This used to be a joint blog, but unfortunately my participation peaked at a post about Baked Oatmeal. No promises about future writing, but when an important question arose I knew it was time to get back on Smorgasblurb.
In August, I will be entering a first grade classroom ready to discuss the mysteries of the term “o’clock,” what in the world happens when we add numbers, and how to make meaning out of all those exciting squiggles we call letters. I’m teaching at Maxwell Elementary which, for Denverites, is in Montbello. About 70% of the students are Latino and 20% are African American. Over 90% qualify for free or reduced lunches (the standard educational measure of poverty). It truly is diverse in its population and student backgrounds. I am so excited to have the opportunity to teach at Maxwell.
Which brings me to this post… I’m taking these months to get some planning underway. And, as the old adage goes, fun things first. I’m creating my go-to songs for an A+ (or, as we say in Denver, a 4) playlist. I’d love to create a thoughtful list of songs to introduce to my students. They’ll be incorporated into our day through celebrations, transitions, clean-up, etc… Sure, we could use some traditional kid music, but why not take the opportunity to expose them to some classics or greats?
Some songs should be windows (a look into a different way or time of life) and some should be mirrors (affirming their own culture or experiences) for my classroom. With that in mind…
What songs or artists do you think my students should get to experience?
I would say one should be: “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard” by Paul Simon.
How awesome, Alli! So cool that you’re teaching next year. Those students are SUPER lucky. A couple songs that come to mind are “Give a Little Bit” by Supertramp, “All You Need Is Love” by the Beatles and “Hands” by Jewel.
I’ve pondered this question for nearly ten days, and I have one conclusion: I’m horrible in coming up with good songs. I sort of knew this before, but this confirms it.
Thanks.
Great idea, Alli. Here are a few that come to my mind. Mrs. Robinson may be the only classic but I think they are all thoughtful while also being a little fun.
Ballad of Curtis Lowe – lynyrd skynyrd
Dock of the bay – Otis Redding
Paper Planes – MIA
Mrs. Robinson – Simon & Garfunkel