Why the ukulele in elementary school you ask?  


Well I am glad you did ask.

When children hear a few well known and lively tunes played on a ukulele their interest is caught and they are eager to learn more. Excitement builds once they get to hold the instrument and find that its size and weight are perfectly suited to their needs.

• Children love the ukulele and the fact it resembles a mini guitar
• With a small size and four strings it is much easier to play
• It is easy to play their first chord and they all strum along for a whole song just minutes after they first held the instrument – immediate gratification
• The children can sing along while playing
• A child’s self confidence is boosted by ukulele lessons
• They are very proud of their achievements
• It is unusual, great fun and has good playground / street credibility
• It is easily carried around
• Ukes are relatively inexpensive
• Soft strings and quiet sound make it an extremely friendly instrument for the children to play
• If they buy their own instrument they can practice quietly at home or on holiday - parents can easily understand and help their children with practising
• It is impossible not to smile when faced with a ukulele.

With the help of the uke the child grows in self confidence as an independent musician as their musical ability grows. Their reading and listening skills are also being exercised.

• The uke is a good leveller and great for teamwork – often children will stop playing to help a neighbour who is struggling in class
• Students realise they need to practice individually to be able to perform the song the group is learning.
• If they are struggling with a particular chord, they can be carried by the rest of the group.

UKES ARE FUN!!!

I know we are still in July but.. I can't wait for school to start!  I am excited to begin working with all of my lovely students that I already know at McClelland School and to meet my new students at Gonic School.  This will be my first year working at Gonic and I am so excited to get to know that community... and to make music with them!!!  If I am new to you, you can learn more about me here.  For the Gonic peeps, you previously had Pam Pedrick as a music teacher.  She is my sister-in-law and will be teaching at Chamberlain and East Rochester Schools.  I am Sherri Pedrick. People get us mixed up all the time!  We are often referred to by each other's kids as "the other Mrs. Pedrick."  It makes us chuckle.

This year will bring a BIG change in the way assessments are given and shared.  This can seem scary... but please rest assured that the new system will give you more useful information regarding your child's progress.  Please see the Competency Based Learning page for more information regarding this.  I feel very strongly that this a good move for our children.  It will just take some adjusting.  I will update information here as often as I can to help show how I will assess and teach your child. I Cannot wait to get started!!!!  I can already hear the voices of the kiddos singing!!!!!

I am very excited to announce that I will be able to extend my new ukulele program (2012-2013) into Gonic school will 14 brand new ukuleles!  Pictures to come soon.  I will need to start building another ukulele wall ASAP.