6th Grade: Ballroom Dance & PBIS Unit
This fall I completed my masters degree in music education at Northern Illinois University. As part of my final project, I included a new, unique unit into my curriculum . The objective of this unit is to teach the students to Ballroom Dance in general music class as a means of improving behavior and social skills. In other words, this unit supports PBIS and the music curriculum through the vehicle of Ballroom Dance. For example, on the first lesson the students will focus on learning to dance the Rumba. However, before dancing, they must learn what it means to dance with a partner: how to ask one to dance, how to respect another's personal space, and we will discuss safety when dancing and moving in class. Then, we will study the history of the dance and the characteristics of Rumba music. Once we know our PBIS goals for the day and about the music, it's time to dance. The students will learn 2-3 dance steps each day and rotate around the class to dance with various students.
7th Grade: Musician Project Assigned; World Music Unit
The week of February 21, the Musician Projects are due. This is a 100 point project!
The students get to choose any musician (singer, composer, or band) to research. The students have specific questions they must answer, however, they may go above and beyond for extra credit. They will present their verbal (3-5 minutes in length) and visual (electronic or poster) presentation the week of February 21.
On Wednesday, the students will begin their World Music Unit. They will tour around the world learning about the genres of music, instruments, and characteristics of various cultures. They will learn songs, dances, and get a chance to play or hear some of these instruments as well!
8th Grade: Musical Theater: The Phantom of the Opera
The 8th grade students will learn about Musical Theater and study The Phantom of the Opera. They will learn about where the story originated, the composer, the lyricists, and evolution of the story into various film and stage adaptations. Later in the week, the students will watch The Phantom of the Opera and take a quiz on Friday based on information from the powerpoint lesson, their worksheet, and the movie.
About Me
- Ms. Berman
- Hello! I am very excited for another great year at Lakeview! This will be my fifth year at Lakeview teaching general music, directing the choir, and co-directing the drama club and musical. I received a bachelor’s degree in music education at Illinois State University and a master’s degree in music education at Northern Illinois University. Prior to working at Lakeview, I taught for two years in Berwyn, IL. Outside of school, I am a member of New Classic Singers and I teach ballroom dance at Celebrity Dance Studio.
