To Take Music Outside or To Not Take Music Outside.... That is the Question.

With only 4ish weeks of preps left, I am torn with whether I will take all of my K-5 classes outside instead of staying in the music room. Working at two schools this year and with social distancing not being as much of a priority, I did not utilize the outdoors as much when teaching music preps. I created a pros and cons list below to hash out whether I should go for it or not. Clearly, every class population and this list was made keeping all of my 16 classes in mind. 

Cons: 

  • lugging instruments and potentially chairs outside can always be interesting
  • some students are potential flight risks and EAs break schedules may leave me with no support 
  • other classes using the school grounds which could cause distractions 
  • potential encounters with members of the public or animals (dogs/bears are around in these neighbourhoods) 
  • lack of visual support space unless taping things to the exterior wall / bringing out whiteboard
  • not lots of time for behavorial expectations to be reinforced  

Pros: 
  • students and I both get fresh air 
  • larger space for movement 
  • potential connections to nature
  • sound will disperse (better for those with sound sensitivities) 
  • potentially increased engagement due to new setting 
  • could use basketball court lines to support new games  

These are what I came up with after a few minutes, I am sure there are things I am missing. I think that I might try outdoors with some of the older classes as I do see their classroom teachers taking them outside for various academic subjects and not just outdoor explorations, gym, or jogging club. Although, it is June and I need to keep in mind that like staff, the kids are feeling close to being "done" as well. I will see how the next few weeks go and if the weather is decent I'll try at least a few. Wish me luck!    



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