Questions 1-8

Music and the Creative Processes: Blog

 

Music IN Education....Things to Think About

 

1. How do you use music in YOUR life?

Music is a big part of my life, every morning as I drive to work I will listen to the radio or CD’s with my favorite songs in my car.  I also sing songs to my 3 year old to help him learn his letters and assist with his counting.  Listening to music is a definite must while doing intensive cleaning throughout my house; it makes it go so much faster and gives me a boost of energy!

 

2. What musical activities and interests did you have as a child?

I’ve always loved to sing and I can remember participating in our annual church talent show singing in front of the congregation.  They were so much fun!

 

3. Have you observed children at musical play?

Yes, I work at an elementary school as a teacher’s aide and have observed children jumping rope while singing along to a playful song keeping a steady rhythm while they twirl the rope during recess duty.  I’ve also watched them play hand games where they clap at a steady rhythm. 

 

4. Are there some musical skills you are able to teach to children more easily than others?

There definitely are easier skills than others, the teaching of lyrics and rhythm to a song may be easier to show students than the actual tone or staying in key; an even more difficult task would be to read music and perform it correctly. 

 

5. What do you think that all children should be able to do, musically, as a result of a MUSICAL

education?

I believe all children should be able to memorize song lyrics and sing them with a steady rhythm and proper tone. 

 

6. Have you ever observed a teacher integrating music into the classroom? Cite examples.

Lower elementary grades use music quite often.  Kindergarten and 1^st grade teachers typically use a song at the end of calendar time or to transition from one subject to the next.  I’ve also witnessed a 3^rd grade teacher using music by playing classical music softly in the background while students work on their writing.

 

7. How do you think music can be integrated into the elementary classroom?

As stated in question 6, integrating music during calendar time can be effective for the younger grades.  Having a song at the end of the day to dismiss class can be another suggestion in which I can integrate music to my classroom.  If I was to teach an older grade I could have a certain chant or stomp before tackling a test to help relieve pressure off students and keep them focused. 

 

8. How do you think music can be used as an interdisciplinary tool in the elementary classroom?

Music can be used in a number of ways to help students remember common misspelled words by singing a song (instead of the color song “PURPLE” use same tune for the word “PEOPLE” p-e-o-p-l-e people), or learn specific historical events or key facts (50 Nifty United States) Music can also be a cue to students to transition from one activity to the next.