Music in Daily Routines
When thinking about incorporating music into our classrooms, often times it is thought as aspect that must be included into our instructional plans. This is not the case! Music can be included into the routines and procedures that are already taking place within your classrooms every day! Provided below are some simple examples and ideas of how to incorporate music!
Daily Routines
Taking Attendance:
The teacher can take attendance by using a singing type voice. This is a procedure that takes place every day, however when done in a singing voice,demonstrates rhythms and syllable detection. This also helps the students to practice responding orally to a statement.
T: " Hello Amanda"
S: " Hello Miss. Swale"
Redirecting:
Music can be used as a signal to redirect students when failing to complete a desired task. A great example, is to use song when the students are talking in line. The teacher would sing, " Someone's talking in my line, who could it be? Put a finger on your lip, and a hand on your hip, that's the way to be!
This short song signals the students that they should not be talking, and to correct their behavior.
Calendar Time:
When students come to have calendar time, it often consists of learning the days of the week and the months of the year. Using music during calendar time, will help students memory when trying to recite these aspects of calendar.Make learning fun by adding music!
Transitions:
Using music to signal a transition within the classroom is great for students self-awareness. A great example of this is when students are in small groups or in literacy centers. When it is time to switch, play a song. The students will know that when the song is over, they need to be in their seat working at their next literacy station.Using music for transitions acts as a great cue for students to switch gears into the next activity!
“Music is about communication, creativity, and cooperation, and by studying music in schools, students have the opportunity to build on these skills, enrich their lives, and experience the world from a new perspective.”
- Bill Clinton
