Another gem from the Spark podcast. Listen to this 3 minute story about the Ukulele Project.
There are so many powerful ideas packed into this story.
- Geography is largely eliminated from the learning equation. These stories continue to emerge from isolated communities that realize there are opportunities to be found and are willing to find them. Isolation may be the mother of invention when it comes to connected with others.
- The teacher’s recognition that there may be others in a better position to teach his students is key. The teacher became the network administrator in providing his students with other experts.
- People want to share. The fact that other ukulele players flocked to provide instruction and share their passions continues to be the theme of the social web.
- Music matters. While not a direct message in this story, research is clear about the value of music in learning. Learning an instrument requires complex thinking.
- Modeling how to learn. These students have been given a powerful lesson in teaching themselves. Having access to a variety of people/resources will serve them well in their future.
I think I’ve mentioned this before but if you haven’t already subscribed to Spark, go do it now.
*Disclaimer: I am not paid by Spark, however I’m sure my tax dollars help pay them. So in that regard, I’m part owner. 
This story really amazes me. I’ve never heard of teachers using ukuleles to help children learn through music, especially children at such a young age. I love the idea of engaging children in the complex thinking of music; I believe that it will definitely better prepare them for their futures in education. Music gives children a break from the everyday, ordinary topics in school and opens their eyes to a completely new world. Teaching music to children also requires a large amount of patience and I commend any teacher that is trying this new ukulele project! It is amazing that people all around the world a taking a chance at this type of teaching concept and the fact that it is really working, I believe, is a wonderful thing for the world to experience. I’m also glad that the idea of incorporating technology into the mix is present as well. The fact that this teaching concept is spreading through web-based views of videos and responses proves the importance of technology in our community, and just how helpful technology really is to education. I love this project!
Thats really great. Ukulele players finally found an audience!
Brandt Schneiders last blog post..Individual
This is an extraordinary idea! Using instruments to learn really does get through to students. It is something different that they are not expecting and it gives them another possible way to learn. This is a great concept to use with students because each student learns their full potential through a different method. Incorporating music in the classroom helps to reach a broader range of students.
As an elementary music teacher who currently has a third grade class with their own ukuleles, I’m wondering how we can see the video portion of this project? We would love to see it!
Laurie,
If you click on the link to the Ukulele project you’ll see the videos.
http://tangiersound.wordpress.com/the-ukulele-project/
Great I’m loving your website.
I had never heard of this project before but it makes so much sense! It seems like one good way to encourage kids to learn is to make learning fun. And, as anyone who has ever played a ukulele can tell you, it’s impossible to play ukulele without a smile on your face. Everyone needs one. We need more happiness in the world!
Buy a Ukulele´s last blog ..Kinohi ASD Tenor Ukulele w/Case