This week, my 3rd-5th grade classes have been utilizing our new keyboards. Moving beyond simply exploring. Recently, we had a lesson about line notes and space notes. Learning to recognize the differences on the staff and identify by letter names.
Every Good Boy Does Fine. F-A-C-E face.
After a brief review, I explained how to find those same notes on the keyboard. Students were divided into three groups, rotating between three activities. One was playing the notes on the keyboard.
Fifth graders can be a challenging group. Wanting so badly to grow up, yet still kids in so many ways. Acting tough, not knowing when to stop, etc. So, I wasn’t sure what to expect from them with this lesson plan.
Halfway through today’s class, I hear, Mrs. Morris! Come listen to this! Not only had this student found the line and space notes, but he had also created a rhythmic pattern and was playing it over and over.
When it was time to alternate, I could see he was not ready to move on. He got the staff paper for the next activity but headed back to a keyboard. He wanted to write down what he played! I told him to keep working on it.
I have tried to connect with this student. There always seemed to be a new wall going up. Maybe this was a start.
Class ended. Students left. Then my art teacher friend came in for lunch. Apparently, as the kids passed her in the hall, this friend waved his paper toward her. Hey! Mrs. Pordash! I really like music now! ❤️
Could this day get any better?
Tonight, were parent/teacher conferences. Guess who stopped by the music room to show his mom what he did today? Here was my chance. As he stood at the piano, I said-You made my day today. You probably didn’t realize that. But I need you to know that you made my day!
Yes, I got a little teary-eyed. But, oh my! A lightbulb turned on for him and brightened my day in the process!
Piano Girl 
How wonderful for the student, parent and you. What a beautiful moment of alignment for you! Living your purpose…your joy! ❤️🎶
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A much-needed reminder! So sweet! ☺️
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Days like this (rare but any day could materialize as such …) are what keep teachers teaching!
This is a beautiful story – nice timing for the parent-teacher event to follow on heels of the student-teacher connection. Also want to nod to your intuition re dividing into thirds and flexibility letting the new enthusiast go write down what he’d just done!
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Thank you, Jazz. Definitely needed the encouragement this week. ☺️
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Isn’t it amazing what you can see when a light goes on!!! Everyone sees clearer! Tender and touching story.
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It is! Thank you, Mary.
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And you’ll be even more teary-eyed, and smiling far more broadly soon enough, as he crosses the stage to receive his Grammy Award for Songwriter Of The Year.
Bask, K.M.
You deserve.
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Thanks, Ron. ☺️
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💗
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And that’s why you do what you do…and you’re leaving a legacy, Kelley. Seeing a lightbulb come on is so amazing! And even more than that–you may have just instilled a love that will last a lifetime. This made me teary-eyed, too. God bless you, Kelley! 🎵❤
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Thank you, Karla! I was teary-eyed several times yesterday. And again this morning! 😉❤️
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You’re so welcome! I understand! ❤🤗
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