A LITTLE LIGHT MUSIC

By Irene Light

HELP!

THEY'RE OUT OF CONTROL!!

How many times have you had to shout when you wanted your child or your class to pay attention? Are they "tuned out?" Well, now they can be "tuned in" with music.

Let's say that your children won't pick up their toys. Well, you just need to sing the directions! Music is fun while taking orders isn't. You should use an easy tune like "This is the way we wash our clothes" but sing "This is the way we pick up toys." You can also include the child's name somewhere along the way. At times you can get silly and say, "This is the way we pick up an elephant! OOPS! Pick up our dolls." You need to sing and have fun to be "tuned in." If you routinely use the same tune, you child will create new verses. Historically, these are called work songs that are done in rhythm with the task so as to make the job fun! "I've Been Working on the Railroad" and "John Henry" are two familiar examples.

Okay. Well, now the room is clean and, since there is so much space, the children are running around and screaming. Of course, this never will happen but we know that you can take control!

One way is to sing a song that everyone knows (like "The Alphabet Song") loudly. Keep repeating it until most of the children have joined in. Then sing it together while gradually getting softer. Now you can switch songs or stop and change activities because you are now in control! When you go on to your next activity, you will be able to start it with everyone paying attention while you talk in a soft or normal voice. The children will not know what to expect, so they will listen.

Songs make transitioning fun whether it is a change of location or change in subject. Singing keeps everyone involved so discipline problems can't occur. If you are taking a class from one room to another, just sing a marching song like "Yankee Doodle" or one that has four beats such as "Old McDonald." You are the Pied Piper and students will follow you. It's that easy!

Transitioning subjects can cause a lapse in discipline. Turn your next subject into a mystery guessing game. Just prepare a song about your next unit. (If you don't want to sing, bring in a tape.) Have the class guess what the next subject will be.

Now, if you are still losing some control, then, if you can, play some foreboding music such as the theme from "Dragnet" or Chopin's "Funeral March." Instantly, the children will know that they are in TROUBLE!! I usually warn them that, if they hear this music 3 times during class, it means that no one will receive a sticker. It works. (You can be stricter as the class becomes used to the idea.) Also, playing a loud chord on an instrument or clapping loudly 3 times will suffice. As long as you always do the same thing, you will retake control!

Music is very soothing for quiet activities and naptime. Behavior problems won't occur if you play quiet orchestral or vocal pieces. In addition, the children will learn new songs and become acquainted with instrumental music. Refer to the Children's Web Awards to find appropriate music and everyone (including you) will be relaxed.

ENJOY!

copyright Irene Light 2004

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How To Introduce Music Into Your Classroom Even If You Are Not A Music Teacher!

Irene Light is a certified public school music teacher with over 30 years of teaching experience. She has taught classroom, choral and instrumental music from preschool through eighth grade. She was the recipient of multiple piano scholarships from the Henry Street Settlement Music School and graduated from Music & Arts High School in New York . She obtained a B. A. in Music from Hunter College followed by her teacher's license in graduate school.

Throughout her teaching career, Mrs. Light has also been running a very busy piano studio. Her approach to private piano instruction includes providing her students with a multitude of creative contests and performing opportunities. Her Music Marathon © is a piano/sports event that creatively teaches piano technique in a competitive and fun way.