When I started integrating music into my classroom, I played music in the background as my students entered/left class. Music was my signal to them to be quiet. Eventually, music became an essential part of transitioning QUIETLY from activity to activity. I think I wore out my CD player that year. Yes, I did say CD player.
I remember the day vividly when I used music to teach an art class. The objective of this class was to draw what you heard without stopping until the music turned off. For 20 minutes, students drew.
The sounds that they interpreted on paper was so varied, so beautiful, so extra- ordinary, that this exercise became part of our weekly routine.
It was this simple art activity of drawing what they heard that showed me that integrating music didn't have to be hard. It just has to be there. Kids needed to be exposed to it. And if that's all I could give them, then that's what I gave them. There was no music theory in this lesson, but there were connections, a lot of them- to our senses, our thoughts, and each other.
I saw how my students calmed down during this activity. I witnessed how they enjoyed sharing their different interpretations of the song they heard. Most importantly, I saw students getting along, laughing, and having meaningful conversations. This integration lesson was magic, and I was hooked.
Integrating music might scare you too. I get it. You maybe like me, playing music in your classroom as a signal. So I say to you, continue on brave teacher/parent friend. You are making connections for your students and that's what music integration is all about! Keep it up!