105: Sasha Stone - A New Gameplan with 5th Grade - Chaotic Harmony Podcast

36 snips

Feb 10, 2025

Sasha Stone, a passionate elementary music teacher and YouTube content creator, shares her recent journey with 5th graders. She discusses embracing creativity in the classroom by breaking traditional methods and utilizing rock music to engage her students. Sasha also explores the integration of AI technology like Suno to enhance music education and foster collaboration. The conversation touches on the playful strategy of embracing cringe to connect with students, highlighting the importance of adaptability and community support in education.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

ANECDOTE

Initial Teaching Approach

Sasha Stone initially used an Orff-Schulwerk approach with her fifth graders, focusing on movement and improvisation.
However, she noticed a decline in student behavior and engagement around October.

ANECDOTE

Rock Band Experiment

Stone shifted to a rock band style in October, incorporating bucket drumming and ukulele.
However, this approach also failed to engage students, leading to further classroom management challenges.

ADVICE

Go Off Script

If traditional methods fail, try something completely different.
Stone's VAP coordinator encouraged her to "go off script" and explore new teaching strategies.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

Where Are You?

Harold Adamson

Jimmy McHugh

This song, 'Where Are You?', is a composition by Jimmy McHugh with lyrics provided by Harold Adamson. It is available in various sheet music formats, including arrangements for piano, vocal, and guitar.

The Proudest Blue

A Story of Sisterhood

Ibtihaj Muhammad & S.K. Ali

The Proudest Blue is a children's book that tells the story of a young girl's pride in her sister who is a fencer and wears a hijab. The book explores themes of family, identity, and cultural pride. It is beautifully illustrated and written in a way that is accessible to young readers. The story is heartwarming and celebrates the strength and beauty of Muslim women. It is a powerful message of acceptance and understanding. The book has received critical acclaim and has been praised for its positive representation of Muslim women.

Unicorns Love Ice Cream

null

Ben Okon & Komal Sharma

Unicorns Love Ice Cream is a playful and colorful children's book that celebrates the joy of ice cream and the magic of unicorns. The book features vibrant illustrations and a simple, rhyming text that is perfect for young readers. The story is lighthearted and fun, and it is sure to delight children of all ages. The book's message of joy and acceptance is heartwarming and inspiring. It is a great choice for bedtime reading or for sharing with young children. The book's whimsical illustrations and catchy rhymes make it a memorable read.

The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet!

El Gallo Que No Se Callaba

Carmen Agra Deedy & Eugene Yelchin

The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet! is a bilingual children's book that tells the story of a rooster who refuses to be silenced. The book is a celebration of cultural heritage and the power of storytelling. It is beautifully illustrated and written in a way that is both engaging and informative. The story is inspiring and empowering, and it is sure to resonate with readers of all ages. The book's message of perseverance and self-expression is both timely and timeless. It is a valuable resource for educators and parents alike. The book's vibrant illustrations and engaging story make it a memorable read.

Arthur and the Cootie Catcher

Marcia Brown

Arthur and the Cootie Catcher is part of the popular Arthur series of children's books. The story follows Arthur and his friends as they learn about games and friendship. Marc Brown's signature style of illustration is present, making the book visually appealing to young readers. The book explores themes of friendship, problem-solving, and the joys of childhood. It's a lighthearted and engaging read that resonates with children who enjoy the Arthur series. The book is a great addition to any collection of children's literature.

Born on the Water

null

Nikole Hannah-Jones & Renee Watson

Born on the Water is a children's book that tells the story of the Gullah Geechee people, who are descendants of enslaved Africans who lived on the Sea Islands off the coast of South Carolina and Georgia. The book is a celebration of their resilience and cultural heritage. It is beautifully illustrated and written in a way that is both engaging and informative. The story is inspiring and empowering, and it is sure to resonate with readers of all ages. The book's message of hope and perseverance is both timely and timeless. It is a valuable resource for educators and parents alike. The book's vibrant illustrations and engaging story make it a memorable read.

I Want My Hat Back

Jon Klassen

In 'I Want My Hat Back', a bear searches for his missing hat by asking various animals in the forest if they have seen it. The story unfolds with the bear's polite inquiries and the animals' negative responses, until he realizes the hat's location and takes drastic action. The book is notable for its understated humor, visual wit, and a dark ending that has sparked discussion about its appropriateness for children. It achieved significant commercial success and received several awards, including the Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book and being named a New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book of the Year.