Strum & Sing (6 Levels)
University Programs (GITC-UP)
The 2005-2007 GITC-UP pilot programs have been sponsored exculsively by the D'Addario Foundation for the Performing Arts
See the University Model Syllabus: GITC and Developmental Teacher Education at University of California, Berkeley (downloadable Word Document).
Blank Lesson Plan: This link is for an Integrated Music and Social Studies Lesson Plan (downloadable Word Document).
Reflections from Sara Rousseve, a GITC Student Teacher
Music in the Elementary Classroom 289CDevelopmental Teacher Education
Della Peretti, U.C. Berkeley
October 23, 2006
Field Placement: Berkeley Maynard Academy
First Grade
Journal #8
Leaving Berkeley Maynard was much harder than I had anticipated. When I was reflecting on my experience and growth for my journal last week, it became clear to me that I had grown more attached to these little first graders than I thought. For my last day, I decided to write a piggyback song to say good-bye since one of my favorite times with them was watching them sing while I played the guitar.
As I was writing the words the night before my last day, tears began to build up and I got extremely emotional. I thought to myself, "Maybe I shouldn't sing this song to them because I don't want to cry in front of them" but I did anyway and I am extremely grateful I did. I played to the tune of the song, "When the Saints Go Marching In" which requires a few chord changes. Obviously, I am still learning how to master rapid chord change and was a little slow in my transitions but the kids were very forgiving (as everyone has said) and they loved it. They asked if they could have a copy of the words to sing with Erica when I am gone.
I did end up crying while playing the song and some of them asked "Why are you crying Ms. R?" I explained why and they then asked questions about my new placement and if I was coming back. Eddie, the child who has resisted me the most, came up to me individually before I left, grabbed my hand, and said, "You're coming back, right?" My heart sank and I told him that I would come some time to visit.
To start the day, Fay and Olivia brought their class into to our class and we played and sang the "Good-Morning" song both in Spanish and English. We did a call and response with the classes and Fay and Erica led Fay's class and Olivia and I lead Erica's class. It was a great way to start the morning. Georgia's mom took pictures of all of us playing.
Erica also played a piggyback song for me and had the kids sing good-bye. I cried even more at that point and didn't know if I could keep my composure.
The class also made a book for me titled, "Ms. R is special" and they each painted a page and explained why they thought I was special. Erica read it aloud with the class. They wrote about the times I read aloud to them, when I helped them individually, and the times I played the guitar.
Brandon, whom I didn't work with that often, wrote the most detailed page and remembered everything I had done with the class. I was incredibly touched because I realized that I had done a lot more than I had thought. It was another reminder for me that as a teacher I have the opportunity to impact children's lives in more ways than I think. Here I was at the beginning and even middle of my placement thinking that I didn't really belong in a first grade classroom-but know I am not so sure that I should rule out first grade teaching altogether.
I want always to remember playing the guitar and seeing the joyful expressions on the faces of my first grade students.
View additional anonymous Journal Entries from Student Teachers Integrating GITC (downloadable Word Document)
Early Childhood Strum & Sing (6 Levels)
Strum and Sing training happens in regional programs that offer teachers free, weekly group music-making and guitar classes. The classes focus on the needs of elementary and middle school teachers but any teacher, administrator or school staff member is welcome to join.
Classes provide basic guitar and singing instruction in a relaxed manner, and much more. Participants learn fun approaches to sharing music with students, rhythm activities, games, lyric writing, creative movement, and techniques for leading children in song. Teachers develop ways to include music in core lessons across the curriculum, exploring group songwriting for learning and literacy.
Strum and Sing training is also available for early childhood educators and day care providers in our Early Childhood Model; We have also recently started offering these courses on college campuses with our new University Model. This class was launched as part of the developmental teacher education program at University of California, Berkeley. In January, 2007, any educator wishing to enroll in a Strum and Sing program for recertification units will be able to do so through the online extension program of California State University East Bay. For more information, please email us.
All GITC classes are free. GITC also provides all participants with valuable supplies and goodies, and loaner guitars when needed, too! Of course, donations are always appreciated and put to good use, but they are not required for participation.
Oaks & Acorns (Second graders and seniors sing)
Oaks and Acorns is GITC's new intergenerational musical exchange model. It brings together students in grade 2, parent volunteers, classroom teachers, and senior citizens. During fun, musical sessions, participants from three generations get acquainted, sing songs, share experiences, and play musical instruments together.
The program requires a commitment from the participating GITC classroom teacher and a center for elders to meet during the school year. One of the program's primary goals is to establish a foundation for a musical bond between a particular group of children, their teachers and their parents and the elders at one senior center in the same vicinity. The program aims to build a musical bond between the generations preserving musical traditions by passing them along to young children.