The Extreme Power of Music...

Inspirational. Catchy. Moving. Fun. Beautiful. Educational. The list could go on and on....for words that describe the incredible power of music. As a one who has always been moved and inspired by music, I have found that when all else fails, listening or singing a good tune could be the factor that changes your situation or mind set.

This past week while meeting and getting to know my new students, we learned many new songs that help us transition throughout the day. While it may seem trivial, every single time I start singing, their moods and demeanor's change. Their eyes light up and suddenly they are willing to follow instructions if it means they can sing and have fun while doing so...

After reflecting on this fact I realized that even as an adult I fall for this and am entranced and moved to action upon hearing a new song...I want to listen and sing over and over again...I feel encouraged, empowered and excited for what is to come. I feel the need to share with everyone around me of the new music I am listening to and what its meaning in my life.

So what's the point? Where are you going with this you may ask.

The point is...never forget and fail to use music to inspire change in those around you. Music tugs at the heart strings of people from every culture and has the power to move mountains in people's lives. I will continue to use music in every aspect of my life...I challenge you to do the same!

My recent songs of inspiration:

1. Man in the Mirror-Michael Jackson
2. Here Goes-Bebo Norman
3. Something Beautiful-Need to Breathe
4. Keep Changing the World-Mikeschair

Inspire change.....

Distracted Much?

If you have ever been in a situation where you were supposed to be listening to a book, speaker, seromn or any type of communication, you are probably like me and have "gotten distracted." This produces lack of understanding and comprehension as to what is going on...Right? This then effects how you respond and react...Right?

If you are a teacher and have ever been in a situation where you were in the middle of a dynamic (or so you thought) read-a-loud and have stopped to ask a meaningful question only to be responded by blank stares and one "I'm not sure," then you are NOT ALONE!

We all as humans have those tendencies, no matter what our age. We let our thoughts drift and lose our focus...but after realizing and accepting this fact, I wondered if I was ever taught how to focus and how to think so I could respond...I can honestly say that I was never taught that life learning skill in school. Isn't that the place where I should have learned it?

As a first year teacher going on my second year, I have battled this in thinking that I'm not doing something right....that I'm doing something wrong...and guess what? I AM! Yes there are times when students are not as engaged as they could be due to numerous factors, but I have just discovered that there is a better way to produce meaningful discussion and conversation during read-alouds and new learnings and this is a skill I WILL teach my students.

My reading hero Lucy Calkins suggested teaching students how to think and respond during read alouds. This includes stopping often to think and talk during reading so we know what it going on. It also includes sometimes repeating what is said, just to let it sink in....wow! How powerful! Another tool is to teach students starter phrases, and this is what I wish I would have learned sooner. Some of these starters are listed below:

-I noticed...
-One thing I pictured was...
-It reminded me of...
-I like the part in which...(or I didn't like)
-I wonder why...
-What would have happened if...
-I was surprised to see...
-I didn't understand...
-It wasn't fair when...
-My idea changed when...


Other strategies include sketching what one is thinking during reading! As an artist, I would have LOVED this tool as a child! I wonder how much more I could have grown? Hmm...
Jotting down notes is helpful as well as recalling the previous day's reading!

All of the above seem so basic, but are we using them in our classroom even with younger students? What I do know is that my students will be learners who know how to respond to texts in purposeful ways! No more blank stares or confusion :)

Happy Learning!