[MOSAIC] Music in the classroom

[Christine Cuomo]

In Vol 7, Issue 15 many of you discussed using music as a tool in the 
classroom.  I support this entirely.  I especially believe that music can 
help teach students to become good listeners, and readers.  Playing a song 
in the classroom, regardless of the genre, will capture students interest 
and make them feel as if they are taking part in relaxing activity that is 
not being critically evaluated.  We can have students discuss what they hear 
after only listening to a song, then have them further analyze the music by 
distributing the lyrics.
I noticed that someone mentioned the Nas song "I know I can."  This song 
sends the kind of message that is very pertinent in the lives of many young 
students, especially those growing up in poverty.  Many songs have 
motivational messages and can be positively implemented into any classroom, 
and used as a literacy tool.  Students will develop their listening skills, 
comprehension skills, and analytical skills, all through the use of music in 
the classroom.  In my own experiences I have also found that many students 
feel more comfortable working with music rather than books.  Developing 
literacy skills through songs allows students, especially struggling ones, 
to feel non-threatened and thus allows for an increase in participation 
amongst the group.
I highly recommend incorporating music into the classroom, on any level, and 
from any genre, especially to be used as a literacy tool.

Christine

_________________________________________________________________
Mortgage rates as low as 4.625% - Refinance $150,000 loan for $579 a month. 
Intro*Terms  
https://www2.nextag.com/goto.jsp?product=100000035&url=%2fst.jsp&tm=y&search=mortgage_text_links_88_h27f6&disc=y&vers=743&s=4056&p=5117