There are many ways to bring music to the classroom and a lot of the articles I read on the subject advised to use music to set the atmosphere during the class: if kids are too boisterous, play them a slow song, if they seem sleepy, play them an energetic one.
One of my groups is quite small with 5-7 children and they can be rather quiet. When they were working on an exercise, I played Hall of fame from The Script in the background. It was like a switch!
They all sat up with a straighter back, humming along,Ā some even trying to sing along – they’ve heard the song before and it’s a catchy tune. They were a lot more animated after and ee had a great discussion following the exercise they were doing during the song.
I wasn’t sure how it would influence the class even after reading about it so I was rather pleasantly surprised to see the effect. It was also strange how I felt more connected to them on a personal level. The fact that they enjoyed a song I love brought me closer to them and made me realise that despite our differences in many areas, we do have common grounds, I don’t have to stand alone separated from them on my teacher island.
I would definitely recommend using music as a background in the classes, next I’ll try to see if I can make my loud class calm down a bit with some Piano Guys maybe š
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In April I set myself a challenge to use more music when teaching English. I passionately believe in the power of music to make everything better and I want to motivate my students to feel more relaxed, and at the same time more inspired about learning English. I’m sure it’ll be a journey with ups and downs! š
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What’s your pick-up song when you feel tired?
Todayās featured blogger is Damyanti, one of the co-hosts of the A to Z challenge, my lovely guide and coach as a volunteer. Check out her A to Z posts about Project Why, a charity that works with the slum children and women.
Please visit one of my other blogs, The Script Bible where I share beautiful picture quotes from The Script songs.Ā
Thank you for visiting!
The Sunny Days of an English teacher 
I just noticed that I don’t have such a song. But I have some songs which push me while running. They are quite different, all from the 70s rock songs over “Neue Deutschen Welle” till certain ones of the soundtrack songs of Doctor Who… I have got even a kid’s song in my play list: Nelly, the Elephant in a happy 3/4 beat “jump, jump, jump” …
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I think we just have a list of those types of songs, not just one.
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Er… I published too fast. The beat is 2/3 …
And I wanted to add to my post that like to hear about your music-experiences in class. Interesting how it works. I’m looking forward to C.
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Thank you so much! Glad you stopped by! āŗ
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I liked reading about how playing music to the class made you feel closer to them. I was playing my violin in an ensemble and I felt a real connection with them. It was great. I now play with my daughter.
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Thank you! Music touches is in mysterious ways I think!
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I never thought about it, but I guess playing background music could make a big difference, unless it was distracting!
Stephanie
http://stephie5741.blogspot.com
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Yes, there’s the distraction factor too! āŗ
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when I worked in a women’s refuge/shelter, I would play classical music in the playroom- the children enjoyed it.
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It probably also depends on what you as a teacher enjoy. I think it influences them a lot.
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Brilliant idea! Music is, of course, a huge influencer of moods and outlook, but this is the first time I hear of it being used in that context within a classroom. It should be standard practice. Everywhere! And I totally get what you mean by feeling more connected to your students… I would feel that way, too.
What a lovely experience, Andrea. Thank you for sharing. You’ve left me feeling uplifted and… happy š (Oh, and thanks for the visit over at Life In Dogs , and for the beautiful comment. Made my day with that, too š )
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Aw thank you Guilie, that’s the loveliest thing to say, thank you for coming over! š
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I used to teach high school English, and I would occasionally play music in the classroom. The CD my students requested most often was the Beatles album of all their #1 hits.
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I’m taking Imagine to the classroom next week so hopefully the teens will still like it! Thanks for stopping by!
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I agree that music can be a great teaching tool. I often say that if my son’s teacher had used music to teach him, he would have learned a great deal more. Thanks for stopping by our blog – Glad you like Black Day Book! Marcus and his mother have read it to lots of child audiences and they seem to love it too! Just be careful – the song is a mind worm! š
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Thank you Stephanie! I think everyone learns differently so it’s always a little hit or miss but that’s why it’s important to try different things in the classroom in my opinion.thanks for stopping by!
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