Baby It's Cold Outside!

 
Happy Halloween, Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year!  Life has been busy.  Blogging has taken a backseat, BUT creative productivity is definitely on the rise.  I've posted several new winter-themed print-and-go activities that I'll be using in my classroom over the next few weeks.   Maybe you'll enjoy them too.     To help my students review and recall treble lines and space, these winter notespeller worksheets provide a quick and easy assessment.                     I love giving my students bookmarks in holiday gift bags.  These valentine's day inspired treats have quotes about singing that are perfect for any young choir.          Some of my students needed a quick review of SML after Christmas break.  These hot cocoa cards were created to provide a way for us to play games and asses understanding while bringing in the winter theme.   

My classroom rhythm strips needed a major over-haul.  With winter on hand, I decided to act now and create some cards that could be used today.  Though posted individually in four levels, I've also bundled this pack for an easy print-and-go resource. 

   Here's hoping you have a great winter season.  Maybe you'll find something from The Bates Clef that is helpful to you and your students.  Until next time...  

Back-To-The-Future Sale & Giveaway

It's been quite a while since my last blog.  Needless to say, between school work and family extra-curriculars, I am dog tired and ready for my week-long Thanksgiving break.  One of my favorite school holiday activities is catching up on movies I've missed, or even reviewing old flicks from my younger days.   A group of dear friends, and I, were chatting and realized we all had a mutual love for all things Back to the Future!  Did you know that Marty did his travels on October 21, 2015?  Where are my flying cars and hoverboards?   We had such a chuckle talking about the differences in the BTF world and ours that we decided to come together to offer you 3 gift cards to TpT!  In addition, we have marked one item down to $1.21!  (for 1.21 gigawatts - go watch the movie!)

First, start here The Bates Clef and grab the letter at the top of my page - you will want to write it down!  Next,  click on the letter to go proceed through the participating stores. As you pick up letters along the way, follow us and check out the amazing things everyone has to offer!  Once you have the code, come back here and enter our secret message in the  Rafflecopter at the bottom of the page!  

Then, click here TpT to find all the amazing deals going on today only!  #BTFMUSIC

Good luck and thanks for all the support you give! a Rafflecopter giveaway
   

What's on Your Wall?

 Welcome to my 2015 - 2016 classroom.  This year, I'm decorating with a Star Wars theme!  The movie is set to be released in December, the stores are packed with characters, so why not ride that Star Wars train all the way to school?  I think the kids will respond well to the galaxy far, far away music room.  Come on in and take a look around.  I'd love to know what you think :)

 
 This is the hallway leading up to my music room and my music door.  I found these SW pics that were somewhat music related and added quotes to them.  I thought it was kind of cool.  You'll see some more on my classroom walls.

 Stepping just inside the door, I have behavior charts for 1st - 3rd grade classes.  Our school uses the PBIS system, so we've adopted the 3R's : Ready, Respectful, Responsible.  Classes earn up to 2 smiles per class depending on their overall behavior.  When each class fills their chart, they earn a "game day" or 20 minute "dance party!"
 
 The Character Counts wall never changes, except I added some stars this year.  Below the board is this year's "I Can..." statements.
 
  My desk area...notice the Music Jedi sign to the left :)

 One of my fave parts of the room...my black shelf with SW MUSIC banner.
 
 The ONLY time my desk will be clean until June.  I've gotten lots of positive response from my "binder cover" that I made into a calendar cover.


 Notes/Rest anchor charts.  My students are constantly referring to these.  I always leave them up and visible - even during assessments.  My motto is...look around the room and find your answers.

 Instruments are set up on the far side of the room.  Sometimes I arrange them perpendicular to the board as shown.  Other times, I set them up parallel to board.  It usually depends on my mood and what we're working on.

 When we study our composers, I call students over to the Composer Corner.  Until we begin our units, I'll keep this special composer disguised.  Something new this year...I decided to hang my hand drums.  I've got 8 or so up on the wall, and it looks cool:)
 Students in 4th - 6th grades will learn seven compositions and composers this year.  Displayed above the chalkboards are posters with each set.  These composers will also remained disguised until it's time to reveal. 

More anchor charts below the chalkboards for student use.  MUSIC letters are for 1st-3rd behavior charts.  Letters come down as needed to remind students of inappropriate classroom behaviors.
 
 
 When students line up to exit the room, I've got a few fun posters hanging here, plus our MUSIC Rules.  For the younger students, we chant "Bye Bye Butterfly" as they leave.  All students take advantage of the Attention Grabbers on the smaller poster.
 
 From my desk area, this is an overview of my room.  I'm fortunate to have a Promethean board where a lot of our "learning" time is done, and then we use every bit of our classroom space for application.
 
Thank you for touring my Star Wars music space this year.  If you decorated with Music Jedi products, I'd love to see how you incorporated them into your own classroom.  Please visit my Facebook page, The Bates Clef, to enter a raffle for a $10 credit to my store.  All you have to do is post some pics.  Easy as that!
The contest will end on Aug 31st.  Thanks for visiting:)


I've linked up with Mrs. King's Music Room for What's On Your Wall?  Click on the pic above to check out some other great looking classrooms!

School Days....Let's Do This!

Hello Friends!  If you're like me, you've been going CRAZY trying to ready your classroom for the students to begin a new year.  Hours of planning and prepping your "home away from home"  have finally become realized.  Click on the "My Classroom" tab above to grab a front seat tour of my Music Jedi room:)

Life has been hectic for the last week.  Have you experienced the same?  It's always hard to get back in the groove.  Between school business and helping my own with meet-the-teachers, schedule pick-ups, school shopping, and all, I'm ready for some consistency.  Just earlier this afternoon, the kids and I packed their backpacks with binders and a few supplies to get them through tomorrow.  Each of the three are going to a new "level" this year - high school, middle school, and intermediate school.  They're excited, but my feelings are mixed.  I'm happy about the new adventures, but it's bittersweet knowing that my oldest will have four more years before venturing out on his own path.  Through all the busyness, I'm going to try to soak in every minute I can.  You may not hear from me again until January because of marching band, football, softball, concerts, school activities, etc., but I'll check in occasionally.
I'm looking forward to seeing my school babes tomorrow.  The first week is always full of "get acquainted" and "review school procedures" lessons.  The following week will start the real class fun as we dive deep into all things music:)  I've got a few new things up my sleeve this year so you'll have to come back to see what's happening.
Lesson plans are calling me.  Kids are screaming their hungry.  Husband needs clean laundry.  I guess my time here is finished:) Best wishes to you on a new year!
 

Back to School Sale

 Hurray for sales!  I love this Back to School sale as much as I love shopping for school supplies.  It's in my blood :)  I'm excited to offer my whole store 20% off + another 8% with the code: BTS15.  That's some great savings to get a jump-start on your planning for this next year.  Take a look at some of the products offered on TpT at The Bates Clef.   For the younger students, Finger Plays in Music offers 6 songs/poems + simple movements, vocal exercises, activity sheets and more.  Because kindergarten is added to my schedule this year, I'll be starting with these as an introduction to music.  Click on the picture for the store link.

 One of my favorite activities to do as a review with 1st and 2nd is Football Frenzy!  The kids love playing with these sight reading cards.  We make a game out of it where I sing the melody and one person from each team tries to locate the correct card and take it back to their team without being tagged.  It's a football-tag kind of game in S-M or S-M-L.  So much fun!

  For the older students Cedar Swamp is the way to go.  Not only does the song get them singing, but also moving and playing on Orff instruments.  This is an all-time favorite for my 3rd-6th graders!  If you haven't checked this one out, it's definitely a must have:)    

Perfect for the sub-tub is a collection of BINGO games.  These come in Treble or Bass Clef, lines & spaces or note letter names.  This is pretty easy for a non-musical sub to come in and direct.  Most of the time a student is chosen to lead the activity.

  Do you have a room theme in mind?  I chose the Star Wars theme early on and can't wait to get everything up in my room.  If you've shopped at all in the stores, you couldn't walk five feet without bumping into something Star Wars: clothes, toys, food, etc.  The market is flooded with anticipation of the December release.  I think my students will really enjoy this year's theme.  If you're at a loss, check out this bundle. It has everything you'll need to start your room.  The bundle includes the seven products you see below + binder covers (not pictured.)  

  For these products and more, visit The Bates Clef on TpT.  Meanwhile, I'm off to make my wishlist for tomorrow.

TEXAS Size Link-up {Finger Plays In Music}

 Howdy y'all!  I'm joining in this Texas-Size link-up to bring a little love from the DFW area.  Though I typically discuss music products, I have a an #Idea for the general ed classroom too.  For the younger students, music is an integral part of their daily learning.  Why not incorporate some musical elements into their core curriculum? 

 Finger Plays in Music offers the opportunity for students to learn simple poetry while adding movements, learning about syllables/beat, practicing different sounds with their voices, and more.

Included in this file are 40+ pages with 6 songs/poems, movement instructions, and an activity sheet for each.  For more information and previews, go to Finger Plays In Music.  Follow The Bates Clef on Facebook and TpT for latest news and updates.  Share with a Music Teacher friend for music related products and more.

Enter the Rafflecopter for a chance to win Finger Plays in Music.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Getting To Know You Blog Hop

Have you ever followed a blog hop? I've done several on Facebook, but haven't really been involved with blogs.   Today, I've teamed up with some fellow music bloggers to collaborate and bring you music education ideas using a variety of methodologies and approaches. However, before diving into music education topics, we thought it would be fun to organize a blog hop!

What is the benefit of going on this blog hop?

#1. Getting to Know You

• We want a chance to get to know you! Understanding our current and past experiences helps us to form stronger professional learning communities, and we'd love for you to be a part of it!

#2. Giveaway (Now Closed.  Congrats to Lauren Danloe!)

• After you're finished with the hop, you can enter a giveaway for your chance to WIN a basket full of goodies. Simply leave a comment on this post with an answer to the highlighted question at the bottom. Do the same at each blog hop stop. When you reach the end of the blog hop, you'll be able to enter the giveaway for your chance to win! 
  

  
  
  All about Stacie...
   
  Where do I hang my hat?
  
  
  Over the past 20-something years, I have lived in several different locations along the southern region. Starting in the great state of TEXAS, from there I've resided in Georgia, Florida, and New Mexico.  Coming full circle, I've been back in Texas for four years, living just south of the DFW area. 
  
  
  So, what makes me experienced?
  
  
  My degree is a Bachelor of Music w/ K-12 certification.  Though my student teaching involved elementary, middle, and high school, I've only taught K-6.  This age group, especially the younger, falls nicely within my comfort zone since I enjoy being on the floor with the kids and making games out of lessons.  I have a school choir comprised of 4th-6th grade students who steal my heart.  A "choir class" is actually set-up within my schedule, so I see them every other day.  It's quite wonderful.   This year will be my 9th year of teaching.  Like some others, I started out teaching until children came along.  I was blessed to participate in the "stay-at-home-mom" club for 12 years.  These were the best days of my life and I was still able to be musically active through kids' choirs at church.  As my own children began school, I involved myself in subbing once or twice a week.  I enjoyed the flexibility of the job, and getting a peak into the general ed classes was fun.   When child #3 made her way to 2nd grade, I found my place, once again, in public music education. 
  
  
  What part of the teaching day makes me want to take my ball and run home?
  
  
  For me, the hardest part of the teaching day is the class right before lunch.  First of all, I usually "eat-on-the-drive" while traveling to school early in the morning.  Having a 1:00 lunch time is not ideal as I can feel the floor dropping out from below me as my blood-sugar takes a plunge.  Sometimes I'll grab a couple of crackers or a cheese stick in between classes to stave off the hunger, but often I don't have a minute to spare.  Secondly, I teach 6th grade before lunch (ugh.)  Don't get me wrong, I love my sixth graders (on most days), but when I'm hungry and they're moody, what is already a challenging grade for me, turns into a recipe for disaster.  Often times, the students are hungry too, since we have the same lunch schedule.  The focus level and desire to participate is far less than expected when everyone is distracted by the ongoing tummy rumbles.
  
  
  What is YOUR least favorite part of the teaching day?
  Comment with your answer, then click the pic below to continue on the blog hop!