Multiculturalism through Music

Lotspeich music teacher Robin Wilson began the school year with lessons that incorporate several books about multiculturalism in her classes. Wilson began with “All Are Welcome Here” by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman with students speaking in rhythm to the book as they said the first names of their classmates. She also incorporated “Music Is” by Brandon Stosuy into her pre-kindergarten classes. In the second, third, and fourth, and fifth grades, Wilson begins the week with “The ABCs of My Feelings and Music” by Scott and Stephanie Edger. Each week, her students explore a feeling that begins with the letter of the week and discusses the artwork and three music examples that are recommended for that feeling. The discussion includes the elements of music as well as the emotion. In upcoming weeks, Wilson will collaborate with Lotspeich Spanish teacher Megan Hayes to read and sing the lyrics included in the book, “Your Name is a Song” by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow. The students will use their names to create music using the SeeSaw app and Chrome music lab in grades 1-5. Wilson added that students in the ECC are singing songs about the season and shapes, which correlates with their classroom themes.