Jessica Vanstory

Entry 1: Learner Development

As a music teacher, I have prepared lessons that meet the needs of my students developmentally
through appropriate, relevant, and rigorous learning experiences. I have used district curriculum
plans to design lessons for elementary music lessons. For example, I lead a eurythmics lesson to
2nd graders that inspired creative movement, shared ideas, and music analysis. Through careful
planning, the students were able to try new things that challenged and excited them about music.
In addition, I have tailored instruction to individuals. I currently teach private trumpet lessons
and understand that each of my students has different needs. Currently, one student has trouble
playing musical phrases. To combat this, we work on maintaining air support, flow in the
fingers, and practice singing of the phrase. This might be approached differently for someone
else. I also know how to provide a wide range of instruction focused on cognitive, social,
emotional, and physical areas. I have designed lessons focused on student composition, group
activities, self-reflections and journal entries, and movement to meet all developmental needs.
Finally, I implement relevant learning lessons that stimulate student growth. I know how to
incorporate technology, research, and the arts, to facilitate student creativity and provide relevant
skills that they will apply to life outside of school.

My students will benefit from these skills through applicable lessons, having a wide range of
needs met, and personal development. The students will participate in relevant life lessons that
include technology integration, research, and transfer skills. I plan to have my students create
research projects over pieces we play in class and present their findings to their peers. This can
aid in skill development that can be transferred to other subjects and life outside of school. My
students will also have a wide range of needs met in my music classes. They will complete
lessons that benefit their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical needs. For example, students
will work in small groups to compose a melody over 12 bar blues in the key of Bb. This will
encourage social and cognitive growth. Finally, my students will be met to where they are
developmentally. If a clarinet student is having a hard time getting over the “break,” I will gladly
stay after school to provide 1:1 assistance for that student and discover what instructional skills
best work to fit the needs of that student.