Teacher

NAME: Ms. Berman

SCHOOL: St. Francis of Assisi

CLASS: Music

About The Teacher

Mission For The Class

      In grades pK-8 all children are learning about the fundamentals of music - what it is, how it works, how to create and

                        perform music, and how music relates to the world around us, both present and past.  We study those who have 

                        shaped music's history and why music effects each of our lives.

Rubric and Grading

Grades 4-8 receive a grade on report cards for music. These grades are 4, 3, 2, and 1; 4 being the highest achievement. The rubric below outlines how your child is doing according to the grades. Each student should strive to earn a 3. Once he or she acheives a three in music class, the child should aim to earn a 4.

In addition, grades 6-8 must complete weekly assignments and sometimes participate in group work. Students are graded on these assignments differently depending on the assignment.

1. Music journals* - In this exercise a student brings in a song for the class to listen to. As they listen, students must freewrite in their journal for the entire song. If they write the whole time they should fill up a certain portion of the page (depending on handwriting). There is no right or wrong subject matter, however, creative efforts may earn a higher grade.

2. In-class assignments - Frequently students are assigned a number of questions to answer that relate to that day's discussion or activities. The number of correct answers necessary to earn a 3 varies depending on the number of questions.

3. Notes or vocabulary* - Students must sometimes copy accurate notes in class. Organized, accurate, legible notes will earn a 4.

* These assignments need to be made up by the student for any absences due to illness, appointments, or serving Mass.

Criteria	4	3	2	1
Participation	Consistently volunteers answers, asks questions and participates musically. Encourages others to participate.	Frequently volunteers answers, asks questions and participates musically.	Rarely participates	Does not participate
Listening	Consistently demonstrates effective skills	Frequently demonstrates effective skills	Sometimes demonstrates effective skills	Rarely demonstrates effective skills
Completing Assignments	Consistently completes assignments on time, adhering to highest standards	Frequently completes assignments on time adhering to highest standards	Sometimes completes assignments on time adhering to average standards	Rarely completes assignments on time adhering to below average standards.

Music Express Magazine Kids’ Corner	Grades 3-8 frequently use this magazine in music class. This site includes songs, games, puzzles and more!
Lomax the Music Hound	This is a PBS Kids show. It is for ages 3-6 and helps kids learn about music through fun songs and games.
America, I Give My Thanks to You!	Dance for grades 4-5 for the spring show. Please watch and listen to practice for the show May 28-29!
Lift Every Voice and Sing	Dance for choir for the spring show. This is a simple one, but please watch and listen to practice for the spring show May 28-29!
This Land Is Your Land	Lyrics and music to Woody Guthrie's song. Grades 4-5 need to learn and memorize!

The SFA Choir

Students will receive fifteen extra bonus points in Music for every three rehearsals they attend. Students will not be penalized if they miss a rehearsal, but the choir will sound better if everyone comes as much as possible.

Students should be aware of concert dates and have appropriate materials for both the rehearsals and the concerts. These materials will be told to the students prior to the rehearsal and concert, and will be posted on Miss Woodland’s homework site.

All students should enter by the Oak Street door. You must be on time because once we go upstairs I cannot leave the children that are there to come down and admit your child nor am I permitted to send other children down to let them into the building. Please do not come to the main door. Please be sure you child enters the building before you drive away. If it is snowing or icy, rehearsals will be cancelled.

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