A Blog A Day 11/32

The One About Music In The Classroom 

When I was still in the classroom I used music constantly. I would play it loud during passing times to get the kids pumped as they came into my room. When I introduced genius hour I knew I had to sell it as a magical time so I would pick a song and play it loud and ask kids as I hung out of my classroom door during passing time if they were ready for genius hour day. 

When we read and wrote science fiction I would play a science fiction playlist that I curated on Spotify. I even would allow students to turn in playlists that they created for summative tests. I got one playlist from a students for the short story The Veldt that was so on point, and so beautifully described and thought out I still have access to it on my spotify five years later.

I would create a classroom music playlist and actively have my students help me pick some of their favorite songs so they were all represented. And when I needed people to calm down or to focus I had a playlist for that too. These will all be linked down below. My point is that music is a huge part of my life, and it is a huge part of your students lives. How are you integrating it into the classroom?

Also, it isn't just for the classroom. I love to use music to start PD, and prior to conference presentations. It sets a mood.  Scroll below to see my favorite playlists from Spotify.

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My friend Ed Campos Jr in California recently shared his playlist with the following tips on social media so I wanted to include those too.

​Here's my playlist I use for #MusicCues in the classroom.
"It Takes 2 to make a Thing Go Right"(partner work). 
"Come Together" (group work), 
"To the left, to the left."(move 2 Whiteboard spaces to the left). 
"Walk This Way"(Gallery Walk),
"Welcome Back(Theme Song from Welcome Back Cotter for when discussion/group time is over & we reconvene).
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...and lots lots more. Im also open to suggestions if you'd like me to add any songs.