105: Sasha Stone - A New Gameplan with 5th Grade - Chaotic Harmony Podcast
Feb 10, 2025
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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.
The podcast highlights the importance of adapting teaching methods to address fluctuating classroom behavior and student engagement.
Utilizing digital tools like AI songwriting applications can significantly enhance creativity and collaboration among students in music education.
The journey of professional growth for educators often requires embracing mistakes and experimenting with new strategies for effective teaching.
Deep dives
Navigating Classroom Challenges
Teaching music in the elementary classroom presents unique challenges, especially when dealing with classroom management and student engagement. The hosts discuss the specific difficulties they encountered at the mid-year point, particularly with fifth graders who were previously familiar and comfortable with the teacher. As classroom behavior began to deteriorate, they noted that students displayed inconsideration for one another and struggled with managing the musical instruments, creating a challenging atmosphere for both teaching and learning. This led to the realization that adapting to these behavioral shifts was necessary to maintain a productive learning environment.
Adapting Musical Approaches
Initially, the teacher employed traditional Orff-inspired methods that incorporated many activities and improvisation to engage students. However, a noticeable disconnect arose when students showed a lack of interest in the planned rock band-style music lessons intended to boost enthusiasm and skills. This situation exemplified the importance of being responsive to students' needs and interests, as the attempted changes in curriculum did not resonate with the students, leaving both the teacher and pupils feeling disillusioned. Recognizing the need for a shift in strategy was crucial to reigniting enthusiasm in the classroom.
Embracing Technology in Music Education
Inspired by an encouraging conversation with an education coordinator, the teacher decided to explore innovative digital tools to enhance the music learning experience. They began implementing an AI songwriting application called Suno, which facilitates collaboration and creativity among students in writing their own songs. This approach not only reignited students' excitement for learning music but also encouraged essential skills such as teamwork and communication. By leveraging technology, the teacher found a way to create a more dynamic curriculum that resonated with students while maintaining the foundational elements of music education.
The Power of Collaboration and Choice
Through the introduction of the songwriting unit, students were given the autonomy to express their ideas and collaborate in small groups, leading to an observable increase in engagement. The students thrived on being part of the creative process, exploring themes that resonated with them, such as songs about fish and potatoes. This emphasis on student choice not only enhanced their learning experience but also fostered a sense of community as they encouraged and supported one another during the creative process. Ultimately, the shift towards collaboration helped build a more positive classroom environment and improved behaviors significantly.
The Journey of Professional Growth
The teacher reflected on their journey through adapting to new teaching methods, emphasizing that professional growth often involves stepping outside one's comfort zone. Embracing mistakes and experimenting with new strategies has become a central theme, fostering an understanding that learning, whether for students or teachers, is inherently messy. The experience highlighted the importance of maintaining a learner's mindset, allowing both teachers and students to navigate challenges together. As the school year progressed, the teacher saw that their willingness to experiment was not only transforming their own practice but also positively impacting their students' learning journey.
The YouTube Queen is back! Sasha Stone shares her struggles this year with 5th grade and how she was encouraged by her admin to go off script to do some cool stuff. Is it successful? You'll have to see.
Don't forget to cast your vote on the Video Game For the Music Class Fantasy Draft (ends March 10 2025): forms.gle/JAvXwWowhPiSFRjJ9
Our Social Media: @CHClassroom
Find Us on Instagram and YouTube.
Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/CHClassroom
Jonathan Seligman: @mrSeligman
Sasha Stone: @theramblingstone
Crystal Pridmore: @mrs.pridmore
Marc Keehmer: @marcwithuh_c
Email: chaoticharmonyclassroom@gmail.com
Books featured:
The Proudest Blue - Ibtihaj Muhammad & S.K. Ali
Where Are You From? - Yamile Saied Mendez & Jaime Kim
I Want My Hat Back - Jon Klassen
Unicorns Love Ice Cream - Ben Okon & Komal Sharma
The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet! - Carmen Agra Deedy & Eugene Yelchin
Born on the Water - Nikole Hannah-Jones & Renee Watson
Arthur and the Cootie Catcher - Marc Brown
Crystal Pridmore is a co-host of Chaotic Harmony Classroom. To see more of what she is doing, visit Crystal Pridmore's home page at www.crystalpridmore.com
Jonathan Seligman is a co-host of Chaotic Harmony. To see his happenings and all he's doing, go check his website at www.jonseligman.com
Bryan Pridmore is a financial advisor at Mission Trails Financial.
Mission Trails Financial provides awareness, education, and implementation for individuals and businesses looking to navigate their financial pathways.
As a Fiduciary, the financial advisor is required to act within the best interest of the client.
Please set up an appointment by calling (619) 419-0238 or by visiting missiontrailsfinancial.com
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