Reflection Journal # 2

Edith Pacheco
Music 373
Reflection Journal#: 2 (Date: 09/19~10/12)


o In this unit, we learned how to create an effective lesson plan using musical and non-musical concepts and skills. We also covered a chapter on the musical interest levels of children by age. We learned how to use the recorder by learning the musical notes A, B, C, G, and D.

o For the lesson plan we were given a format to follow, Professor Wang walked us through correct ways to formulate a lesson plan. She provided us with very explicit details and explained to us how to incorporate musical and non-musical concept and skills. She gave us examples that she used in her teachings with us. She explained to us that when she taught us about steady beat this was an example of a musical concept and when we sang songs with our name this was a non-musical concept. It was a way to break the ice and learn our names. Chapter 4 also helped in preparation for our lesson plan. This chapter was about the children’s music interest based on age. In choosing a song to teach I was able to reference this chapter to ensure my song was appropriate to the grade level I was looking to teach.

For the teaching of our lesson plan the class was broken up in to small groups. Within our groups we taught the lesson plan we created to our peers. We were recorded when teaching and had the opportunity to evaluate ourselves as well as two other peers. This part of the lesson plan seemed intimidating but it was a lot of fun and my group was encouraging and easy to work with.

For the recorder we were introduced to the first basic notes B, A, G and later on we were introduced to C and D. We practiced the first musical notes during class to get familiar and comfortable with the recorder. The second session with the recorder we were actually playing a tune and had the opportunity to create our on song. We practiced playing our song and this helped with the recognition of the musical notes.

o It was important for me to learn these things because when I enter the teaching arena I will be working with students of all ages. It is important to know what is appropriate depending on age level and what expectations to have. It is important to know the readiness level of students and identify who may need some extra support. It was also important to see the recording of when I taught my lesson plan to know what I have to improve for next time. I can better prepare for the next teaching by making sure I speak loud enough, ensure that I maintain enthusiastic and confident. In evaluating other peers I was able to get ideas for the next time I teach or things I can do with out. As for the playing the recorder, I did not play it during my time in elementary school. I have noticed that the majority of my peers have learned to play it, which tell me that this is something I may be teaching my class. Also, I think that if I happen to work in a school with limited resources the recorder is a pretty inexpensive music instrument to purchase and a good resource to enrich the students with music concepts.


o It is important for the children in elementary school to learn songs appropriate to their age because music can be integrated in any subject. Knowing the interests of school age children at all levels can help the teacher pick out songs that children will engage in. It is important for students to learn how to play the recorder because this gives them an opportunity to explore their musical ability. If a child does very well with this instrument the child can become inclined to further their music ability and learn to play other instruments. The opportunity for students to play an instrument opens many doors, such as a scholarship opportunity for college, keeping students occupied in the later elementary years instead of them getting in to trouble, and joining band choir where friendships and commitment can be established.