Let the Voting Begin

The student created songs have been posted to our class facebook page.
Mrs-Cooks-8th-Grade-Math-Class-Going-Beyond-the-School

Here is the song that is currently in the lead!

Go to our facebook page and cast your vote!

I recorded the voices of the kids singing the songs.  The song with the most likes will win!  The kids are excited that other people can vote on their work!  It is also a great way to get the parents involved.

Our big project this six weeks is for the kids to work with a partner to create a song that teaches a concept. I have done this every year, and I usually get some really good ones.  They can pre-record it or present it live.  With the addition of the facebook page, I am planning on posting the best videos there.  We will have another voting session.  Of course, I will make sure the kids are able to have their picture or video posted.

I really think projects like this help with public speaking.  The kids have already had to present many times as a small group.  Now, we will see how they do with a partner.  They should take away some great skills to be used now and in the future!

Don't forget to go our facebook and like your favorite song!

Happy voting!

Student Created Songs

Since the beginning of school, I have been writing songs to teach different concepts.  I have created songs for:
Dilations
Scale Factor
Tax, Discount and other Percent Apps
Fraction, Decimal and Percent equivalencies
Translations

Last week, I told my classes that they were now responsible for creating an original song that teaches Scientific Notation.  Since I have my classes in houses, each house had to create a song.

The songs were due today, and I was pretty impressed!  I always have my kids do a sing a long with a partner, but this is the first year I have given them songs I have created!  I think by allowing them to see how my songs teach a concept, they were able to create a pretty good song.  I wish I could say that all of them were great, but some were not!  I hope they use this as a learning tool and are able to create better songs as the year progresses.  I really believe that the sing along projects with a partner will be MUCH better this year!

One girl told me that she is not as nervous any more when she gets up in front the class.  I really think this is helping develop good public speaking skills, as well.  The first step in public speaking is to not be nervous in front of a group.

I told the kids that I would select the best song to add to our song portfolio.  I have two songs from my first class, one from my second and one from my last class that are in the running.  I think I am going to record them singing the songs.  I only want their voices (for now).  The performance factor will come in later!  I am thinking about posting them on my class facebook page for people to vote on the best song.  I only use the facebook page to post questions that the kids have created.  I believe this would be a good thing to add, as well.  I can see them working hard to get their song chosen.

It has been a busy year, so far!  I am really ready for Thanksgiving break!

Happy Singing!