wisconsin advocates for music education (WAME) Patience is a Virtue!
We all get excited about a new idea or plan to enrich the learning of our students. I say, “Take it slow and easy.” I’ve considered myself to be patient and able to accept slow changes. Well, the educational system puts a new meaning into “slow changes.” On several occasions I presented an idea, then came, “Complete this form and if we have budget money left we might be able to implement your idea.” Key words, if we have budget money we might be able to do this. In my school district, budget allocations are completed during the second semester of the previous year. Think of your school district as a business. Forms don’t get approved instantly! Be patient and wait. There are multiple offices who will look over your form, approve/deny it, and then, you can get on with your creative idea and teaching. It’s hard for me to remember this but as the saying goes, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” Wow, I never really understood that old adage could be so pertinent to my teaching.
Make it Fun and Exciting
You know it; if you are excited about your teaching, your students will be excited as well. Hmm, teaching the same lessons three days in a row could give a rise to boredom. What keeps me excited to teach is to remember – though it may be the third time teaching the same lesson; it is the first time for that class. Excitement and fun can go a long way. Sometimes simply making my voice sound excited can produce excitement in my kindergarteners. I could say, “We are going to take a quiz today and have tons of homework tonight,” with great joy and laughter and my kindergarteners will be ready for me to bring it on! Even the most mundane tasks can be fun and exciting – with the right attitude… I think Mary Poppins said that too! One word of caution when dealing with K-3 graders, they go out of control easily, so curb the daily excitement and use it in measured doses.
Like Bruce Hering, I’ve enjoyed writing this article. This reflection on these past six months have pointed out to me just how much I’ve learned in a short amount of time. It’s mostly common sense, but some days we need to be reminded of a common sense approach when dealing with music classes and the educational system. I hope it helps you! Stay excited, don’t be afraid to ask for help, do your best! Remember, this is just the beginning. May we all have a long, wild and exhilarating career!
From one newbie to another, Justin Kamp
Justin Kamp is a general music teacher for the School District of Milton and Wisconsin Music Advocates for Music Education committee member. Email:
kampj@milton.k12.wi.us
Wisconsin School Musician
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