When you hear French music in the supermarket, does your mind start, even unconsciously, considering French wine? Apparently it does, even if you deny it influences you directly. (See MindHack for a neat introduction to the research). So what impact does this have for our learning consumers?
Just like Proust’s Madeleine cake extract, hearing certain music makes an enormous difference in introducing themes, topics, subjects and lessons in our classroom. These can be played as a pause to the lesson, as the theme for the stat of the lesson, or even as music to be played as a ‘bed’ when they get books out. I have used music for years, and the use of subject theme tunes has a definite impact – by the second or third lesson, pupils cotton on to the sound, and (it is my belief), gear themselves up for that subject.
Here are some suggestions, couresy of that great theme vault, YouTube. Zamzar has a great audio extraction service, should you want to make life a little simpler for playing these tunes. Please note that these are not all personal music favourites; rather the song of best fit for my class, at their age, at that time. I am happy to add other suggestions!
English
Natasha Bedingfield – These Words
Maths
Channel 4 – Countdown Theme tune
Science
BBC – Tomorrow’s World Theme (1987)
History
Geography
MARVIN GAYE & TAMMI TERRELL “Ain’t no Mountain High Enough”
ICT
Channel 4 – IT Crowd Theme tune
Art & Design
Games
BBC Grandstand Theme tune (The best!)
Lunchtime
Elton John – Are you ready for love? (You will need to customise this with a little singing.)
Over 3,000 views and not a single comment?! What songs do you use in class?