The Musical Arts
It's Easy to Integrate Music into the Classroom
Integrating music into the classroom can be done in a variety of methods! I use songs as transitions for my students! I find that it helps them stay focused on getting prepared for the next section of the day! If you would like to see my daily transitions, you can go to my Rules, Consequences, & Procedures page!
However, there are many other ways to use music in in the classroom. Here are a few more examples:
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Use music in your lesson plans to help children attach information to a catchy beat! I often use music to help teach science and math content that is more challenging to understand or memorize.
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Use music to help teach multiplication tables!
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Take a brain break and turn on some tunes for singing along too, and maybe even a synchronized or free style dance break! Music and movement are components of brain based learning and help students academically achieve!
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Teach about different cultures, time periods, or movements using music. music video clips, and instruments.
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If you have older students (MS, HS) assign them the task of making a mixed CD along with a personal narrative essay.
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Play music during independent reading or writing. I find students enjoy lyric free music for these times the most!
Music in the Classroom
According to Jensen, the musical arts include composing music, reading music, rapping, singing, creating music, and analyzing, arranging, and noting music. The musical arts can benefit the brain, body, and health of students. It can even improve spatial reasoning and math skills, especially if composing or reading music is introduced at a young age!
Why We Integrate Music
The musical arts have a magnitude of benefits to offer and improve the brain, body, and health of individuals. Music enhances memory, attention, and concentration. It can positively influence emotional intelligence, creativity, and improve emotional regulation, spatial reasoning, and mathematical thinking.
Music Lesson Plan
Here is my students favorite Brain Break Video! Will.i.am Rocks!