Assignment 6 Self Evaluation

We finished up our first lesson plan presentation last week. It was great practice for all of us to get up in front of the class and become more comfortbale. I think we all learned what we do well and what we need to improve.
For an evaluation of myself, I would give me a 4.5 in musicianship. I have a musical background; therefore, it was not difficult to do an accurate rhythm and tempo. However, my singing abilities are not as strong as other areas. I tried to sing in a higher (head) voice, and I believe I did pretty well.
For leadership, I would give myself an 8. I believe my body language could have been a little better. I tended to stay behind the piano or stand right next to it. I believe my facial expressions were fairly good. I didn't have one constant look on my face through the entire lesson. In addition, I think my voice tone and volume were pretty good also. My eye contact with the students could have improved. I don't believe I made a strong enough effort to look at everyone. Also, my energy could have been a little higher to show a little more enthusiasm.
I would give myself a 15 for preparation. I believe my knowledge of the music was good, in addition to my knowledge of the plan. Although I had a copy of my lesson plan with me, I didn't look at it very often. I think my written plan was clearly designed. If substitute would have had to teach the lesson, they would have been able to follow it. All the materials I needed we ready; therefore, time wasn't wasted while teaching the lesson.
For the delivery of the instruction, I would give myself a 19. I thought I did well with the sequence of steps in the lesson. However, I think my motivation and capturing attention could have been a little better. Most of the others I think went pretty well also. Overall I believe my lesson went very well. I realize there are improvements needed, and it is good to be able to critique yourself to become a better teacher.
Overall my score for myself would be 46.5 :)

The part that I found to be the most difficult was singing in front of the class. I am not comfortable singing in front of others so it was difficult to overcome that. I believe I am musically talented minus the singing aspect. I feel completely comfortable with instruments; however, singing is a different story. It was also difficult to try to sing in my head voice. I understand it is important to the children can match the tone. However, I am not used to singing in a higher pitch like that. A few things that didn't go well were that I used the piano too much. The students would have had a difficult time hearing my voice over the piano; therefore, they would have had more difficulty matching pitch. Also, I had them use drums and rhythm sticks. This was a bad idea because it was a kindergarten lesson. I believe I controlled my nerves pretty well, and I was well prepared. If I could redo my lesson, I would try to talk a little slower. After watching myself, I think I was talking a little too quickly. I would also eliminate the drums and rhythm sticks and only use the piano a little (if at all).