What Song NOT to Teach to Elementary Students

If you've been reading (and I know you have), you know that I've taken on another job outside of what would be considered "normal" for me. It's nowhere near related to veterinary medicine. I've been substitute teaching, K-12, in the county in which I live during my break from veterinary school. It's been eye-opening for me, as well as something that makes me feel quite old. I have now been a colleague to some of the same women and men who fostered my educational growth when I was younger.

This week, I'm teaching music at an elementary school, grades K-4. The first day was difficult. The lesson plans were sketchy; the books and CDs were scattered about the room in no sensical order. I struggled through the day, trying to make the children think I knew what I was doing. I couldn't believe that I signed up for three more days of this (through Friday)!

Today was much better. The teacher, who's out to help his wife care for their new baby girl, came in for a few minutes to help me organize things. Magically, he knew where all the books were, knew were the appropriate CDs were with the right tracks on them, and even knew where there were some "fallback" materials like a Disney musical video and a children's book about musical animals. So, I didn't have to pretend that I knew what I was doing; I really did (for a substitute). The day was longer today, with fewer breaks. Luckily though, when it was over, I was able to come home and take a nap.

Considering the circumstances this week, it's very appropriate to link to the very hilarious posting made by Paul Davidson a couple days ago about "The Choir." I'm teaching my kids Christmas songs and little rhyming songs like "Brother John." I bet not many parents would be impressed if they came home singing this song by the Divinyls. More than one parent might complain to the principal, don't you think?