Sigma Alpha Iota

PAN PIPES Winter 2020 21 SAI PHILANTHROPIES, INC. for specific subjects, that teach with specific or unique methods. Aside from these methods, the children learn rules and hierarchy from their teachers. Depending on how the school is run, it is important that we fit into their expectations of educational practice. If only specific teaching methods are used, we should adhere to these methods to avoid confusing the children. In addition to these points, it is also helpful to know what classes are taught at the school. Do they offer religion classes? If so, incorporating religious songs would be more than appropriate (it could also be expected). It would also be beneficial to know the entire array of courses/ subjects taught at this school, so that you would be able to integrate these topics into your music lessons. As she continued, she spoke about really getting to know the setup of the kitas where you are working. Are there special rooms dedicated to just cooking, just acting, or building? Many kitas have rooms completely dedicated to one activity. She said to make sure that if you are an outsider coming in new for a music hour, to make sure to respect these rooms and if possible, to integrate the meaning of the room into your lesson plan. Greiner told us that she used to write lesson plans at the beginning, but now follows a "basic structure", and goes with the flow. I have experienced this myself, where it is hard to force something if the kids are going in another direction. Greiner also mentioned she used to carry too many big bags around and eventually decided to ask to borrow things from each kita. Sometimes she borrows them just at the school, or takes it with her and uses that object for her classes that whole week We were also given the idea to think outside the box when it comes to the location of our classes. Greiner recommended museums, instrument repair shops, and art galleries, just to name a few. ink of how the location and surroundings could be incorporated into the lesson so that the children have a good concept of why we are learning a concept in a specific place. e last part of her presentation was about themes in kitas as a music teacher. ese themes included singing, instrument playing, movement and dance, critical thinking and symbolism, and perceiving the experience. She asked us as music educators to make sure that the students think about what they are doing and why they are doing it. It is too common that the children just do things and copy us without reflecting why. Oen times they do not understand why they are learning something, or what is it that is important in the lesson. Greiner also stated that we need to take what we do seriously, and in doing so, the children will follow. Setting a good example is of utmost importance. At the end of the session, she also passed around her favorite "bible" of music education, Musikalische Bildung von Anfang an: Perspektiven aus Entwicklungspsychologe und Pädagogik (Musical Education from the beginning: perspectives of developmental psychology and pedagogy) by Michael Dartsch. e book was completely in German and I have yet to find an English translation. Takers? Do we have any sisters who dabble in German-English translation? Being awarded this SAI Philanthropies Professional Development Grant to attend this conference was a blessing and I am so fortunate to have been surrounded by such inspirational music teachers at this conference. I hope that this article can inspire some new ideas and offer some insight into the German school system for young children. What I love about being music and language teacher is the unlimited possibilities awarded when you keep an open mind and continue to pursue further educational opportunities (not only for your students but also for yourself ). Jaclyn Perez was Editor of the Delta Gamma chapter at the University of Florida between 2007-2011. She has two degrees in French horn performance, a minor and teaching certificate in English, and a postgraduate degree in chamber music from the University of Music in Karlsruhe (Germany). She teaches English and music in Germany. For more information, visit www.musikschulen.de The Berlin Congress Center

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