Well, you may wonder how using music, routine, and rituals all help to create a safe feeling and bond the class into a school family or you may do this without really thinking about all the pieces. So, if you are the first person, I'll share some information with you to see if you don't want to add more of these to your day, and if you are person number two, please add more of how and why you use these things in your classroom. I say that no one can have too many books or too much music in a classroom and a teacher and students can't be too connected to one another.
You have more ability to motivate, to guide, and to change student behaviors if the students are connected to you and each other. We know from Conscious Discipline that we make connections through play and I take it to also include through music. We know that a song can bring back memories clearly with just a few notes and words. So it makes sense that music can bond us to one another and to memories for a lifetime.
Each year I use a song to focus the group, a song to connect, and a song to unite us as we start the day. Through the years I've varied the song adapted songs, but I'm sharing today two of my favorites.
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This next clip is for setting the stage for a positive day, uniting all in focus and purpose of the day.
I never insist that children sing. Some will watch and sing it elsewhere first. Just being a part of a group singing is bonding. I've never had a year where all the children didn't take part in the daily ritual songs...they may not sing, but they will boogie and laugh.
Many years back Lilo and Stitch had just come out. I had a class of 16 students and about 5 languages spoken. One day just on an "inner nudge" I popped the Lilo and Stitch soundtrack into the CD player and played Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride. We all moved and tried to sing in Hawaiian, but not a one of us spoke a word of Hawaiian. An instant bond formed in my class, at that moment. We had something in common---no Hawaiian. Now there was some English, but the chorus was all new for each of us. It was amazing what happened when I followed that inner nudge and with that music.
Music is the key to many ties we have to things in our lives. I hope that if you don't use music, in your classroom, that you will decide tomorrow to add at least one song to the day. Use it at group, in transitions, or saying good-bye; it will make a difference. If you use music in your classroom add one more song.
If you don't have a Spotify account open one. If you need ideas let me know. One can never have too many books or too many songs in your heart.
Following the same routines with students with music creates safety in classrooms. I suggest not changing music too frequently. Let it become a part of who you are as a class/school family. Your children will hold tight to this part of your day. Next blog entry more ideas along the lines of rituals, songs, and kindness.
Aloha!
Teacher Debbie
