Lesson 6

After watching the videos on Math and Music, how does this information impact you as a teacher?

As an English teacher my influence in the area of math will be indirect.  I can support my fellow teacher’s efforts in the math classroom by offering assistance or finding ways to come up with projects that can cross the curricula.  I can look for opportunities to use math skills the students are learning in our English curriculum.  

Music is something I can utilize a great deal in my classroom.  Playing happy, upbeat music as the students come in and get ready for the day can set a pleasing and welcoming mood.  Using peaceful, calming music before a test can help students relax which can impact their brains’ ability to access the information we studied.  Using music in teaching, such as rewriting lyrics, can help students learn information that needs to be memorized.  If I notice our attention is lagging or we are getting tired I can use music as a quick pick me up and give students a short break.  Relaxing and calm music could also help me reset my mood after a particularly challenging classroom session! Music effects mood and energy so choosing music carefully can help set the tone for learning that day.  Currently I am a study hall teacher for the middle school of a small charter school.  I allow the students to listen to music of their choice once in awhile as long the volume on their headphones remains low enough that I cannot hear it when standing next to them.  I’ve noticed that the students who utilize this freedom actually remain more focused on their schoolwork and are less distracted by the students around them.