FlightlessDuck
Y kant Donald fly?
- Joined
- Jun 20, 2006
Hmmm. I'm not sure. I know our daughter would have been scared to death to sing in front of class in fifth grade. Heck, she didn't like it in 12th grade, either.
I'm a band director. I teach beginners. They play by themselves in front of the class ALL the time. Sometimes it's b/c I think they aren't participating. Sometimes it's b/c I need to hear them play so I can determine what they need help with. Sometimes its b/c they were assigned to work on something and now have a playing quiz. I start them out playing individually from day one. I make sure no other students make any negative comments etc. I give constructive criticism and move on. No one (student or parent) has ever complained or voiced any sort of concern about it.
The other 2 band directors in the school system routinely record their students playing individually and in an ensemble. They also play it back for students to hear. (I don't b/c I don't have the technology to do so).
But, there's a world of difference between band and music class (and yes, I was in band from 3rd grade through college). Band is an elective, and through practice just about anybody can play their instrument. Based on what the OP wrote, it sounds like she's talking about basic, required, music class, and there are people who just can't sing. To force them to do so in front of their peers is a jerk move.
Well, it is a mandated class and some people do not like to sing. My daughter told me about this because one kid got teary eyed and red faced and she said she felt bad for him. It kind of reminds me of the whole dunce cap in the corner type thing.
Maybe that kid will tell his parents and they will talk to the teacher, who knows.
Those who think this is humiliating the kids and shouldn't be done...
Should kids not be required to do in class readings? Math problems at the chalkboard? Project presentations? What's the difference?
Yes, it is a required class and the teacher DOES single them out and makes them get in front of the class to sing solo if she suspects the student isn't paying attention or lip syncing. All I can do is hope my daughter doesn't become one of her victims.
It just struck me as wrong when I heard about it.
I think it depends on the goal. If you are out to punish a child for not participating then this is a way to do it.
If you want them to learn about music, enjoy the class -then I think there might be better ways.
I think the biggest difference between doing this and a math problem is math seems like something you can correct- I am not so sure about singing? Some people are just tone deaf.
Actually if I were a teacher I am not sure I would call a child that I knew was struggling with math to do a problem on the board either. I think you would learn more one on one or some other way where you didn't have the added stress of everyone watching you.
Let's abolish gym class then. Think of all the stress these poor kids are under when they have to make a basket playing basketball, hit a ball playing softball or baseball, catch a ball in football, or run around the track. AND everyone else is watching? The horror!I think it depends on the goal. If you are out to punish a child for not participating then this is a way to do it.
If you want them to learn about music, enjoy the class -then I think there might be better ways.
I think the biggest difference between doing this and a math problem is math seems like something you can correct- I am not so sure about singing? Some people are just tone deaf.
Actually if I were a teacher I am not sure I would call a child that I knew was struggling with math to do a problem on the board either. I think you would learn more one on one or some other way where you didn't have the added stress of everyone watching you.