Who's in?........Karaoke with the kids!

Being part of the school community is one thing I really enjoy doing. I live in close proximity to my school district so traveling there is no problem. I do not see my students in my immediate community but seeing them in their community is priceless. I take my children to the gym, baseball and soccer fields, and other community venues to see my students in action. My students adore my children and hang around me as if I'm a celebrity. I do not do this to feel better about myself. I do it because the kids enjoy it. I enjoy watching them in action and making connections with them. We interestingly have something else to talk about other than math!

My favorite thing to do is host karaoke for them. I love to admit that I am a karaoke fanatic! I eventually bought my own equipment and now you can find me at end-of-the-year parties and pool parties over the summer. I have hosted birthday parties for my students and recently have branched out to host parties for other schools.

I have created a strong bond with my school community through karaoke. Children have also fought through nervousness to get on stage and own the vocals. It has helped conquer their fears. I know not all teachers are going to take on karaoke and join the community but participating in school events can be the beginning of lasting memories. Teaching is not always instruction. Showing you care goes a long way!

P.S. I am not against having a karaoke party to celebrate the completion of this degree!!

Cheers,    

Comments

  1. cbernardoJune 29, 2017 at 7:53 AM

    James,
    I'm in! I love your connection with your community. Those relationships go far beyond anything a text book or instruction can do because the children and their parents see you as an extension of them which will ensure that they are all in when they are in your classroom.
    You are a wonderful asset to your school and the community!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Karen DozierJuly 8, 2017 at 8:46 PM

    I love this idea! Students want to build relationships with their teachers and see them as more than teachers.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Is it Safe to Stop Worrying about DeVos?

I'm not sure how many share the sentiment, but when Betsy DeVos was actually came into office I was #shook. Her inexperience, and comfort in her own ignorance made me think she would push to enforce an oversimplified, impractical, and hopelessly romantic one-step solution to the numerous, deep-rooted, and complex issues facing our educational system today. Luckily, it's looking like she might be all talk. Ideally, the Secretary of Education should improve the educational world for our teachers and students, at least a little. Not moving at all may be better than taking to many steps in the wrong direction, however. It has been six months, and Devos is still struggling to become fully staffed and slow to implement her school choice initiative. http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2017/07/25/what-has-betsy-devos-actually-done-after.html We'll continue to keep an eye out.
Read more

Afghan Robotics Team Makes it to the States

One of the results of president Trump's travel ban was the exclusion of an all girl robotics team from having the opportunity to compete in the United States. Although I understand the intention of the ban was to keep everyone safe, I am one of the many who believe in providing everyone with an opportunity to seek a better life, and especially a better education. This was a classic example of how the ban limits many with good intentions. While it may be safer to say no one can come to the United States, the overwhelming majority of people who will suffer are those seeking a better life, an opportunity, and education. I considered how hard these girls had worked, and what sacrifices they had to make to qualify for an international competition. It is a shame that so little discrecion or care was used in crafting the ban. Fortunately, these girls were able to come after getting their visas rejected twice and the "international outcry" that resulted from the injustice. ...
Read more

What Georgia Educators are Facing

Being an educator in Georgia is no easy feat. The Georgia Partnership for Education came up with 10 problems that the field of education is facing in Georgia. Of the issues specific to Georgia some stood out to me. Georgia has seen a trend of more and more teachers leaving the profession, and less and less teachers interested in joining the field of education. Districts have also been given more responsibility, and the demand for quality leadership has increased. Our high school graduates have not been soundly prepared for college (based on incompletion rates) and are ill-prepared for the workforce. Students in impoverished areas receive $1,200 less per student. Georgia also has about 10% of students with mental health issues that directly affect their school performance. http://www.ajc.com/news/local-education/georgia-top-education-issues-2017/EUiJGHsurmxSYeNuowylpK/ In my experience as a Georgia educator, I feel these are genuine concerns. Many of the problems that our school f...
Read more