Tag: integration

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Developing Inquiring Minds

Tomorrow our class is taking a class field trip to Water #10, which is an art sculpture near Aberdeen Station on River Road. We will be exploring what “Interdependence” feels and looks like, through our unit study on Plants and Growth.
 (photo from VB Learn)
“The idea is for the teacher to ask more questions to stimulate thoughts and share their ideas. It is important to encourage no right or wrong answers and someone’s ideas can lead to new ideas and thoughts. Do not give them answers and let them come through with the answers – it may take longer but it would engage students and develop inquiring minds.”
— Katherine Tong from Vancouver Biennale
It is very exciting for the students to look forward to this walking field trip, but I am also curious about the students’ participation tomorrow. It is a little frightening at first, to let the students take charge of their own learning. The fear is that they will “get off topic” or “not have the relevant ideas”. But when I think critically about my teaching practice, I realize that it isn’t possible to ‘get off topic’ if the topic is where the students direct the conversation. When the idea is a BIG IDEA, any of the students’ connections and inquiries will likely fall under the BIG IDEA. I want the students to understand the importance of interdependence in Nature, and to begin to appreciate the complexity of a balance as created through inter-dependency. In our exploration of the space, and of our own bodies and representations of what it means to grow and depend on each other (humans and nature, communities), I am positive that the students will have a meaningful learning experience.
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More Music in the Classroom!

Playlist by Mr. Vasicek, a teacher in Michigan

found here and his philosophy behind it found here

 

Come-In Songs — Bouncy songs to start the day off right.

 

Morning Kickoff — These songs provide a short, interactive way to start the day as soon as that bell rings. In my class we accompany the songs with motions and peer interaction. Positive touch each day can really help to build relationships (see Dr. Becky Bailey).

Writing Time — During writing time, I play slow-paced songs that have no recognizable lyrics, which would create a distraction. I play these selections ONLY when the students should be writing. The last song is ALWAYS the same so they know they need to wrap up their thoughts. Works like a charm . . . just like Pavlov’s experiment.

 

Subject Anchors — I use these songs to indicate the start of the next subject. The songs signal what books and folders students will need for the next lesson.

“867-5309” by Tommy Tutone for math “Weird Science” by Oingo Boingo for science”Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” for spelling Pink Panther theme for mystery reading “America” by Neil Diamond for social studies lessons on American history “Pizza” by Gemini for lunch on pizza days “Peanut Butter Jelly Time” by Chip-Man & the Buckwheat Boyz for lunch on other days “Who Let the Dogs Out” by Baha Men for recess

Timed Transitions — I find TV theme songs work great for this.

  • Thirtysomething theme song — one minute  (The link goes to an extended version of the song.)
  • ER TV theme song — one minute
  • Malcolm in the Middle TV theme song — 30 seconds (Again, this links to an extended version of the song.)
  • A reader’s comment on my first post about music alerted me to this Web site as a source of free downloads of commercial jingles, video game soundtracks, and TV theme songs.

End of the Day

 

Class Songs — A song we pick to sing every Friday during our reflection and share time, which we call “Highs and Lows.”

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Music in the Classroom

Here is a section from an extremely informative blog post on why music should be integrated into the classroom:

Music for Learning Suggestions

Focus and Concentration Music

Play as background music while students study, read, or write to:
· increase attention levels
· improve retention and memory
· extend focused learning time
· expand thinking skills

Relax with the Classics. The LIND Institute. Accelerated Learning research indicates slow Baroque music increases concentration. It works!
Velvet Dreams. Daniel Kobialka’s exceptional music-favorite classics such as Pachelbel’s Canon at a very slow tempo.
Celtic Fantasy. Kobialka uses the warmth of Celtic music played slowly to facilitate relaxed focus.
Music for Relaxation. Chapman and Miles. Quietly sets a calming mood.
Baroque Music to Empower Learning and Relaxation. The Barzak Institute uses slow and fast Baroque era music to hold attention.
Mozart and Baroque Music. The Barzak Institute. A useful compilation with 30 minutes of Mozart and 30 minutes of Baroque music.
Mozart Effect: Strengthen the Mind Enhance Focus with Energizing Mozart, selected by Don Campbell.
An Dun. Calming the Emotions Chinese music that actually does calm and appeals to all ages.
Accelerating Learning. Steven Halpern’s music assists learners in focus and is good background for reading-free-flowing and peaceful.
Creativity and Reflection Music

Play as background for activities such as:
· journalling or writing
· problem-solving or goal-setting
· background for project work
· brainstorming

Pianoforte. Eric Daub. This thoughtful classical piano music sets the tone for introspective creativity and processing. Excellent!
Medicine Woman I or II. Medwyn Goodall gives us music to delve into deep thoughts and meaningful feelings.
Oceans. Christopher Peacock. Motivating and great team-building music.
Mozart Effect: Relax, Daydream and Draw. Don Campbell’s collection of reflective Mozart for gently enhancing creativity.
Fairy Ring. Mike Rowlands’ touching music in a classical style. Long cuts hold the mood. Good for reading with important information or stories.
Living Music and Touch. Michael Jones uses solo piano music to encourage reflection.
Welcoming Music

Play as background for entries, exits, breaks. Use to:
· greet your students
· create a welcoming atmosphere
· set a learning rhythm
· expand musical awareness

Dance of the Renaissance. Richard Searles. Delightful music of 15th-17th century England. This upbeat music appeals to all ages.
Emerald Castles. Richard Searles. Pleasing sounds of the Celtic countries played on acoustic instruments.
1988 Summer Olympics. Various rock songs from the Olympics that inspire.
Celtic Destiny. Bruce Mitchell. Dynamic instrumental Celtic music. Stimulating with a variety of paces.
Sun Spirit. Deuter. Delightful flute music that energizes melodiously.
The Four Seasons. Vivaldi Beautiful melodies to set a warm mood no matter what the season.
Boundaries. Scott Wilkie. Relaxed jazz to set a an easy-going learning pace.
Echoes of Incas. Ventana al Sol. Joyful South American melodies and rhythms open the door to learning.
Active Learning Music

Use for a sound break or movement activities to:
· increase productivity
· energize students during daily energy lulls
· provide a stimulating sound break to increase attention
· make exercise more fun
· encourage movement activities

Tunes for Trainers. An all-in-one CD with categories of Fun Stuff, Energy Break, Brainstorm, Quiet moods and more.
Jazzy Tunes for Trainers. A versatile compilation with lively background music for a wide variety of teaching and training activities.
Earth Tribe Rhythms. Brent Lewis. This wonderful rhythmic music is played on 20 tuned drums for both rhythm and melody. Great for any movement activities.
Best of Ray Lynch. Ray Lynch A classic electronic and acoustic recording that adds fun and interest. Useful for topic associations.
Funny 50’s and Silly 60’s. Old songs that are just plain fun like Purple People Eater, Wooly Bully and more.
Hooked on Classics. The beat that doesn’t quit! Great for body and brain wakeups.
Earth, Sea, and Sky. Nature recordings. Provides a variety of sounds.
Best of World Dance Music. Hopping happy music from everywhere. Some vocal and some instrumental.

 

More of the great article by Chris Brewer here.

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