3 Weeks Left...WHAT?!

Well, here we are. Almost done with the first semester of the 07-08 year!! I guess this is about the time where most of us are truly realizing how "on" or "off schedule" we've been all year. It seems like many new teachers, at this time of year, are either finding it difficult to keep students engaged because they've taught everything on the curriculum; or, they're wondering how they are going to cover two more units and tests in these last 2.5-3 weeks!! YIKES! Anyway, I hope that all of you have "hit your mark" with instructional timing this year and that your students are ready to ace your final exam! I know that my kids have been working up to this point ALL YEAR LONG! On Monday, my students will be "in session" for the rest of the year until finals. They are producing a commercially viable music recording and all students groups will receive 12 hours of studio time this year! (As opposed to last year's 8 total hours.) Needless to say, this is my, and my students' favorite time of year. Rock on y'all!

-Corey

6 Weeks Left!!

Wow, so there's only 6 weeks left in the semester! Seems like this year has gone faster than most of my previous years. My students will be starting their final performance exams soon, which is basically to write and record a commercially viable song. They can't wait and neither can I! The last two weeks we have been talking about, listening to, performing with and recording as many different instruments as we/I have access to; it's been fantastic. I am really seeing some true talent in my kids this year and I surely have the best drummer & one of the best guitarists that I've had yet (in 3.5 years!) I hope everyone does great in the coming weeks and has a great holiday.

Observation Around the Corner!

Well, at least it looks like most people are having great experiences with the observations. That's good news because I have mine this week....Tuesday! I am very excited for Jesse to see our recording studio and facilities...and the class 'in-action!' Our class will have had a test on the Monday prior to Jesse's visit so I had planned a session of critical listening drills and music appreciation as sort of a 'lighter' day. I usually will not start a new unit the day after a test. I hope that she enjoys the visit, as there is not a lot to see when the kids are in the headphones. But, we DO have good discussion in between listens, and especially when we discuss the music. I was considering changing the plan for the day but after speaking with Jesse at Saturday's class she made me feel better about the whole observation. So now, after reading some other blogs, I have much less stress about the whole thing! Twas good to see most of you in class Saturday, though I wish the rest of you were there as well! Everybody keep up the good work and take care. Crockett, out.

First Test!

Well, I just gave my students their first Unit test on Sound Physics. Hmmmm, probably no coincidence that this year's unit instruction was much more fun and exciting; I used many of my NTI lesson-plan activities! It has been great, and I had many more A's this year than in previous years (same test.) I had the kids write rap songs about each of the seven properties of sound waves and it was hilarious! I had fun, the kids had fun AND learned; even a counselor sat in and enjoyed! Many of my activities that had been in place for the last three years of my program have been revamped using NTI methods and this has helped immensely. I hope this year has gone well for everyone else as well and I look forward to seeing all of you in our next class meeting. Thanks again to Dr. Burns and Jesse!

Teacher MIA

Hello to all! Just wanted to drop you all a line to say "what's up" and sorry I missed everyone on the first day of Saturday NTI! I hope to see you at next one and I hope that everyone's first year is going smoothly!

-Corey Crockett