Observation #1

I did my first observation at Hayes Middle School today. Right off the bat, I could tell this would be unlike the middle schools I've observed before. The classroom was filled with about 50 seventh grade girls.  This was the first single gender class I've observed.  The girls were all very fidgety and easily distracted; I was definitely a distraction until Mr. Armstead introduced me to the class. In the very few moments that Mr. Armstead left silence, there was always chatter.  

The most fascinating aspect of the visit was definitely the way that Mr. Armstead interacted with the students.  He was very careful not to leave silence between songs.  It seemed like he started each new activity before the other ended.  We would be singing a song, working on articulation, and all the sudden he would start singing the next song.  In retrospect, I realize he must have accomplished his goals, and decided to move on.  This approach was so smooth; his classroom is like a well oiled machine.  

In order to curb student chatter, he has them repeat all instructions or information that he says. This approach is very different than any of my own experiences. The technique clearly works, but I'm not sure I would want to use it myself. It is obvious that the students really enjoy his class, but that they also respect him a great deal. The class was very active, and full of kinesthetic movement.  Mr. Armstead took a second to explain that movement is an integral part of his philosophy: when you're moving, there is no room for tension in the instrument. 

Mr. Armstead made sure to tell me that the class today was slightly atypical. Apparently, yesterday was a very rough day, and so he incorporated more fun activities in class today.  All of the fun activities were still somewhat musical, although they ranged from dancing to pop music to a modified version of musical chairs.

This classroom was unlike anything I've seen before, and I can't wait to see more.