Because I was challenged to learn the ukulele using only online resources, so many of my summer evening views looked like this:
Perhaps my social media followers grew tired of my ukulele-inspired updates, but I so enjoyed hearing from friends and relatives along the way, some of whom had once played the ukulele themselves.
Having an instant support system made me eager to share even the smallest accomplishment, such as learning to play, “Row, Row, Row Your Boat:”
I may have been learning on my own without anyone sitting next to me on the porch bench, but my journey was surely more enjoyable as I laughed and celebrated with peers. My Master’s class is reading A More Beautiful Question by Warren Berger (it’s wonderful!), and the book includes one finding that especially applies to my journey.
Researchers set out to discover what brought people happiness. The answer?
Connection with others.
“The happiest people he encountered– including some living extremely modestly– had a strong connection to those around them” (Berger, 2016, p. 192).
In all of the hills and valleys of this ukulele-learning-venture, it was sharing them with loved ones that brought me the most sincere joy.
It is one of my greatest teacher hopes that when my third graders walk through the classroom door, they feel a sense of peaceful connectedness to one another and to our school community.
I wanted to learn to play the ukulele to enhance my class’ Morning Meeting time. I thought singing to a fun ukulele song might help students start their day off happily and encourage a closely-knit classroom community. My school year doesn’t start for a few weeks, so the verdict is still out on my third grade success rate; however, I’ve been strumming away on this four-stringed instrument for a month now, and every single time, I’m smiling.
If you are interested in bringing the ukulele to your classroom, here is a video with two uplifting Morning Meeting-style songs and even some instructional tips at the end. Consider yourself warned that while I do have basic ukulele skills, my singing skills are still far inferior. 🙂
With those tips in mind, I so encourage you to check out Cynthia Lin Music on YouTube. Her instructional speed is perfect for beginners with lots of repetition.
May your day be filled with peace and good vibes from this newly-minted uke player to (maybe) another,
Brynlee
Reference:
Berger, W. A More Beautiful Question. New York, NY: Bloomsbury.
Globes and Grins 