Connections in Lesson Plans

I've been writing connections in my lesson plans. In the spring I intend to focus more on this goal.

I've been making an effort to use common core language throughout my discussions with students and instruction. I think using this language is a good foundational start to helping students make cross connections between big ideas they are learning in the classroom and what they are learning/doing in encore. 

Professional Reading

It seems as though many of the journal articles I've been reading lately have some sort of articles on 'how music connects to the common core.' It's definitely a hot topic right now! Everyone seems to agree that music should not be frightened by integrating with the common core, but to embrace it. Much of the capacities and standards tie easily with what music teachers already do, but its just a matter of being more aware of it and how to make it a stronger concept for kids.

Best Practices in the Arts

The encore team collaborated to create kid friendly versions of the math practices, stem practices, capacities of a literate individual to make them more accessible to our content. We still used key content vocabulary from the practices. 

Common Core Reflections/Assessments

Assessment I used with 4th grade at the end of the rhythm unit: 
5th Grade My Big Campus Discussion follow up to composition project: 

1. How or when did you persevere in your composition project?
2. How did your own self-assessment or your partner's critique help you to improve your work? 
3. How was precision an important part of this assignment?