Congratulations to Lupe Garcia Elementary School Music Teacher, Heather Fisher, who has completed the Plano ISD /Southern Methodist University Kodály Certification Program.
Mrs. Fisher spent three summers taking courses toward her certification, which included a final portfolio with course work, lesson plans and videos of her teaching her students at Garcia Elementary. In July, Mrs. Fisher will return to SMU to receive her certificate.
According to the program, Kodály-inspired instruction uses a carefully organized sequence of musical elements and concepts taught through developmentally appropriate song materials and musical activities. Mrs. Fisher said the program has taught her how to create highly engaging and enjoyable lessons that will effectively teach children singing and music literacy skills.
"I've noticed students becoming more empowered to achieve a high level of musicality," she said. "The students love all of the songs, games and activities I've learned from the Kodály levels."
Mrs. Fisher plans to further her professional development and will begin the SMU Orff Schulwerk Program this summer. Orff is another approach to music education that combines music, speech, movement and drama into music in a way that is like how a child plays naturally. There is more emphasis on instruments and movement in Orff, whereas Kodály is more singing based and has more of an emphasis on sequencing and using good quality folk repertoire to teach.
"These two methods actually work very well together," Mrs. Fisher said. "And I can’t wait to start taking Orff levels."
