4th Meeting: Music as a Teaching Tool

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Originally uploaded by ETJMiyazaki.

A total of 22 members and guests attended the ETJ Miyazaki's 4th meeting held on May 15, 2005. It started with a Welcome Remarks given by Mr. Sayed Mohamed, Coordinator. It was followed by a brief introduction about ETJ and an introduction of the presenters, given by Ms. Rumiko Kawano, Secretary.

The meeting comprised of two parts: Part 1 delve on the various presentation of invited guest-presenters and Part 2 was an open forum - a group discussion about the topic at hand.

PART 1: Three presenters shared their ideas and teaching strategies focusing on the topic “Music as a Teaching Tool”

First was Mr. Bradley Yaxley . He stressed that any teacher can use music as an effective teaching tool, one does not necessary need to be musician. His general advice on how to bring music into the classroom includes: 1) Use of appropriate materials, 2) Begin with small movement songs, 3) Give children time to explore and add their ideas, 4) Keep the pace moving, 5) Keep verbal directions to a minimum, and 6) Stop before children get bored or tired. Likewise, he presented pointers on how music can be effectively used in the classroom according to age group of children; then it was followed by a demonstration of some songs and finger plays.

Next presenters were Mr. Miles Kaizawa and Mr. Anthony Guy, both demonstrated how to chant using of a rhythm box. They both stressed that with rhythm accompanied by total physical response, children get to practice various words over a hundred times without being bored. Rhythm makes learning fun and easy. Likewise, it gives them the confidence to speak out and participate actively in the classroom.

PART II. Second part of the meeting was a group discussion focusing on the same topic, Music as a Teaching Tool. There was a meaty exchange of ideas, opinions, tips and sharing of experiences on how to make the classroom lively using music.

Presenters’ Profile:

Mr. Bradley Edward Yaxley is from Australia. He had worked as a private English Teacher for a total of 6 years. He established and operated Joey English School since 2001

Mr. Miles Kaizawa is from Hawaii, USA. He had been living in Japan for 8 years; He has been teaching English privately most of the time and has been ALT in the Elementary Schools for 3 years.

Mr. Anthony Guy is from Trinidad and Tobago, a professional musician, and an ALT in elementary schools for 3 years.

@by marley