Each morning, right after the students arrive, we start our day by listening to a song or two. It has been a wonderful way to start each day, especially in a one-room school that caters to a wide range of grades. With my kindergarten students we practice moving around space to the "beat" or "rhythm" of the song, and they listen for which instruments they can hear in the piece. With the older students I take it a step further, discussing genre, the pop culture of the era in which the song was made, etc. Then I have my grade 7 student do some internet research on the group or singer and on the origins of the song, and have her pick out some facts that she finds interesting to open up discussion about music and art/creativity in general. We rotate choices during the week so that everyone can add their favourite songs to the mix. We have even been getting some suggestions from community members!
Sometimes we dress up, sometimes we stand, sometimes we sit, sometimes we lie down and tap our fingers on our chests, sometimes we move up high, sometimes down low, sometimes we watch the video up on the SmartBoard, sometimes we close our eyes and just listen. It's an amazing way to start the day, and I highly recommend it to anyone, even if you're just having a coffee on your own at your kitchen table.
Some popular selections so far:
Bette Middler - "In the Mood" (suggested by a community member)
Norah Jones - "Come Away with Me"
Sinead O'Connor - "Nothing Compares to You"
Ellie Goulding - "Lights" (Bassnectar Remix)
We're always up for suggestions, so if you have a favourite song to recommend just run your mouse over the "no comments/comments" text at the bottom of this post to add your comment. All genres are welcome, and the more obscure or diverse the better :)
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