During the music class observations taken place at Tillicum Elemntary school, I was able to gain a lot of valuable information to take onto my future class as a teacher.

There was different content and skills  we witnessed such as exploring the elements, materials, movements, and techniques of music (clapping along to songs, dancing, playing discussing instruments, practicing beat/rhythm, brief introductions to music symbols). It also incuded exploring artistic expression through creative processes (dancing to songs, making music using their bodies)

As for the pedagogical strategies for each class the teacher usually demonstrated the activity alone first, then do the activity and have the students repeat it after, then do the activity with the students, and occasionally have the students do the activity alone (Gradual Release of Responsibility). The students would also always sit in a circle on the carpet where they can all face the teacher and each other

With regard to adaptations made by the music teacher, one student has some behaviour issues (ie. is known to run out of class and hide – although this has yet to happen during music class, has a hard time paying attention/staying engaged, has a hard time keeping their hands to themselves – always wants to sit on your lap, wants hugs, kisses people on the cheek. While another student has some sort of learning/development delay (possibly autism), has a difficult time paying attention, has a difficult time waiting their turn, gets fixated on certain things – like a specific spot they want to sit on but weren’t assigned, has an abnormally difficult time resisting using the instruments before instructed to do so, has a difficult time keeping on beat with the song/teacher when playing an instrument, is always in a great mood though!

Overall this teacher that my teacher partner Emma and I observed seems to have created a very positive, engaging, classroom environment with fun and educational lesson plans