music in the classroom...

Day 7 Prompt: What is your favorite song that gives you energy?

 

I have attended countless professional development sessions over the last 20 years. Most of the facilitators didn't use music during the sessions. I've investigated the benefits of music in the classroom. Some of the key components that arise time and time again include...

• create a positive environment
• energize the learning activities
• help to increase focus
• add an element of FUN!

 

But it wasn't until I attended a Kagan training where the facilitators were consistent and intentional with the use of music that I realized the research was accurate, and I couldn't make excuses any longer!

 

 



I play instrumental background music while my students complete independent work. My favorite set, Music for the Mind by Gary Lamb, was a purchase from my first Kagan workshop. And I also play upbeat music while my students work on tasks that need to be completed quickly such as transitioning, cutting and pasting, or notetaking. Sometimes I select songs from the 60s and 70s and other times I use something appropriate from our current decade...with or without lyrics. My students say you don't realize how much the music helps until it's not playing!

Do you integrate music in your classroom? Do your students listen to music while they complete tasks with technology? Do your administrators play music during professional development? Please do share...it's always interesting to peek into schools around the globe.

This post is part of the BlogHer #NaBloPoMo challenge.

Hope you have a great week...make it count!