Operation Midterm

Bella Richman

Task #1 - Introduce Yourself

Welcome to 9th Grade Band!

I hope you find this classroom becomes a safe space.

Some of my favorite things are:

Making music (obviously)
Arts and crafts
Cooking fun new foods and trying them!
Watching emotional (usually Pixar) movies
Meeting wonderful new people

As a Learner:

I am very visual, pictures and diagrams really help me
I work on my own timeline, strict checkpoints on large projects scare me!

As a Teacher:

I am as invested in your interests as you are, tell me all about your hobbies!
I am here to help you improve, not punish you

My favorite color is green

it reminds me of spring time and nature!

My favorite animal is a sea otter

they're so cute and cuddly

Task #2 - Define your role

Band Teacher

I'm really looking forward to being your band teacher, making music can be a great outlet for many students, and I'm excited to see how it becomes one for you. We will concentrate on improving your skill level on your instrument, and learn how to listen around the band while we are playing to blend our sounds together. You can do it!

I know that learning and instrument can be a really time consuming task, and a big commitment! I am certain that our band will always have a place for you, and I will be here for support if you ever need anything! Do not hesitate to come to me with any problem you may encounter.

Musical literacy

Sheet music can have a lot of weird looking symbols and notes. We will work together to figure out how to read them and what they mean! Once you understand the basics reading it will be a breeze.

Creativity

Music can be a great creative output for many students. Your perspective on the songs we play is important to me! If you think there is a change that should be made, we can try it out!

Develop a "musical ear"

There is a big difference between just playing your instruments and being a good ensemble member. We will work on our listening skills and how to blend with the rest of the ensemble.

Task #3 - Describe Rafe

As a student/learner:

Rafe struggles in school with rule following, he is a trouble maker and finds fun in breaking rules. However, he is really creative. He has potential to use that creativity for good. He would do really well in a creative writing or art classroom. He describes his own school as "A prison for sixth, seventh, and eighth graders" (p. 7.) I think he mostly need a good teacher or teacher-like figure in his life that truly supports his creativity instead of stifling it.

A person/individual:

Rafe actually views himself with a great bit of humility. He says "I'm not saying I'm some kind of saint. I'm not even saying this made me a better person" (p. 68.) showing his humility. He also says "If putting the No-Hurt Rule into the game could make me even a but less like Bear, then I was all for it. Because Bear was all about hurting." (p. 68) Here, he recognizes the flaw his own step-dad has, and vows to never recreate his actions, showing his true colors as person who values the feelings of others.

As a relative:

As a relative, especially one that is an adult, I think I would be worried about Rafe similar to how his mother feels. I would feel overwhelmed and like it was my fault I didn't teach him to follow the rules. Rafe himself even says "Then she started crying all over again. On her birthday. Because of me. I've never felt like a bigger piece of scum that I did right then." (p. 126.) I think as a relative if I knew this was how Rafe felt about himself my concern for his well being would only increase. I would feel bad for, well, feeling upset at him for misbehaving. I think being one of Rafe's relatives would be difficult for me to manage emotionally.

As a peer:

Rafe has a growing reputation as a trouble maker at school. I think that as his peer I would find him obnoxious. When I was around his age I despised the boys who would do nothing but break rules for attention. I wouldn't have told on him per-say, but I would have quietly disliked him. I think maybe I would have a twinge of jealousy for his freedom though, as he doesn't seem to care too much about the consequences of his actions.

Task #4 The Right Learning Environment

1. Imaginary Friend/ Death in The Family

Rafe has an imaginary friend who takes the form of his deceased brother, Leo. This is probably because Rafe feels like he doesn't have anyone who he can truly trust and relate to. As a teacher I would take this opportunity to try and gain his trust by mitigating harsh punishments, and opting to talk to Rafe instead.

2. Homelife

Rafe has a pretty rough Homelife. He experiences a loss in the family, his stepdad is a deadbeat and leaves him with no real father figure, and his mom is constantly working. As his teacher this would tell me to be a bit more patient with him because he is dealing with a lot at home.

3. Creativity

Rafe is a really creative kid. He likes to draw, make up stories and create games. With this knowledge, I would probably allow Rafe some flexibility on assignments guidelines, opting to allow him to create posters, games, etc. instead of say writing a report.

4. Bully

Rafe has a bully at school. This knowledge is important because I can look out for him specifically as his teacher to keep him safe. Knowing who the problem students are that typically bully helps in knowing when something is going to happen.

5. Empathy

Rafe has a really great sense of empathy for others. He is really humble about this which tells me that deep down he really has a drive to care for others. As his teacher I could maybe explain to him that his misbehavior does hurt people whether he knows it or not.