Not exactly non-music, but more appropriate below the line, I think. After a 3-year break from teaching music, personal economic austerity measures have caused me to head back to the music classroom once more. This time I'm only teaching one day a week, for 5 hours, at a small local charter school. I have total freedom to teach what I want, and am starting with almost no supplies, but a 25-year backlog of resources in my head and in my (surprisingly small) files from my past career will guide me. Except for the middle schoolers, who have their own lovely Federal-style building (owned by one of the parents), I'm in an aged trailer, with mould, few windows, and very little room. But they seem happy with me, so I'll make up my mind to make it a great experience for us all!

I've had the kids only once so far- Kindergarten thru grade 8 (or ages 5-13) with several of the grades combined (1st/2nd graders, 3e/4th graders, etc.). As a way of introducing myself, I brought Hunt and his fiddle along, and we gave them a short performance, which seemed to surprise and delight them. I think they will be fine, and fun!

Any advice for my return to the salt mines?