This video made me want to be a better teacher! This video shows how adding creativity can help students learn and become better students. In the video, the students are creating music to go along with math and the students are engaged, enthusiastic, and motivated in their math class. (P.S- I want the dress code at this school!)
There are many different ways to learn and I know that not everyone learns the same. Growing up, I learned best when the classroom was hands-on. Knowing that my classroom is made up of all different kinds of learners, I think it is important to incorporate as many different styles as I can. I am always looking for videos, video clips, and music to go along with my lessons. Students are more likely to remember the lesson if there is something that catches their eyes or ears. Also, I think it is great to incorporate videos or audio so that it isn’t just me they are hearing day after day.
I like to connect with my students in my classrooms. I look for connections all the time to be able to build relationships with my students. One of my passions is music and listening to music. I love all kinds of music and I share my love of music with my students. I will ask them if they heard the new pop song or the new country song that I love. When my students are working I will put on Pandora and let my students listen to music while they work. I will put on different channels so students are given opportunities to listen to different types of music.
Playing music classroom has connected me to my students and I didn’t even know it. One student started calling me DJ Callahan (which I thought was hilarious) because I would take requests for music. Also, at the end of the year our 6th grade students wrote a short letter to their favorite teacher and explained why. A handful of my letters stated that they loved that they got to listen to music why they worked in my classroom.
