Is music the universal language?

Has music ever moved you?  Have you ever thought about the brain connections between music and learning?  Read this article about how one school is implementing a music program in their early education program. 

After you have finished the first article, Read this article about how one innovative teacher transformed a poverty stricken village in Paraguay.  Watch this powerful video Landfill Harmonic.


PS - the full version of the Landfill Harmonic is on YouTube.  It is awesome if you haven't seen it!

After you have finished reading both articles and watching the video, reflect on your experiences with music in education.  Was it meaningful?  Do you wish you could have pursued it further?  Do you feel we have enough fine arts and music in our curriculum?  Your thoughts. 

Your writing should reflect higher order thinking skills.  Grammar and process are important when writing.  Follow the rubric for best results.  This blog will be due on Friday, February 28 in class.  This blog will be shown on the screen so do your best work.  We will be peer grading the blogs this week.  Be creative with your title this week. 

7 Myths About Rigor

The Thinker Statue at Columbia University

Have you ever heard a teacher say that something wasn't rigorous enough?  Often, AP classes are said to contain rigor.  Just what does it mean?   Read this article "7 Myths About Rigor" and see what it says about rigor.  When you have read the article and based on your own personal knowledge, explain in your own words.   How do you think you could inject rigor into an assignment or a curriculum?  Ask yourself the questions that are outlined in the link.   Give clear thoughtful answers.

Follow the Rubric for the best grading results.  Blog is due on Monday, Feb. 10.