I have enjoyed the recent conversation and recommended websites regarding music in the classroom. Each year I try to use more music in my room but I am learning the value of adding movement with the music. At my school, most of our students are bussed to and from school with a 15 minute period for recess. P.E. is every other day in an every other 9 week session. We haven't had gym in 6 weeks. (But, I do use the gym when the teacher has prep). Music specialists are few and far between in our district. I am also a parent of 2 boys with special needs so I consider myself an "OT Wannabee". I would highly recommend the following to get your class moving and grooving. Raffi is a favorite. Dr. Jean Feldman has been recommended here before. Find everything you need at www.dr.jean.org Steve and Greg have a great CD called Shake Rattle and Roll. They also have Kids in Action and Kids in Motion. My all time favorite OT/musician is Gen Jereb. You can find more about her 4 CDs at www.sensorytools.net She is from Australia and works at a sensory integration camp (which my sons have attended). After reading the postings on music I am very interested in JiggaJump by Judy & David. at www.JiggaJump.com In my room we collect songs and poems in a notebook. They will have this to take home at the end of the year. Just think of Gardner's Multiple Intelligences and you can see how some kids are kinesthetic learners while others are rhythmical, musical or auditory. I would also highly recommend a Brain Gym course. I have taken 2 courses this year and love it. "The Brain Gym system, a set of 26 specific movements readies the body to learn by integrating visual, auditory, and kinesthetic functioning. Stimulating the nervous system equally in all brain parts and strengthening neural pathways between the 2 hemispheres, the activities effect rapid and often dramatic improvements in concentration, memory, reading, writing, organizing, listening, physical coordination and more". I don't do this to increase test scores. I do this because it is fun and kids need to move. Learning is experience, movement is learning. There seems to be a swing back to brain based learning. Hope my 2 cents worth helps.
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