My Role in the Classroom
In my previous post, I mentioned that I have concerns about the "adult" topics that I know children are exposed to through music and media. I feel like I am promoting censorship for having these concerns even though I try to avoid acting on them as I mentioned earlier. As I read Negus' chapter about politics and music, I realize that this urge opine about what others listen to is not just because I am a teacher. According to Negus, people in power have been trying to manage how and which music is heard for centuries.
I do not want to manage what children listen to. I want them to be able to be intellectually prepared to experience all kinds of music. I am unsure of how much I can be involved with that as a teacher. There are some things I feel parents would prefer to talk to their kids about. When kids ask if Santa is real, I am confident telling my students to talk to an adult at home about that, and I know that the parents appreciate that. Would they be okay with me teaching about popular music in the classroom?
As I got to the end of the chapter, I started to release myself from the burden of trying to prepare my students for all of the "adult" content in popular media. I buy into Negus' argument music is a medium that provides knowledge gaining experiences (222). My job is to create an environment where music in general is valued as an experience. We sing a little in second grade, but we could sing more. To start of the year, this would be a wonderful way to build community. Then, I could find songs that we could analyze and sing together as an extension of our Social Studies curriculum and our literacy program. I may not be able to solve the problem of how to "protect" the kids from controversial music, but preparing them to be aware of their musical experiences and understandings is a better goal anyway.
Comments
Angela, nice post. It is interesting to see your struggle with this topic. I too think it is important for us to create that environment where music becomes an experience but it is always difficult doing it when we don't want to make someone uncomfortable. But I think sometimes we need to be uncomfortable!
Posted by: Anonymous | June 25, 2009 7:48 PM
Angela, it must be difficult to try to tackle these issues in the classroom, but especially since you teach second graders! At that age I can totally understand your desire to both protect and educate them. I think you made a great point in saying that you would like for students to be "intellectually prepared to experience all kinds of music."
Glad we were in a chat group together, and best of luck! -Ellyn
Posted by: Ellyn | June 28, 2009 4:49 PM