Blue Jello Beginnings

I start out the year reading through Blue Jello Cards set one with all my students regardless of grade level. It is great for students who haven't thought about rhythms all summer, and more importantly for new transfer students who think they are about to get a snack when you say "get out Blue Jello". For the most part, side one is a breeze for returning students, but they will stop and ask "wait, so how do we make this rest" or "can we do that card again" when they've made a mistake. They quickly remember how to read these cards but show me they want to do them well!  I love seeing that come out of them!  Also, no matter how many times we've done it I can always count on the giggles during the "pineapple pineapple pineapple pineapple pineapple" card, which they know is my favorite.

I have all my students use Blue Jello Cards in pairs. I can't tell you how nice it is watching a transfer student with her partner, who will guide and help out by tutoring them in hand signs and making note of the guide card information.  This kind of peer teaching is motivating for all students in the room.  And above all it demonstrates the kind of environment we want to teach and learn in.  One where students are focused, show a desire to do well, and support each other.

I use the same process with Daily Do at the start of every year and all of the same positive results appear.  

As one student said today halfway through a side one review "Blue Jello puts me in a better mood".  Yes indeed.