Classroom ukuleles would give my students an unforgettable opportunity to play, sing, and participate in something bigger than themselves. I saw so many of my students bring their ukuleles to our Zoom class during the pandemic, so I know that they would be extra motivated to learn in music class! Because the recorder cannot be played in class due to health and safety reasons, and a lot of instructional time would be wasted going outside, I am looking to make the Uke the new ‘main’ instrument, as it has So many benefits:
*Playing the ukulele has many Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) benefits. This motivating, joyful-sounding instrument can improve brain function, focus, and mental clarity, increase fine and gross motor skills, even whole-body/kinesthetic movement, and lower stress levels because it involves social interaction, a sense of achievement, and improved reading comprehension;
*The ukulele can inspire students to play an instrument outside of class because it's FUN and EASY!!! Students have 4 simple to learn (and master) notes immediately upon picking up the instrument; it gives IMMEDIATE Learner Confidence;
*These 4 strings/notes can create literally hundreds (thousands?) of ‘songs;
*Students can combine melodic, harmonic and chordal playing, and singing – all at the same time;
*The Ukulele is TUNEABLE – which motivates students to not only learn pitch, but RELATIVE pitch (if they want an in-tune instrument) – in turn improving in-tune singing skills;
*Music and Literacy (an Arts Integration goal) can really combine to create contextual learning opportunities across subject areas.
About my class
Classroom ukuleles would give my students an unforgettable opportunity to play, sing, and participate in something bigger than themselves. I saw so many of my students bring their ukuleles to our Zoom class during the pandemic, so I know that they would be extra motivated to learn in music class! Because the recorder cannot be played in class due to health and safety reasons, and a lot of instructional time would be wasted going outside, I am looking to make the Uke the new ‘main’ instrument, as it has So many benefits:
*Playing the ukulele has many Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) benefits. This motivating, joyful-sounding instrument can improve brain function, focus, and mental clarity, increase fine and gross motor skills, even whole-body/kinesthetic movement, and lower stress levels because it involves social interaction, a sense of achievement, and improved reading comprehension;
*The ukulele can inspire students to play an instrument outside of class because it's FUN and EASY!!! Students have 4 simple to learn (and master) notes immediately upon picking up the instrument; it gives IMMEDIATE Learner Confidence;
*These 4 strings/notes can create literally hundreds (thousands?) of ‘songs;
*Students can combine melodic, harmonic and chordal playing, and singing – all at the same time;
*The Ukulele is TUNEABLE – which motivates students to not only learn pitch, but RELATIVE pitch (if they want an in-tune instrument) – in turn improving in-tune singing skills;
*Music and Literacy (an Arts Integration goal) can really combine to create contextual learning opportunities across subject areas.
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