Thread: Music in the classroom

In the Art Room (my place) I use "Songs in the Key of Art" 5 Cds of fun music about artists and art for kids

Instrumental, or any music? For what age? I have a large library of stuff I used to play when I taught 2nd and 3rd grade, none of it instrumental. Here are a few remembered favorites:

Anything by the Banana Slug String Band

Peter, Paul, and Mary's "Peter, Paul, and Mommy too," (or something like that),

Red Grammar

Greg and Steve

Raffi, of course

Collections of old folk songs

Thanks for the info. I teach 3rd grade. I have tons of instrumental, so I am looking for more upbeat music that you may hear on the radio.

Any of the Putomayo kids cds are great! I especially like the Carribean and African Playground cds. I teach 3rd as well and my kids love these! I also play a lot of Broadway show soundtracks.

I love playing music in the background. There are some classics (with lyrics) that are great as well as classical instrumental music. Anything soothing and relaxing works well. Some Enya songs might work well too.

It also depends on your class' grade level. Raffi songs are great for preschool and kindergarten. Classical music should be on your list. It's 'safe' and I don't think you can go wrong with this genre when your aim is to sort of stimulate the kids' minds.

Sometimes classical music can help if they need to work on something serious. For those who work in preschools, calming music is a typical wind-down technique.

I don't play music in my classroom. I think it distracts kids when they are trying to work on projects. I did teach older kids a bit ago and we listened to music. I did not care what they brought in as long as the lyrics were clean.

I guess it also depends on the kind of activity or work that the kids are doing. In some cases, background music may be helpful while in others, it could disrupt the kids' focus. Playing music as the kids enter the class in the morning won't hurt.