Go Beyond the Content Music
Kids respond to music. Use it to teach them lessons about life and to express your hopes for them. Use it to let them know you love them. Don't just wait for teachable moments to come along. Instead use music to create teachable moments.
Here are 2 ideas for how you can use these songs:
Consider using music in this manner about once a month. The kids will begin to look forward to the times when you bring music into the classroom. Even more, they will appreciate the fact that you take the time to open up and share with them about more than just content.
With each of the songs listed below, I have included a short idea about how you can use it to teach your students. By clicking on the song title you can go to Amazon.com and download an MP3 version of it. If you have any other song suggestions, please email them to [email protected].
Here are 2 ideas for how you can use these songs:
- Use the song as a Do Now/Bell Ringer activity in your classroom. Make a PowerPoint with the words to the song. Then play the song and have the students read the words while they listen. After they listen to the song have them write a short reflection about how the song might apply to their lives, or about why they think you chose the song, or about what they can learn from the song. A reflection activity like this can be structured to be grade-level appropriate for any age student. Give them a moment to share what they wrote. Then take a moment to share with them your feelings and thoughts.
- The 2nd idea is very similar to the first. The only difference is that you first take digital pictures of your students and put them into a PowerPoint or digital movie. While the students listen to the song, you play the PowerPoint/movie of their pictures. Kids love seeing themselves in a presentation and it makes the message of the song hit home a little stronger.
Consider using music in this manner about once a month. The kids will begin to look forward to the times when you bring music into the classroom. Even more, they will appreciate the fact that you take the time to open up and share with them about more than just content.
With each of the songs listed below, I have included a short idea about how you can use it to teach your students. By clicking on the song title you can go to Amazon.com and download an MP3 version of it. If you have any other song suggestions, please email them to [email protected].
NEW! Brave - Sara Bareilles
"Honestly, I want to see you be brave!" Share this song as a way to encourage students to not give in to the difficulties around them but to instead stand up for what's right.
NEW! Bruises - Train
Use this song to help your students understand that while life will be hard and there will be bruises, overcoming obstacles makes for a great life story.
Cat's in the Cradle - Harry Chapin
Get your students thinking about the impact they can have on generations to come if they give their time to others.
NEW! Compass - Lady Antebellum
A song of encouragement, Compass is about being there for someone else and helping them find their way through life. This could go well with the Mr. Holland's Opus clip about The Stuck Compass.
NEW! Count on Me - Bruno Mars
A fun song of friendship about being there for someone no matter what happens in life. This is a great excuse to tell your students that they can count on you
Dancing in Circles - Love and Theft
Teach your students about the importance of loving each other and of treating others with respect.
NEW! Don't Blink - Kenny Chesney
Life is short. Don't waste it. Use this song to help your students understand that time goes fast and we need to make the most of it.
Don't Stop - Fleetwood Mac
Our goal for kids is for them to not stop thinking about tomorrow. Encourage them to plan for their future.
Don't Worry Be Happy - Bobby McFerrin
Has there ever been a more fun upbeat song? Just a great reminder of the power we have to CHOOSE how to react to life's events. We can be a victim and get mad - or we can CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY!
Fifteen - Taylor Swift
To often when you're young you only see the here and now. Making decisions based on that can lead to heartache.
NEW! Fight Song - Rachel Platten
Life is a game of CHOICES not a game of chance. Teach students to be fighters, to overcome, and to make choices that lead to success.
Firework - Katy Perry
Our students have value. They each have something special just waiting to explode!
NEW! Forever Young - Bob Dylan
This classic Dylan song reads like a blessing of hope to share with students. It's a great song to share at the end of the year.
NEW! Forever Young - Rod Stewart
Rod Stewart stole this title from Bob Dylan but came up with a cool original song. Similar to the Dylan hit, this is a great song of hope for students as they move forward into their lives. It ties in great with the "Mt. Olympus" theme.
Get Back Up - TobyMac
The ultimate song about overcoming obstacles in life. No victim statements allowed. You gotta get back up again!
Go the Distance - Michael Bolton
It's a long journey, but you have to be willing to go the distance. Everyone needs a Mt. Olympus to work toward.
Gone Gone Gone - Phillip Phillips
Phillip Phillips' song Home can start your year and this song of his can end it. Great song to play for your students at the end of the year to let them know that no matter where they go from here, you love them.
Hammer and a Nail - Indigo Girls
We were meant to DO things. It's not enough to just think about helping others. Get out there and do it!
NEW! Hands - Jewel
Encourage to students to think about the impact they can have on the world around them. Their hands may be small, but they are their own, and they control what those hands do. They have power in their lives.
Heal the World - Michael Jackson
We have a responsibility to others. Can we actually make a difference? Yes.
Home - Phillip Phillips
This is a great song to use early in the school year to communicate that as you and your students "roll down this unfamiliar road" they should know they're not alone because you're going to make this classroom their home.
I Hope You Dance - Lee Ann Womack
Your wish for your students - tell them about your hopes for their lives and why you do what you do. It's all for them.
If Everyone Cared - Nickelback
Students need examples of the power that ordinary people have to impact the world.
If Today Was Your Last Day - Nickelback
The important things in life are what we would do if it was our last day. Why wait until then to do what's important?
NEW! I'll Stand By You - The Pretenders
This is a great message of support and friendship to share with your students. They're probably not familiar with the song, but they'll appreciate a teacher who shares the message.
NEW! I Lived - One Republic
Inspire young people to take chances and to make the most of life. Don't be afraid to fail, to feel pain, to take a risk, to experience life!
Invisible - Hunter Hayes
Adolescence can be a difficult and painful time. Help your students positively deal with this time in their lives and always look to the future.
Life Uncommon - Jewel
Encourage your students to not chain themselves to "that which they wish to be from."
Live Like We're Dying - Kris Allen
Similar message to Our Lives - make the most of the time you have. Live for a purpose.
Live Like You Were Dying - Tim McGraw
Live every moment as if it were your last. Don't waste a minute being who you were created to be.
Love's the Only House - Martina McBride
We are called to love others. How can we, in our normal daily lives, show love to others?
Man in the Mirror - Michael Jackson
Good old MJ again. Self-reflection is essential for building a better story. What needs to change?
Mountains - Lonestar
There are many obstacles in life, but overcoming them makes you strong.
My Own Little World - Matthew West
It's so easy to get wrapped up on ourselves and forget that part of our purpose is to serve others.
Nothing More - Alternate Routes
A beautiful modern folk song about how we treat one another. How you treat someone defines you and can make you a hero.
One Day - Matisyahu
Your students will like this reggae/rap song with the positive outlook on the future.
Only in America - Brooks and Dunn
Teach your students that just like America, your classroom is a place where everyone gets a chance and everyone gets to dance.
Our Lives - The Calling
We have to make the most of our lives and not waste a day. We have responsibilities toward our fellow man.
Roar - Katy Perry
Not only do kids like this song, but you can use the lyrics to encourage your students to take a stand and to live strong autonomous lives.
Someday Never Comes - Creedence Clearwater Revival
This is WAY before their time, but your students could benefit from the message of "don't wait for someday."
Small Town - John Cougar Mellencamp
If you and your students are located in a small town, this is a great song to encourage them to appreciate their roots.
The Climb - Miley Cyrus
Life is hard, but that's what shapes us and makes us strong. Life is all about the journey. Embrace it and work hard.
The Hole - Randy Travis
It's twangy country, but it teaches a great lesson to which kids can relate. You can't dig out of a hole.
The Impossible - Joe Nichols
Your students have the ability to make the "impossible" come true.
The Living Years - Mike and the Mechanics
Your students probably don't know this song, but the lyrics will challenge them to not waste time. Use every moment of their living years and have no regrets.
This is God - Phil Vassar
Take a moment to think about the world around you. Could you add some love to it?
To Make You Feel My Love - Billy Joel
This song can be used as a way to open the door to telling your students you love them. There ain't nothing that [you] wouldn't do to make [them] feel [your] love.
Unwritten - Natasha Bedingfield
Your students' lives are blank slates. It's up to them to write the story of their lives. They have the power to make the right decisions.
We are the World - USA for Africa
Many of our students here in America forget about the fact that the rest of the world is also our responsibility.
We Shall Be Free - Garth Brooks
A positive song of hope about people loving others without prejudice and judgment.
What Doesn't Kill You - Kelly Clarkson
Our students will face adversity in life - but by not being victims and overcoming, they will become stronger.
What if She's An Angel - Tommy Shane Steiner
Teach your students that they have a role in the world to help out others.
When You Believe - Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston
Use this song to start a conversation about the power of believing.
NEW! When You're Young - 3 Doors Down
Use this song to start a conversation with your students about where they're headed in the future and the insecurities they face in their lives currently.
Why Walk When You Can Fly - Mary Chapin Carpenter
Too often our students for settle for too little. They need to maximize their lives.
You've Got A Friend In Me - Randy Newman
Who doesn't love Toy Story? Use this song to tell your students you're there for them!
You've Got Stand for Something - Aaron Tippin
Do you stand for something or just go with the flow? Challenge kids to find their core.
"Honestly, I want to see you be brave!" Share this song as a way to encourage students to not give in to the difficulties around them but to instead stand up for what's right.
NEW! Bruises - Train
Use this song to help your students understand that while life will be hard and there will be bruises, overcoming obstacles makes for a great life story.
Cat's in the Cradle - Harry Chapin
Get your students thinking about the impact they can have on generations to come if they give their time to others.
NEW! Compass - Lady Antebellum
A song of encouragement, Compass is about being there for someone else and helping them find their way through life. This could go well with the Mr. Holland's Opus clip about The Stuck Compass.
NEW! Count on Me - Bruno Mars
A fun song of friendship about being there for someone no matter what happens in life. This is a great excuse to tell your students that they can count on you
Dancing in Circles - Love and Theft
Teach your students about the importance of loving each other and of treating others with respect.
NEW! Don't Blink - Kenny Chesney
Life is short. Don't waste it. Use this song to help your students understand that time goes fast and we need to make the most of it.
Don't Stop - Fleetwood Mac
Our goal for kids is for them to not stop thinking about tomorrow. Encourage them to plan for their future.
Don't Worry Be Happy - Bobby McFerrin
Has there ever been a more fun upbeat song? Just a great reminder of the power we have to CHOOSE how to react to life's events. We can be a victim and get mad - or we can CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY!
Fifteen - Taylor Swift
To often when you're young you only see the here and now. Making decisions based on that can lead to heartache.
NEW! Fight Song - Rachel Platten
Life is a game of CHOICES not a game of chance. Teach students to be fighters, to overcome, and to make choices that lead to success.
Firework - Katy Perry
Our students have value. They each have something special just waiting to explode!
NEW! Forever Young - Bob Dylan
This classic Dylan song reads like a blessing of hope to share with students. It's a great song to share at the end of the year.
NEW! Forever Young - Rod Stewart
Rod Stewart stole this title from Bob Dylan but came up with a cool original song. Similar to the Dylan hit, this is a great song of hope for students as they move forward into their lives. It ties in great with the "Mt. Olympus" theme.
Get Back Up - TobyMac
The ultimate song about overcoming obstacles in life. No victim statements allowed. You gotta get back up again!
Go the Distance - Michael Bolton
It's a long journey, but you have to be willing to go the distance. Everyone needs a Mt. Olympus to work toward.
Gone Gone Gone - Phillip Phillips
Phillip Phillips' song Home can start your year and this song of his can end it. Great song to play for your students at the end of the year to let them know that no matter where they go from here, you love them.
Hammer and a Nail - Indigo Girls
We were meant to DO things. It's not enough to just think about helping others. Get out there and do it!
NEW! Hands - Jewel
Encourage to students to think about the impact they can have on the world around them. Their hands may be small, but they are their own, and they control what those hands do. They have power in their lives.
Heal the World - Michael Jackson
We have a responsibility to others. Can we actually make a difference? Yes.
Home - Phillip Phillips
This is a great song to use early in the school year to communicate that as you and your students "roll down this unfamiliar road" they should know they're not alone because you're going to make this classroom their home.
I Hope You Dance - Lee Ann Womack
Your wish for your students - tell them about your hopes for their lives and why you do what you do. It's all for them.
If Everyone Cared - Nickelback
Students need examples of the power that ordinary people have to impact the world.
If Today Was Your Last Day - Nickelback
The important things in life are what we would do if it was our last day. Why wait until then to do what's important?
NEW! I'll Stand By You - The Pretenders
This is a great message of support and friendship to share with your students. They're probably not familiar with the song, but they'll appreciate a teacher who shares the message.
NEW! I Lived - One Republic
Inspire young people to take chances and to make the most of life. Don't be afraid to fail, to feel pain, to take a risk, to experience life!
Invisible - Hunter Hayes
Adolescence can be a difficult and painful time. Help your students positively deal with this time in their lives and always look to the future.
Life Uncommon - Jewel
Encourage your students to not chain themselves to "that which they wish to be from."
Live Like We're Dying - Kris Allen
Similar message to Our Lives - make the most of the time you have. Live for a purpose.
Live Like You Were Dying - Tim McGraw
Live every moment as if it were your last. Don't waste a minute being who you were created to be.
Love's the Only House - Martina McBride
We are called to love others. How can we, in our normal daily lives, show love to others?
Man in the Mirror - Michael Jackson
Good old MJ again. Self-reflection is essential for building a better story. What needs to change?
Mountains - Lonestar
There are many obstacles in life, but overcoming them makes you strong.
My Own Little World - Matthew West
It's so easy to get wrapped up on ourselves and forget that part of our purpose is to serve others.
Nothing More - Alternate Routes
A beautiful modern folk song about how we treat one another. How you treat someone defines you and can make you a hero.
One Day - Matisyahu
Your students will like this reggae/rap song with the positive outlook on the future.
Only in America - Brooks and Dunn
Teach your students that just like America, your classroom is a place where everyone gets a chance and everyone gets to dance.
Our Lives - The Calling
We have to make the most of our lives and not waste a day. We have responsibilities toward our fellow man.
Roar - Katy Perry
Not only do kids like this song, but you can use the lyrics to encourage your students to take a stand and to live strong autonomous lives.
Someday Never Comes - Creedence Clearwater Revival
This is WAY before their time, but your students could benefit from the message of "don't wait for someday."
Small Town - John Cougar Mellencamp
If you and your students are located in a small town, this is a great song to encourage them to appreciate their roots.
The Climb - Miley Cyrus
Life is hard, but that's what shapes us and makes us strong. Life is all about the journey. Embrace it and work hard.
The Hole - Randy Travis
It's twangy country, but it teaches a great lesson to which kids can relate. You can't dig out of a hole.
The Impossible - Joe Nichols
Your students have the ability to make the "impossible" come true.
The Living Years - Mike and the Mechanics
Your students probably don't know this song, but the lyrics will challenge them to not waste time. Use every moment of their living years and have no regrets.
This is God - Phil Vassar
Take a moment to think about the world around you. Could you add some love to it?
To Make You Feel My Love - Billy Joel
This song can be used as a way to open the door to telling your students you love them. There ain't nothing that [you] wouldn't do to make [them] feel [your] love.
Unwritten - Natasha Bedingfield
Your students' lives are blank slates. It's up to them to write the story of their lives. They have the power to make the right decisions.
We are the World - USA for Africa
Many of our students here in America forget about the fact that the rest of the world is also our responsibility.
We Shall Be Free - Garth Brooks
A positive song of hope about people loving others without prejudice and judgment.
What Doesn't Kill You - Kelly Clarkson
Our students will face adversity in life - but by not being victims and overcoming, they will become stronger.
What if She's An Angel - Tommy Shane Steiner
Teach your students that they have a role in the world to help out others.
When You Believe - Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston
Use this song to start a conversation about the power of believing.
NEW! When You're Young - 3 Doors Down
Use this song to start a conversation with your students about where they're headed in the future and the insecurities they face in their lives currently.
Why Walk When You Can Fly - Mary Chapin Carpenter
Too often our students for settle for too little. They need to maximize their lives.
You've Got A Friend In Me - Randy Newman
Who doesn't love Toy Story? Use this song to tell your students you're there for them!
You've Got Stand for Something - Aaron Tippin
Do you stand for something or just go with the flow? Challenge kids to find their core.
