Ukulele Learning Circle: Play, Practice, and Make Friends
Come get to know your uke and make friends! In each meeting, there are games to learn about the instrument, a chord demo, a demo of other techniques, and a screen-shared performance to enjoy. Everyone can play at their own pace! #creative
What's included
1 live meeting
35 mins in-class hours per weekHomework
1 hour per week. In advance of each class, a grownup should help the child tune the ukulele following the instructions in the demo video attached to the welcome message. A coloring page is provided each day for homework.Class Experience
"Play is one of the most important ways in which young children gain essential knowledge and skills." ~UNICEF, 2018 Through fun ukulele games such as "Simon Says" and "Freeze Dance," we'll become familiar with our ukuleles and learn to play simple chords used in many popular songs. I'll also share my screen to show a ukulele performance to inspire us all. DAILY SCHEDULE Note: Class lasts 35 minutes for 3-5 learners; class will end a few minutes earlier for 1-2 learners. > HELLO SONG > SIMON SAYS > CHORD DEMO > WATCH A PERFORMANCE > FREEZE DANCE > GOODBYE WEEKLY SCHEDULE - Week of JUL 16 - Topic - Em Chord - Watch: Little Miss Ann END OF SECTION - BREAK FOR SUMMER NOTE ON MUSIC I strive to provide a welcoming and loving environment for all learners in my class. I research the history and origins of all the songs I use in my classes and don't use any I find to have hidden or harmful messaging, associations, or history. My own original songs are written with diversity, inclusion, and love for all children in mind. TEACHING METHOD You'll notice all of my classes are capped at 5 learners — this way I can see all of the learners' screens at all times and they can see each other for maximum group engagement. I also keep the class focused on my face, voice, and physical visual aids, such as magnets, flannel pieces, and books. Studies show kids in their formative years learn best through face-to-face interaction, so I don't use slides or virtual graphics that make my screen small and the other learners disappear. Learning in my class is centered on human-to-human connection, which creates a deeper, more permanent learning experience. Come see for yourself! NOTE ON INCLUSION I am an LGBTQ+ND mom and spouse and my classes are safe for all families and learners of all neurotypes. I make my classes safe for LGBTQ+ families by saying "grown-up" instead of "mom" or "dad." I also don't assume gender based on a learner's name or appearance; I use "they" until their preferred pronouns are specified. I make my classes safe for neuodivergent (ND) learners by making participation optional. Learners may participate as much or as little as they are comfortable — they will never be pressured to speak, share, or sit still. Movement is encouraged.
Learning Goals
Students will learn to identify parts of their ukulele and become comfortable strumming simple chords.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
A grownup should help the child tune the ukulele before each class by watching the tuning demo video attached to the welcome message; they should also print the coloring page each day for homework.
IMPORTANT: So that we can hear the learner's instrument, please set Zoom to: "Original Sound for Musicians: On. Noise suppression disabled." If this setting is not turned on, we will not be able to hear your child's uke during class.
Supply List
Learners should bring a ukulele, tuned in advance by a grownup using the tuning demo video attached to the welcome message.
2 files available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Master's Degree from Monterey Institute of International Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Foreign Language from Pennsylvania State University
I have been playing the ukulele professionally for five years and writing my own ukulele songs too. I played during story time when I worked at the public library and I play everyday in all of my Outschool classes. I am self-taught using many wonderful resources, such as THE DAILY UKULELE Songbook by Liz and Jim Beloff, KIDS' UKULELE SONGBOOK by Emily Arrow, MasterClass with Jake Shimabukuro, and the many resources made available in the LIBRARIANS WITH UKES Facebook Group. You may experience my ukulele playing for yourself by searching "Sing, Rhyme, and Play with Ms. Christina" online or taking any of my Outschool classes.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$12
weekly1x per week
35 min
Completed by 10 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 4-9
1-5 learners per class