Blog 6 Assignment

In this week's lesson, we studied various information regarding music and its impact on learning, especially when it comes to reading and math. It turns out that math and music have a strong correlation with each other. Both subjects are connected through patterns, counting, geometry, ratios/proportions, and equivalent fractions and sequences. Additionally, there is a strong relationship between the various skills needed complete math functions and those needed to play music. Interestingly enough, it is possible that early math training begins building those same neural networks that are used to perform math functions. Students who study music also have strong reading development and phonological awareness. This is largely due to the fact that music is thought to enhance the auditory area closely related to reading.

Music studies, like the Mozart Effect, showed that an activity that puts a person in a good mood will improve their performance on a test that is taken directly afterwards. I found this particularly interesting because this past week, in the class I'm completing field experience hours in, the students were preparing for AIMS testing. At the end of the school day on Friday, the teacher played a parody of "Let It Go" from Disney's latest blockbuster hit, "Frozen." The song talked about test anxieties and how the students did not need to stress, to let it all go  and trust that they know the information and are well prepared.The song was a mega hit for the class and the students requested the teacher play the video twice more. After class, the teacher told me she was going to play the song for them at the very beginning of the day on Monday so the students could relax again before even beginning the test. Thus, it's obvious that music has a powerful effect on the brain and body. Different aspects of the body affected by music includes breathing, heart rate, pain management, and muscle movement. Playing a musical instruction is also known to change the brain because new motor skills are acquired.

All of this information impacts me several ways as a teacher. Ultimately, music is very important in our schools, especially since it is so closely related to math and reading. Many schools are cutting funding to their arts programs and this largely includes music. It's a sad reality and arts in the school should really be the LAST to have funding cut. Without music in our schools, especially instrumental bands, I do believe our students would suffer more harm than good. This is why it will be important, as a teacher, to fight for arts in the schools in whatever way possible. Additionally, I plan to utilize music in my classroom whenever I can. This may include (but is certainly not limited to) background music as the children work silently on an activity or various music activities to help teach a concept. I also will take the idea of the "Let It Go" parody with me to my class regarding AIMS testing. That is certainly a fun way to help the students relax and focus on an upcoming test. In short, music can do so much for our classrooms and our students.