Story from the week - Rhythm Day!

6th grade is the year for beginning band.  As they finished up their practice last week, before my choir came in, I noticed one of the percussionists having trouble staying on the beat.  Since we are working on the foundations of music in 6th-grade music class I thought I would do a rhythm day in class this past Monday. 

There was a thought in the back of my head that it may not be as fun for the kids as I expected, but I hoped that when we got going they would all get into it.  I found my fear to be correct when some of the kids got bored on the easy rhythms and started to play when they weren't supposed to while I tried to explain things to the kids who were still new to the notes.  This stunted the flow because I had to stop and take sticks away from kids which made them frustrated.

By the end of class, I was sad.  As I straightened the room I prayed for the hearts of the kids who knew the notes already.  I asked God to help them see the need to love those around, those who are still learning.  I asked God to give the students who knew the notes a heart to help instead of distracting. 

As I looked ahead to the same class later in the week I continued to pray for ideas on how to teach rhythm, but to make it fun for everyone.  I was very excited that the day prior to teaching the class again God gave me a great idea for an activity.  God has given me creative ideas for class many times and I know they are only from Him because they are so cool and beyond what I had been thinking prior.  Going into the class with the new activity I prayed the kids who knew rhythm would have fun while everyone would learn together.  

As we played the game I was excited when the kids did so well even when it came to sitting on each other.  They could have easily pushed or said mean words about someone on their lap, but I think God gave them the attitudes I had prayed for all week, attitudes of care for others.  

Lord, thank you for hearing my prayers as I pray and answering in a way that only You could.  I love when You do it better than anything I could do because it reminds me that only You are God and that you are working.