The
information in this YouTube video is relevant in an elementary classroom
because it reminds us that everyone uses music as a way to express
themselves. It can serve as an outlet
for young children who are not able to communicate verbally. Even parents, who cannot carry a tune, will
often sing lullabies to their babies.
Another
point to remember in an elementary classroom is that when children are able to
put a concept in lyrics, this helps to embed the information into their memory. Often time’s children are introduced to music
at young ages. Because of this, these
children find singing fun and learn to make it their own by making up their own
tunes or words.
Music
helps pass down culture and identity to each student in the classroom. It enables us to get a sense of who we really
are. This video helped me to understand
just how big of a communication factor music can be in the lives of children.
Veronica,
ReplyDeleteWOW! You have been busy!!! I am impressed by your tenacity and work ethic. BRAVO! I hope this is a sign that you are willing to use music as a tool to meet the needs of those learners that require it to access higher levels of thinking.
Music can provide a way for students to break through social norms, to communicate and to find a common ground between fellow peers, to make easy transitions from one subject matter to the next. Some students have anxiety when transitions are made from class to class without structure. This provides a safe feeling for those students (usually students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder).
For example:
The best use of music as a tool is through a "piggy back" song. This is a song which uses a tool we are all familiar with (Twinkle Twinkle, When the Saints Go Marching In, Yankee Doodle) and the words change to teach a classroom concept. For example: a line-up song...
To the Tune of Yankee Doodle:
My arms are resting by my sides
I'm standing straight and tall
My eyes are looking in front of me
I'm ready for the hall
REPEAT as needed....I also like to "march" them out of the room. It is a proactive way to get kids to follow directions rather than asking them over and over again to complete a task.
Dr. H