Musical Metaphors, Analogies,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvRtHuMm1BQ

Similes, & Mnemonic Devices

Metaphors, Analogies, & Similes

Metaphors, analogies, and similes should be used to connect concepts that are unfamiliar to students to those that are familiar.

“A main idea is like a text message” and “The brain is like a chain since it has many links” are two examples of similes.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9i-fj1aDSE&feature=related

Mnemonic Devices Mnemonic devices assist memory since they connect content together For example: ROY G. BIV = Rainbow colors in order, My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nine Pizzas = order of the planets.

Music

Over 50% of behavior problems can be reduced by creating a classroom environment with appropriate music, lighting, color, aroma, and seating. Musical performance also appears to strongly correlate with improved academic achievement, particularly in math and foreign language and with a person’s ability to retain information.

Music is a powerful tool that can help you

manage your classroom.  

The Rules: You can train your students to have a conditioned response to music.

• Be Consistent —  I would advise introducing musical elements slowly into the classroom. 

• Do Not Overuse It — As with anything, knowing when to say when is important.

• Have a Purpose — Music in a classroom without a purpose is counterproductive.

• Make Sure It Is School Appropriate — It might seem obvious, but be sure you know the lyrics (or the hidden meaning) of any song you pipe into the ears of children.

Music To Start the Day Using upbeat pop music about five minutes before the

morning bell energizes everyone as they enter the room. 

"Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina and the Waves

"Come on Over" by Shania Twain

"Brown Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison

“Wide Awake” by Katy Perry

"Who's Ready to Party?" by Fred Figglehorn

“Celebration” by Kool & the Gang

To Start School — Try playing a theme song to start the day just like a theme song starts your favorite television show.  This is usually an upbeat tune, and it's accompanied by some simple motions to get the students moving around and giving high fives to their peers.

Morning Kickoff — These songs provide a short, interactive way to start the day as soon as the bell rings. Positive touch each day can really help to build relationships.

• The Muppet Show theme song• Friends theme song• Happy Days TV theme song• Batman TV theme song• Call Me Maybe by Carlie Rae Jepsen

Writing Time

The last song is ALWAYS the same so they know they need to wrap up their thoughts. Works like a charm!Any of the

• Songs by Enya• Songs by Enigma

During writing time, play slow-paced songs that have no recognizable lyrics, which would create a distraction.  Play these selections ONLY when the students should be writing.

Subject Anchors 

These songs can be helpful to indicate the start of the next subject. The songs signal what books and folders students will need for the next lesson.

• "867-5309" by Tommy Tutone for math • "Weird Science" by Oingo Boingo for science

"Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" for spelling• Pink Panther Theme for mystery reading • "America" by Neil Diamond for social studies lessons on American

history• "Pizza" by Gemini for lunch on pizza days • "Peanut Butter Jelly Time" by Chip-Man & the Buckwheat Boyz for

lunch on other days • "Who Let the Dogs Out" by Baha Men for recess

During TransitionsHave 20 second, 30 second, and one-minute sound clips handy.  After the first few weeks, the students know exactly how long they have for a "Turn and Talk" or to transition to the next subject. Once you have conditioned them to respond to your songs, it is amazing to watch the talking in the room stop as the end of the song approaches. 

• Jeopardy  TV theme song — 30 seconds 

• Mission Impossible TV theme song — 1 minute

• The Big Bang Theory TV theme song — 20 seconds

• The Twilight Zone TV theme song - 30 seconds

• The Andy Griffith Show TV theme song - 1 minute 17 sec

End of Day

Just as we started our day with a song, we end with a song and a little "Bye, Bye, Bye" routine. 

"Trashin' the Camp" by Phil Collins for cleanup time"Bye Bye Bye" by *NSYNC for the end of the day dance

"The Final Countdown" by Europe, to stack chairs and pack up

Dance Favorites

“Dynamite” by Taio Cruz

"Macarena" by Los del Rio"Hoedown Throwdown" by Hannah Montana

"Cha-Cha Slide" by Casper

"Cupid Shuffle" by Cupid

Mixed Metaphors