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THE FISH PHILOSOPHY |
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The Administrative Team stategically selects a theme for the school year. This year, as teacher's were welcomed back, we were introduced to "The Fish! Philosophy". You are welcome to learn more about it at www.fishphilosophy.com, however, I will try to offer a brief explanation. There are four main areas: PLAY, MAKE THEIR DAY, BE THERE, and CHOOSE YOUR ATTITUDE. On this page, I'll keep you posted on what our orchestra students are doing as we "dive into music" and learn in new and creative ways. |
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PLAY |
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We are having FUN! If you've had the opportunity to visit our classroom, you have noticed that we are really taking to heart the FISH! theme and going for it. Every Friday is "Fish Friday". The students never know what's going to happen so they need to be prepared. I've used Fish Friday as a way for all students to participate in reviewing for a written test, I have FISH flashcards so that as I call a specific "fish-type" the student(s) must play a particular scale or other musical activity - exercise, define, identify, etc., we have a FISH for each of the classes. The students have selected names and each Friday, a student has the fish for the day - that's not all! The fish also comes with a "diary". The student with the fish on Fish Friday writes about what has been learned during the course of the week/or what was done on a particular day - it is proving to be very interesting! Most music students are not used to writing about their experiences - this is a FUN way for the students to do so! |
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MAKE THEIR DAY |
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It is my hope that every student who enters the orchestra classroom feels welcome, safe and significant to the whole group. Students are greeted every day with a smile, a greeting, a short conversation, etc. This is not only a great way to start our day together but it also
gives me an opportunity to let the students know that this day,
today, is a new one and we are going to move on....it helps me
connect with them. It's my hope that our orchestra students
"just can't wait" for our next class together! |
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BE THERE |
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The orchestra student needs to know that I am here to help. I am here
for after school assistance, special events, and rehearsals as we prepare for special programs throughout the year. One of the neatest things for me to hear are the words "thank you" - I know that the student was appreciative of my "being there" for him or her. The students also know that if they ask for clarification/understanding of an explanation/assignment/etc.,
they will get an answer - sometimes they know it and I just guide them
through. It is my hope that they all feel that they
are heard and are contributing members to the class. |
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CHOOSE YOUR ATTITUDE |
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This can be a tough one! I call tell you that there are days when it seems no one is in a good mood. I have chosen to be happy and positive for my students - I let them know that I understand how they may feel and how, at times, I may feel but that I have a choice.....I choose to be grumpy and mean to everyone around me or I can choose to let the past be behind me and move forward. I make the choice, despite how I may feel or what may have happened at home first thing in the morning, to make the orchestra classroom an environment that foster's team spirit, fun and excitement. Students know that they can come into an environment in the orchestra class where there is encouragement from the teacher and the other students. |
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Fostering Individual Success Happens |
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IN ORCHESTRA
At Salem Middle School |
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