November 4, 2011
Dear Mr. Engel,
Thank you for allowing me to observe your Junior Varsity Orchestra. It is great seeing kids from Berry continue on into high school with you!
The day I came, you were using direct instruction to teach fifth position to the violins. That is very intimidating to some of them – they do not want to get out of their comfort zone. However, you made it very easy for them by showing them exactly where to put their starting finger and which finger pattern to use from that point on for the key of G Major. It made a smooth transition into the upper position.
Again, thank you for allowing me to observe you teach.
Sincerely,
Jamie Algood
November 18, 2011
Dear Ms. Barker,
Thank you for allowing me to observe your class. It is very different not being in a music setting and you do a fabulous job with your students.
When I visited, you were using a simulation model for your unit on employment. As eighth graders, most of our students have no idea how to conduct themselves on an interview. This is a skill they will need in just a few years when they seek their first summer job. I could tell that you had prepared them well for the simulations – most came dressed up and had a resume ready for their interviewer. They took the questions very seriously and tried to make the best impression possible. These students are much better prepared for their first step into the real world thanks to your class.
Thank you again for allowing me to observe your class.
Sincerely,
Jamie Algood
November 21, 2011
Dear Mrs. Newton,
Thank you for allowing me to observe you teaching your sixth grade choir. It is always good to see another music teacher in action.
You did a fabulous job of implementing the simulation model. I know for a lot of those girls it will be their first concert. You were so patient with them, showing them everything they needed to know for the concert. Being able to have them practice on stage with the risers is quite a change from being in the classroom.
After seeing you do such a great job with the simulation model, I realize that I need to do it for all my students also. After doing so many concerts, it is easy to forget that they are very inexperienced with the process.
Again, thank you for allowing me to observe you in your classroom.
Sincerely,
Jamie Algood
Dear Mr. Engel,
Thank you for allowing me to observe your Junior Varsity Orchestra. It is great seeing kids from Berry continue on into high school with you!
The day I came, you were using direct instruction to teach fifth position to the violins. That is very intimidating to some of them – they do not want to get out of their comfort zone. However, you made it very easy for them by showing them exactly where to put their starting finger and which finger pattern to use from that point on for the key of G Major. It made a smooth transition into the upper position.
Again, thank you for allowing me to observe you teach.
Sincerely,
Jamie Algood
November 18, 2011
Dear Ms. Barker,
Thank you for allowing me to observe your class. It is very different not being in a music setting and you do a fabulous job with your students.
When I visited, you were using a simulation model for your unit on employment. As eighth graders, most of our students have no idea how to conduct themselves on an interview. This is a skill they will need in just a few years when they seek their first summer job. I could tell that you had prepared them well for the simulations – most came dressed up and had a resume ready for their interviewer. They took the questions very seriously and tried to make the best impression possible. These students are much better prepared for their first step into the real world thanks to your class.
Thank you again for allowing me to observe your class.
Sincerely,
Jamie Algood
November 21, 2011
Dear Mrs. Newton,
Thank you for allowing me to observe you teaching your sixth grade choir. It is always good to see another music teacher in action.
You did a fabulous job of implementing the simulation model. I know for a lot of those girls it will be their first concert. You were so patient with them, showing them everything they needed to know for the concert. Being able to have them practice on stage with the risers is quite a change from being in the classroom.
After seeing you do such a great job with the simulation model, I realize that I need to do it for all my students also. After doing so many concerts, it is easy to forget that they are very inexperienced with the process.
Again, thank you for allowing me to observe you in your classroom.
Sincerely,
Jamie Algood