Music: a Key to the Brain!

Brain research tells us that listening to music actually helps the brain. 

There are many ways to use music in the classroom, and here are a few to get you going!

   

Did you know that music boosts brain organization? It affects our moods and emotions. Playing music in the classroom really makes a difference. Different kinds of music work at different times. Playing slow, classical music helps kids focus and concentrate. Fun, upbeat music helps them find energy during those sleepy times of day (after lunch?) or just plain makes the kids feel good. Putting important information to a familiar tune helps them remember things. There is no end to the possibilities of music in the classroom.

Although I have a huge collection of music for the classroom that I've downloaded or bought in CD form, (See THIS link, and THIS link.) there are other sources for music that are much more appropriate for a teacher's salary!

1. Free downloads! I found THIS link, 10 places to go to get free music downloads, including Free Music Archive and Amazon! It's worth exploring!😉)

2.  You-Tube! Just search You-Tube for the kind of music you want, and you'll see several options pop up! As long as I don't need my classroom projection system for something else, I'll find a long video and let it go on in the background to help the kiddos focus. Here's one I found when I searched "Calming Music for Kids"

Then I searched "Happy Music for Kids" and got this. This is great music for kids to hear when they're entering the class in the morning, because it makes them feel good!

 

 

Here's one I played often at the end of the school year, especially when we had our "seacoast week." I searched "Ocean Sounds with music." (This one is 31/2 hours long!)

 

 

 

I searched this one for Cinco de Mayo. ("Mexican music")

and, of course for St. Patrick's Day I might play this one! ("Irish Music")

Honestly, you can find just about anything on You-Tube, but be careful to check it ahead of time. As you know, there are things you DON'T want to share with the children! (For example, the Irish music category has plenty of Irish drinking songs!)

 

Where do you find music for the classroom?

Top O' the Morning! St. Patrick's Day Resources

Do you have the luck of the Irish? 

St. Patrick's Day will be here before you know it, and here are some resources to get you ready!

Here are a couple of videos to help your students learn about Ireland!

And, of course, a nice sample of one of those things Ireland is famous for: Irish Step Dancing!

 

Check these discounted resources out! (They're two-dollar treats!)

 

Addition and Subtraction Story Problems 

You can grab this resource for free by signing up for my helpful emails HERE!

St. Patrick's Day Creative Writing Paper

This bundle contains the above resources, plus a few other resources at a HUGE discount!

St. Patrick's Day Learning Activities Bundle

I always make sure the children recognize the Irish Flag.

 

And listen to Irish music.

And, of course, books!

      

And books by some favorite authors:

   

I'll be celebrating St. Patrick's Week right after Read Across America Week!  I  just can't spend a day on any of these fabulous holidays! There is too much fun learning to be had!

 

How do you enjoy these March holidays with your students?