KG/Prathom teachers - can you play a musical instrument, sing, dance?

[simon43]

Let me say that I definitely cannot dance - and I'm not about to start

But my singing is not too bad (the kids certainly laugh a lot...)

I would really like to play a musical instrument as a way of teaching alphabet songs etc (for KG), and it could also be useful for primary/prathom. (I do have my YouTube alphabet songs, but 'live' music can interact much better with the class).

As a child, I learnt to play the cello and clarinet, but have completely forgotten these skills.

I do play the Issan Khaen quite well, and this instrument certainly entertains the kids for a while, but being a wind instrument, I am of course, unable to sing along. Besides, other teachers keep thinking there is a traffic jam outside the school ==> honking of car horns!

I do have a squeeze-box (small concertina), but need to learn master some tunes. This little instrument would probably go down quite well with my classes, since it's not a common instrument in Asia and can be used to create 'funny' noises!

Howabout you? If you teach KG/Prathom, can you play the guitar or piano? Do you incorporate music and/or singing into any of your lessons?

Simon

[Scott]

I have zero musical ability. I can't carry a tune in a 5-gallon bucket. I can't even play a CD properly. Can't dance at all, but have been known to try after a few beers.

[scooterboy]

Yes, I play keyboards - but don't incorporate it into lessons in any way. Mind you, I DID play a couple of songs at the Xmas kids' "party" this year.

I found that having a small keyboard made it easier to learn how to play - and it wasn't too difficult to transport the KB around when I needed to, so maybe that's something for you to consider. Buying a 2nd hand one would probably give a better quality sound for the same money as a new one...

Oh, and congrats on the new job.....

[simon43]

Scooterboy, I did buy a small guitar when I was teaching in Myanmar last year, but this was too small and my fingers too big...

My khaen is an interesting instrument, but I much prefer a keyboard or string instrument so that I can sing along or talk whilst playing.

On reflection, the concertina is a very useful instrument. It is small, light, easily-transported, fairly easy to learn some tunes, and can generate 'funny' sounds (aka the 'boing' on soap TV channels).

I would like to learn to play a keyboard instrument - as you say, a small electronic keyboard is failry easy to carry and can also provide a range of rythmes etc

For the youngest children, I think music, dance and singing is a great way to introduce and practice English words and letters.

Simon

[bundoi]

Scooterboy, I did buy a small guitar when I was teaching in Myanmar last year, but this was too small and my fingers too big...

My khaen is an interesting instrument, but I much prefer a keyboard or string instrument so that I can sing along or talk whilst playing.

On reflection, the concertina is a very useful instrument. It is small, light, easily-transported, fairly easy to learn some tunes, and can generate 'funny' sounds (aka the 'boing' on soap TV channels).

I would like to learn to play a keyboard instrument - as you say, a small electronic keyboard is failry easy to carry and can also provide a range of rythmes etc

For the youngest children, I think music, dance and singing is a great way to introduce and practice English words and letters.

Simon

I think it can have a place Simon, especially as an icebreaker, but the downside is that it can just degenerate into uncle Joe's magic party tricks.

What often works well for me is to use the methods that the children have already become familiar with in their Thai language sessions. This way they can focus on the message rather than the medium.

[fifthcolumn]

Can't say I would have enjoyed a forced sing-a-long as a kid and thank Buddha it never occurred outside of scout camp.

I agree with Bundoi, what is to be accomplished and taught. Dome weeks ago, I saw some rotund jokester on Thai TV, I think he was playing a uke. He thought himself a master teacher and tje kids were all smiles. I thought about it for a moment. Good fun? Maybe.

What was learned? Seemingly nothing imo. Having said that, there are scores of shows for kids learning set to music, so ehat do I know.

Never happened in my grade school and glad it didn't.

My 2 baht

[simon43]

Do you think the ability to play amusical instrument is looked upon as a bonus by schools who recruit for KG?

Just a discussion question - I find teaching KG to be too 'strenuous' for me

[fifthcolumn]

Sorry for all the typo's prior.

Yes, for KG I do see it as a big plus depending on instrument. Keyboard or guitar yes, tuba no.

Met a teacher in Indonesia teaching "Band". He could play a few instruments, but mainly taught marching formation. Dude was making bank.

Yeah, I would have it on a CV for KG, higher grades not so much. When they start to notice opposite sex, kids become quite self concious. I personally do not see the plus.

Good luck bro. Sure isn't a negative.

[scooterboy]

Well, although I don't use playing keyboards as part of teaching, we WILL be setting up a group (30 or so) to sing an English language song for the end of term party.

So that the kids can get to know the melody, I've recorded the song on the keyboard - and will play it to the kids through my tablet. We've printed a leaflet for each kid, with the words in English and the Thai transliteration. Practice period : once a week.

Hopefully, it'll turn out very well, as it's more or less bound to end up circulating to the non-participating students, who will perhaps join in on the chorus - when the time comes.