CAS and Internship Week 3

Yesterday was my third week of my internship! The kids were great and excited because this week was the week they got to take their instruments home! I was so happy that they were so happy to take them home because I worked really hard to get the instruments. Over the summer, I raised over $2500 to get the instruments and equipment for the kids and now, seeing them so happy to take the guitars and ukuleles home feels so rewarding. This to me relates most to learning outcome number six, engaging with issues of global importance. Without Hope Stone, these kids wouldn't have any arts education at school and arts education is just as important for a child as math or science. I'm glad the kids are so happy to have music in their lives and Im glad I get to share my passion for music with these kids

CAS and Internship Week 2

This past Wednesday was the sequins week of my internship for the year. The kids came to class this week prepared and excited to learn. Rachel and I had a pretty well thought out lesson plan for the week, but had to learn to be adaptable because you never know how kids are going to feel that day or want to do. The guitar students wanted to have in impromptu jam session and wanted to talk about songwriting. When they came in the classroom, all of the ukuleles form the last class were still out of their cases and scattered throughout the room. Rachel and I have to work together and collaborate to make sure everything runs smoothly and the class is still organized and engaging fir the kids. So while Rachel jammed out with the kids and taught them about writing songs and played some of her original songs, I had time to put all of the ukuleles away and in the closet and get out all of the guitars and put them on stands to prepare for the kids to use them. This connects with learning outcome 4, working collaboratively with others. Rachel and I work together to create a smooth, engaging and fun class for the kids, so they can grow to their fullest potential.

CAS and Internship Week 1

Last week was the first day of my internship for the year.  I help teach ukulele to 4th graders and Guitar to 5th graders at Browning Elementary School, through Hope Stone Inc, a local arts outreach program. For the past two years, I've taught creative movement and theatre, but this year I'm spearheading the new music classes with my old music teacher, Rachel Hansbro.

Last month, I raised 2500 dollars for Hope Stone to get the guitars, ukuleles and the rest of the equipment for these classes. The first day went pretty well overall. The kids were very engaged and happy to be there. It was a big challenge for me because I've been playing music for years, but I have never taught music on this scale. It is difficult creating a blank slate and putting yourself in the shoes of a child who has never picked up an instrument before and starting at square one, which connects to learning outcome 2, undertake new challenges.

Overall, the first day went well and I learned as I went. I have to learn to be adaptable and be accommodating to the needs of the children. I think this will be a great year of new challenges, learning new skills and hopefully inspiring kids to learn to play music.