Past projects 2
The Ukulele Project - Expansion!
Funded Oct 21, 2019General music at Centre Ridge Elementary School has continued to grow for fifth and sixth grade students with the expansion of our ukulele unit. From the moment the instruments were presented in December, students have been excited to advance their playing skills with each music class. This year, each student is able to use their own personal instrument, allowing for individual attention from the teacher, as well as whole class instruction. Players are encouraged to go at their own pace, review materials from the previous class, and gain confidence in their individual reading and playing skills. By covering each of these areas, we are able to reach all types of student learners.
Learning a unique instrument, like the ukulele, provides a sense of accomplishment for many students who struggle with core subjects. The ukulele unit covers numerous objectives in our Fairfax County Music Program of Studies. This includes playing, reading music, performing, and understanding the inter-workings of instruments. Additionally, students have been taught how to appropriately care for these instruments, including how to hold it, transport it, and store it.
The introduction of new materials in the music classroom has provided opportunities to strengthen life skills such as responsibility, perseverance, teamwork, motivation, and leadership. In each fifth and sixth grade class, students are entrusted to pass out music, collect picks, and put instruments away neatly. These young musicians take pride in their instruments and are encouraged to respect property, respect others, and respect themselves.
In just one month, our fifth grade students have learned three ukulele chords, proper playing posture, and simple strumming techniques. The sixth grade students have built onto these ideas and are beginning to learn more advanced songs and strumming styles.
We are so grateful to all our donors! In these short weeks, we have seen tremendous growth in our student's confidence, leadership skills, and responsibility. It has created a positive learning environment for our students and we truly appreciate every donation. We cannot wait to see our ukulele unit grow and transform for years to come!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Carlin
The Ukulele Project
Funded Sep 5, 2018General music at Centre Ridge Elementary School has been transformed for its fifth and sixth grade students with the introduction of the ukulele. From the moment the instruments were presented in December, students have been excited to advance their playing skills with each music class. The instruments are shared among partners, allowing for whole class instruction, peer/group practice time, and individual attention from the teacher. Players are able to go at their own pace, review materials from the previous class, and gain confidence in their individual reading and playing skills. By covering each of these areas, we are able to reach all types of student learners.
These young musicians take pride in their instruments. This feeling of pride and responsibility also aligns with our school-wide Positivity Project. The students are reminded of these expectations which include, respecting property, respecting others, and respecting yourself.
Learning a unique instrument, like the ukulele, also provides a sense of accomplishment for many students who struggle with core subjects. In addition to the school's Positivity Project, the ukulele unit covers numerous objectives in the Fairfax County Music Program of Studies. This includes playing, reading music, performing, and understanding the inter-workings of instruments. Additionally, students have been taught how to appropriately care for these instruments, including how to hold it, transport it, and store it.
Finally, the introduction of new materials in the music classroom has provided opportunities to strengthen life skills such as responsibility, perseverance, teamwork, motivation, and leadership. In each fifth and sixth grade class, students are entrusted to pass out music, collect picks, and put instruments away neatly.
In just one month, the musicians have learned three chords, proper playing posture, and strumming techniques. After grading their peers with a guided rubric, each pair will perform for the teacher. Following the completion of their first song, Jingle Bells, the students will also have the opportunity to give peer input. The hope is that the students will learn to encourage each other, connect new ideas to their own playing, and develop peer relationships.
We are so grateful to all our donors! In these short weeks, we have seen tremendous growth in our student's confidence, leadership skills, and responsibility. It has created a positive learning environment for our students and we truly appreciate every donation. This is just the beginning and we cannot wait to see our ukulele unit grow and transform for years to come!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Carlin
This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 15 other donors.