Dancing Up the Sidewalk

Leaving school this morning, I headed to the coffee shop to write. It was a normal day, and I was going through the motions. It’s funny how your mind and body just regulate to a routine and sometimes you don’t even need to think about where you are going or what comes next because you just automatically do it. 

I parked and gathered my things, and when I got out of the car, I was greeted with music playing in the town square. Not just any music, but one of my ’80s favorites . . . “Come On Eileen” by Dexys Midnight Runners. It’s upbeat, fun, and brings back memories of childhood. Before I realized it, I was singing along and dancing up the sidewalk to the coffee shop. My mood had changed. One song playing in the town square had energized and recentered me. 

I wonder how often that happens to others. I imagine it happens quite frequently. I am sure that is why holiday music plays overhead during the season in shopping centers, and upbeat music plays between quarters at ball games. It is most certainly why many people choose to listen to a personalized playlist when exercising. Music has the ability to alter the mood and environment. 

We can tap into this subtle mood changer by carefully selecting the music we play in our classroom and school. Looking for ways to enhance your environment with music? Here are a few tried-and-true ideas from other classrooms and schools:

• Select music to play as kids come in each day. You may prefer something calming, or you may ask your students to share their favorite songs and create a playlist of their favorites. 
• Play instrumental music quietly in the background as students work independently or collaboratively. 
• Have a hello or goodbye song to sing daily. Teachers of younger students may also find songs for transition time, lining up, walking in the halls, and more. 
• In middle or high school settings where students change classes, play music over the loudspeaker during the time between classes. 
• Use music for brain breaks throughout the day. It provides a great opportunity for a kinesthetic break to stretch or dance, or an auditory break to listen or sing along. 

Do you use music in other ways to enhance student learning and mood? I would love to hear what has worked for you! Email me!

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