As a teacher, finding the right music to play in the classroom can be a daunting task. You want to create a fun and engaging atmosphere, but you also need to ensure that the lyrics are suitable for your students. Pop music is a great way to get your students excited and motivated, but not all pop songs are created equal. In this article, we’ll explore some school-appropriate pop songs that you can play in your classroom.
Why Play Pop Music In The Classroom?
Playing pop music in the classroom can have a number of benefits for your students. For one, it can help to create a positive and uplifting atmosphere, which can be especially important for students who may be struggling with difficult subjects or personal issues. Pop music can also be a great way to get your students moving and engaged, whether you’re using it to accompany a physical education activity or simply to get your students up and dancing during a break.
In addition to its mood-boosting effects, pop music can also be a valuable teaching tool. Many pop songs deal with themes and issues that are relevant to your students’ lives, such as friendship, love, and self-empowerment. By playing these songs in the classroom, you can create a starting point for discussions and lessons that can help your students develop important life skills.
What Makes A Pop Song “School-Appropriate”?
So, what makes a pop song suitable for the classroom? Here are a few key factors to consider:
- Lyrics: The most important thing to consider when evaluating a pop song for classroom play is the lyrics. Look for songs with clean, respectful language and avoid songs with explicit content, profanity, or mature themes.
- Message: Consider the message of the song and whether it aligns with your teaching goals and values. Look for songs that promote positive themes and messages, such as self-empowerment, friendship, and kindness.
- Tempo and tone: The tempo and tone of a song can also impact its suitability for the classroom. Look for songs with a moderate tempo and a positive, uplifting tone.
Pop Songs For The Classroom: A Playlist
Here are some school-appropriate pop songs that you can play in your classroom:
- “Happy” by Pharrell Williams: This upbeat song is all about finding happiness and joy in life. Its catchy beat and positive lyrics make it a great choice for the classroom.
- “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake: This feel-good song is all about embracing your emotions and living in the moment. Its catchy melody and upbeat tempo make it a great choice for getting your students moving and engaged.
- “We Found Love” by Rihanna (clean version): This song is a great choice for teaching about relationships and love. The clean version is suitable for the classroom and features a catchy melody and upbeat tempo.
- “Brave” by Sara Bareilles: This empowering song is all about finding your voice and speaking your truth. Its positive lyrics and catchy melody make it a great choice for teaching about self-empowerment and confidence.
- “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors: This upbeat song is all about embracing the present moment and finding joy in life. Its catchy melody and positive lyrics make it a great choice for the classroom.
Using Pop Music In The Classroom: Tips And Ideas
Here are a few tips and ideas for using pop music in the classroom:
- Create a playlist: Create a playlist of school-appropriate pop songs that you can play during lessons or breaks. You can use music streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music to create and share playlists with your students.
- Use music to set the mood: Use pop music to set the mood for different activities and lessons. For example, you can play upbeat music during physical education activities or more mellow music during quiet time.
- Teach music literacy: Use pop music to teach music literacy skills, such as reading sheet music or identifying different genres and styles.
- Encourage student participation: Encourage your students to participate in music activities, such as singing along to songs or creating their own music videos.
Pop Music And Literacy: A Winning Combination
Pop music can be a valuable tool for teaching literacy skills, such as reading comprehension and vocabulary building. Here are a few ways you can use pop music to teach literacy:
- Analyze lyrics: Analyze the lyrics of a pop song with your students, looking for themes, motifs, and literary devices. This can help your students develop their critical thinking and reading comprehension skills.
- Use music to teach vocabulary: Use pop music to teach vocabulary skills, such as identifying and defining new words. You can create a word bank of vocabulary words from song lyrics and have your students use them in sentences or writing activities.
- Create music-inspired writing activities: Create writing activities that are inspired by pop music, such as writing a short story or poem inspired by a song lyric.
Pop Music And Literacy: A Sample Lesson Plan
Here is a sample lesson plan that incorporates pop music and literacy:
- Grade level: 6-8
- Objectives:
- Students will be able to analyze the lyrics of a pop song and identify themes and motifs.
- Students will be able to use vocabulary words from song lyrics in sentences or writing activities.
- Materials:
- A copy of the song “Brave” by Sara Bareilles
- Whiteboard and markers
- Handout with vocabulary words from song lyrics
- Procedure:
- Play the song “Brave” by Sara Bareilles and ask students to listen to the lyrics.
- Ask students to identify themes and motifs in the song lyrics, such as empowerment and self-confidence.
- Create a word bank of vocabulary words from song lyrics and have students use them in sentences or writing activities.
- Have students write a short essay or poem inspired by the song lyrics.
Conclusion
Pop music can be a valuable tool for creating a positive and engaging classroom atmosphere. By choosing school-appropriate pop songs and using them in creative and educational ways, you can help your students develop important life skills and literacy skills. Remember to always evaluate the lyrics and message of a song before playing it in the classroom, and to use music to set the mood and encourage student participation. With a little creativity, you can create a classroom playlist that your students will love and that will help them learn and grow.
What Are Some Popular Pop Songs That Are Suitable For The Classroom?
Some popular pop songs that are suitable for the classroom include “Happy” by Pharrell Williams, “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake, and “We Found Love” by Rihanna (clean version). These songs are upbeat and energetic, making them perfect for getting students moving and engaged. They also have positive lyrics that promote happiness and self-empowerment.
When choosing pop songs for the classroom, it’s essential to consider the lyrics and ensure they are school-appropriate. Look for songs with clean language and themes that align with your teaching goals. You can also search for kid-friendly versions of popular songs or create playlists with instrumental tracks to avoid any potentially problematic lyrics.
How Can I Use Pop Songs In My Classroom To Enhance Learning?
Pop songs can be used in various ways to enhance learning in the classroom. One approach is to use songs to introduce new concepts or reinforce existing knowledge. For example, you can play a song that teaches a specific math concept, such as fractions or geometry. You can also use songs to promote language learning, cultural awareness, or social-emotional skills.
Another way to use pop songs in the classroom is to incorporate them into activities and projects. For instance, you can ask students to create music videos or write song lyrics related to a specific topic or theme. This can help students develop their creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration skills. You can also use songs to create a positive and engaging classroom environment, promoting student motivation and participation.
What Are Some Benefits Of Using Pop Songs In The Classroom?
Using pop songs in the classroom can have numerous benefits for students. One of the primary advantages is that it can make learning more engaging and fun. Pop songs can help students develop a positive association with learning, increasing their motivation and participation. Additionally, pop songs can provide a unique way to teach complex concepts, making them more accessible and memorable for students.
Another benefit of using pop songs in the classroom is that it can help students develop their cultural awareness and appreciation. Pop songs can provide a window into different cultures, genres, and historical periods, promoting students’ understanding and empathy. Furthermore, pop songs can be used to promote social-emotional learning, teaching students valuable skills such as self-awareness, self-regulation, and relationships.
How Can I Ensure That The Pop Songs I Choose Are School-appropriate?
To ensure that the pop songs you choose are school-appropriate, it’s essential to review the lyrics and content carefully. Look for songs with clean language, avoiding those with explicit content, profanity, or mature themes. You can also search for kid-friendly versions of popular songs or create playlists with instrumental tracks to avoid any potentially problematic lyrics.
Another approach is to use online resources and tools to help you find school-appropriate pop songs. Websites such as Common Sense Media or Kidz Bop provide reviews and recommendations for kid-friendly music. You can also ask colleagues or students for suggestions, ensuring that the songs you choose align with your teaching goals and school policies.
Can I Use Pop Songs To Support Students With Diverse Learning Needs?
Yes, pop songs can be used to support students with diverse learning needs. For example, students with autism or sensory processing disorders may respond well to the structure and repetition found in pop songs. You can use songs to create a calming and predictable environment, helping students regulate their emotions and behaviors.
Additionally, pop songs can be used to support students with language or literacy challenges. Songs with simple, repetitive lyrics can help students develop their phonological awareness and language skills. You can also use songs to provide visual supports, such as music videos or lyrics displays, to help students with visual or auditory processing difficulties.
How Can I Involve Students In The Process Of Selecting Pop Songs For The Classroom?
Involving students in the process of selecting pop songs for the classroom can be a great way to promote student engagement and motivation. One approach is to ask students to suggest their favorite songs or artists, ensuring that the music is relevant and meaningful to them. You can also create a classroom playlist or music committee, allowing students to take ownership of the music selection process.
Another way to involve students is to provide them with criteria or guidelines for selecting school-appropriate pop songs. This can help students develop their critical thinking and decision-making skills, while also ensuring that the music aligns with your teaching goals and school policies. You can also use online tools or surveys to collect student feedback and suggestions, making the music selection process more inclusive and student-centered.