likely to try something like this if I already had the materials, not if I had to make it up. (Or at least not to begin with, not until I felt extremely comfortable with it and knew what I was doing.)

Kellie wrote: "@Heather. I know that teaching does require one to get out of their comfort zone and not be afraid to act silly, but I will say that there is no way my seniors are going to happily sing and dance a..."

I agree--and disagree. I'm not going to do it if it wastes my students' time. I have to know my students. I wonder if I need to try these moments occasionally, though, and build a safety net. I know that some kids won't sing because of the "cool" factor, and some truly are not musical. So...what do you think? Perhaps there's a time and a place for incorporating and not incorporating. I wanted purpose for what he was doing--not just for fun, but what learning objectives?

Alma wrote: "I enjoyed the presentation and value music & beat when it comes to teaching students. I didn't mind getting up and participating as a group. However I would not feel comfortable getting up and do..."

I understand. I wonder what we can do to make ourselves as teachers let go and play. Sometimes, this isn't possible. Other times, I can sing off-key, enjoy, laugh, but have a purpose. Thanks for your feedback!

Angie wrote: "I thought using music is a great way to present information t students of all ages and across the cirriculum. I thought aabout using it to sing the ABCs in my classroom. Plus the sharpening pencil ..."

This is a great way to help students remember different parts of procedure. I don't want it for just behavior, though...the writing is a huge gateway into poetry. Hmmm...we still need to talk about all this in class!

Danielle wrote: "I do think that Gary's presentation was based on the assumption that all kids love music. But I can tell you there were several fellow students on Tues. that were absolutly horrified when they were..."

Thanks, Danielle. I absolutely agree--what about the student who is mortified if they must dance or sing? How do we build a safe environment that allows for learning across the board, for all students? And what about bullying? Small children all sing and dance around, generally...so what do we lose as we get older? and how do we help students to enjoy learning at any level?

Matt wrote: "I have to admit that I was skeptical going into Dulabaum's presentation but left very impressed and with a couple of ideas to use in a classroom. I really latched on to his use of beat and matching..."

Fabulous--glad you enjoyed it! Remind me to talk about Elinor Renee Rodriguez in class...

Sherri wrote: "I really enjoyed Gary Dulabaum's presentation and found myself singing and dancing along. It was very uplifting to hear him talk about how he learned to read and write through music and how he bec..."

Great comments--I wonder how we can make it safer to sing and dance, but still maintain our own identities in the classroom. Good for you for having rappers in your room! Ritual, rhythm, repetition, recitation, and relationships are all part of learning. Remind me to talk about this!