93- Keep teaching music… yes even online

In this episode, I'll talk about how you can and will keep teaching music, yes... even if it's online. 

• Just like when you were a new music teacher, you took things one day and one week at a time, until you eventually found your groove.  The same can apply for teaching remotely.  This isn't going to be easy and just something that comes 
• Also.. just like when you're in the classroom, don’t compare what you’re doing with your students to anyone else because your expectations put on you, your teaching style, and what your students need are all different than any other music teacher.
• Remember to just encourage your kids to engage in active music making- my kids enjoy just dancing, singing familiar songs, and doing movement or body percussion activities
• Right now is the perfect way for kids to make music with their families.  So often they’re already singing the songs you’ve done with them or teaching a music game or dance they’ve learned, so that won’t change.
• Nothing replaces you- yes, there are so many technology options out there and so much advice being thrown around, but nothing will replace you as a teacher. You can still communicate (even if by just posting on your class website or PTA page) different ways students can make music together and remind them how to do it.
• Know that parents and kids are trying to find a new routine right now.  So many parents were sent home work to do with their kids (speaking from experience here) while juggling working full time as well.  Music still matters, but there won’t be as much time to make music as you had to do with the kids at school.
• Let go of expectations you’ve put on yourself. I think so often we’re overachievers as music educators and that’s a good thing.  You’d rather have more planned than not enough.  Just like I talk to you about keeping it simple in your classroom and not trying to get through all the things, the same applies with teaching remotely.  
• You’ll see so much out there that you could do with your kiddos, but it doesn’t mean you have to or even need to.  It’s still your classroom, even if it’s virtual, so the systems and processes for teaching you have put in place is completely up to you.
• Take time to just breathe.  It’s ok to not teach all day every day like you’ve been used to doing.  

Links mentioned in this episode include:

"Learn Music with Mrs. Jessica" music lesson bundle

"How To Teach Elementary Music Remotely- Ultimate Resource Round Up"

"6 Ways to Make Lesson Planning Easy for Music Teachers" blog post

Music Teacher COVID-19 chat replay

"How to Parent and Work From Home" blog post