I can't wait to go to school tomorrow. My 1st period English I class has crafted a playlist. We've decided to always rev up our mornings together. Normally on Fridays, they come to class early and enjoy some pick-up music that I like to play. My tastes vary. I love Madonna and have every one of her songs (the part of me that is still stuck in eighth grade), but I also like the Black-Eyes Peas. Selena Gomez, Cold Play and other upbeat dancy pop music as well as music that surprises my students, Led Zeppelin and Nine Inch Nails. I will admit that I have also purchased Miley Cyrus (I accidentally typed Cylie Myrus, which tells you how much I am actually paying attention to these singers) single and it wasn't because I have an 8 year old daughter.
After reading the article Happy Birthday I-Pod featured in the New York Times with my class, I asked them what they thought about creating a class playlist. They were excited and I was surprised with their choices including Peter who loves Selena Gomez and any or her songs will do, Andrew who wants a Spice Girls song, G who prefers Coldplay and my girls who requested Tyga. Students introduced me to new groups and singers carefully making sure that I find clean version. This creation allowed some additional insight into their lives.
This week I'm also going to try out a new idea that I have been thinking about with my second period class. They struggle with getting prepared and ready to go. I am going to craft a playlist with them and I will play it during passing time and 1 minute into our class period to allow them time to get their material together. I am hoping this will encourage them to get to their seats and get their materials faster.
When I was a intern at a school in Hawthorne, Florida, the eighth grade teacher has an amazing collection of classical records which he used to start class and inspire writing. His kids responded well. I used to integrate music more frequently and it's a practice that I have lost and hope to regain this week. In the world of I-Pods, students walk alone shutting out the world. Our shared listening experience in the morning is one way to foster community and enjoy our time.
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Beth,
ReplyDeletegreat idea about the playlist!! I will have to try it really soon (maybe by Wednesday as Tuesday is testing day).
It worked out well today!
DeleteLove the idea and was thinking about that for my 4th graders. I way of getting them in from the hall. Currently we are watching the Decorah, Iowa Eagles who are nesting with three eggs so the music will come next. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds so cool! We have Sandhill Cranes. I am anxiously awaiting the babies.
DeleteI used to integrate music more too. We also start our year playing it as students come in to class. Some students even take on the music job--starting iTunes or connecting their iPods to my speakers. Somehow we get off that track. Thank you for reminding me to get back to it. You can create a playlist in iTunes...not that you have to purchase the songs, but you can write it there and save it and others can access it. Want me to show you?
ReplyDeleteMusic was good today, especially with my 2nd period. They were anxious wondering when they got to add to the list too. We will see how long it soothes.
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