Literacy in the Music Classroom. Music Vs. Common Core

"Literacy in the classroom..." the buzz phrase of the 21st century school. When I'm teaching I don't always make a conscious effort to insert a "literacy portion" because it so often naturally integrates itself. And yet I find that I constantly have to defend the music cause- it's music class not guided reading. I fully understand the necessity for cross-curricular teaching and learning, but at what cost? I have been struggling with this battle since I started teaching two and a half years ago, there has to be a way to teach music- truly teach music and completely satisfy the state requirements for public education. I am a avid believer in the public school system. I think public school is a beautiful, wonderful, and amazing thing. I admire the work teachers do, the time, the energy, and it truly is an under-appreciated job. It's tiring, it's trying, it's frustrating, but it's also incredibly satisfying to see tangible growth and it keeps my heart warm to be around learning children all day. So here in lies the problem, I want to support the classroom teachers, but more importantly I want my students to leave music class feeling more accomplished in music (the subject in which I teach.)

I've been wrestling with this common core curriculum not because I don't think it's a phenomenal idea to have all schools on the same page, but because it's pushing me out. You see, the struggle is simple: Does public education want the arts to be taught anymore or not? If the answer is yes, then please, allow us to do so.. If the answer is no, then prepare yourselves for another Dark Ages. Music, art, dance, expression, movement, it's in our human make-up. We are created to express something. I promise you, Common Core People, that you're curriculum will be more successful if you allow us to teach.

After one rants, one should always follow up with, here is what I'm going to do about it. I have been pouring through the curriculum in the hopes of putting together performances that revolve around cultural and literacy connections. This blog is going to take a bit of a turn. My posts will consist of lesson ideas and ways maintain the integrity of the music classroom while also following the state expectations; Knowing when to fight and when to accept, what works and what doesn't. I would love your ideas, especially teachers who are going through the same struggle, I would love to hear some things your doing that are in line with the common core :) I have the privilege of working in a school that is very supportive of the arts and students that have an aching and a yearning for music and dance. I consider it a gift and do not say that lightly.

The other new focus for this blog is teaching harmony. My kids (K-5) have never sung in anything more than unison. I am determined to get my fifth graders at a 3 part level by the end of the year and K-4 singing two part harmony. I am going to track my progression on the blog as a resource for any of you teachers out there that might be on the same path. Again, tips that have worked for you, I'd love to hear!