Back to School: Our Playlist

We use music in our classroom.  It plays in the background during much of our independent and group work, and it plays in the foreground during certain lessons and celebrations.  Music keeps us on task, and there are times when it purposefully attempts to distract us (which I won't go into right now).

Perhaps I think about things too much, but it is fun, and my mind is being used for little else, these days, so why not?  For years, I have built a Back- to-School playlist (right) to play for Open House and the first few days or weeks of class.  I doubt anyone else has realized this, but I like to think there is a subliminal effect to my madness.

Some songs are included because they are messages of comfort to students who may stressing from facing a new teacher (quite the ominous event considering the Beware of Attack Teacher sign outside the classroom door). Other songs are included because they describe me or remind me of a defining moment in my life.  They are about my roots and my philosophies of life and teaching.  I proudly take a different road, speak with an unconventional voice, and teach with an unfamiliar spirit.  Finally, some songs are included because they are inspirational for anyone starting something new.  I have attempted to put the songs in an order that makes them blend well and sound right when following one another when we play them during the first few days of class.