The Power of Music

Seeing as how it’s Sunday, and we have tomorrow off, and we’ve had Murphie for an exact year, as in we brought her home a year ago today, I thought I’d sing a little.

Did you know that my first graders think I’m a wonderful singer?

I’m not. Although, back in the day, when I was in 8th grade, I was in Show Choir. I’ve shared this before, but it’s still true. I had to audition and everything. Show Choir is today’s version of Glee without all of the drama. I have no clue in the entire world how I made it into Show Choir. I am thinking it was more about a numbers thing and less about my so-called talent.

For example, when we went to competitions, we had to read music. We were handed a page of musical notes and we had to hum or sing eeee or iiiii or who knows? I can’t even remember. What I do remember is totally lip synching to the page of notes so I wouldn’t screw up what the rest of the group was doing.

I don’t read music. I listen to it. I read books and blogs and Facebook while I listen to music. But I don’t read music. There is just really no point. Not really. Not when you’re in 8th grade and you made it into Show Choir only to be disappointed that you made it into the Girl’s Show Choir and not the Mixed Show Choir which was your dream because you imagined yourself and a certain boy being paired up together and falling in love and being the talk of the entire Vocal Music Community.

Ho Hum.

But I like to sing and I would die, just die, without music in my classroom. For example, we had an Awards Assembly on Friday which meant my school used my iPod for all three Awards Assemblies. Yes, that’s right. My iPod. I have a special playlist called “Awards Assemblies” because we use it just for that.

It gives our Awards Assemblies a festive flair when Celebrate or Firework or Footloose rings out in our Multi Purpose room. It’s also used as a signal for the parents to come up and take pictures of their kids. When we turn down the volume, the parents know they need to head back to their seats so we can get on with the next award. I’m telling you, the power of music.

So, as I was saying, I didn’t have my iPod on Friday for almost the entire morning.

The entire morning, I said.

And I was sad.

🙁

We had a birthday and I went off to play our special Birthday Song and guess what? I had no iPod.

We reviewed for our spelling test and I went off to play the Sight Word songs and guess what? I had no iPod.

We got the wiggles and I went off to play the Boogie Down song and guess what? I had no iPod.

Like I said, I would die if I couldn’t use music in my classroom.

And have you seen this from Heidi?

{source}

Oh my word. I just got it. I wish I could rewind my school year and start all over.

Well, that’s a lie because then I’d be this far from summer vacation, whereas now I’m only thisfar from summer vacation, but I think you know what I mean.

However, I have a student that is struggling in this area and I told his mom to get this and BAM, if I haven’t seen an improvement. And yes, I brought this up in our big ole student meeting and don’t ya know I looked good. Heidi can make you look good without even trying because you start talking about how research shows that students need to see it, say it, hear it, do it and these CDs and DVDs do just that . . . well, everyone in that meeting thinks you know your stuff.

And you do.

I certainly do. Toot toot.

AND Heidi saved the day because even though I didn’t have my iPod, I played one of her DVDs instead.

I just got this one, too.

{source}

My kids love love love this one!

I was skipping ahead to the Solids songs and they kept shouting, “Stop! Let’s do that one! STOP!”

I literally drove them crazy.

And I know what I’m doing the next time we have Inclement Weather.

I’m sticking this DVD in and calling it a day.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve talked about Heidi’s Songs. I am a major fan. MAJOR. I’ve talked about her {HERE} and {HERE}, too . . . and some other places, as well, except that I’m hungry and I can’t keep looking.

Plus, I’ve met her in real life AND she is a Bachelor Fan.

Need I say more?

I didn’t think so.

🙂

And now, for your viewing pleasure:

A year goes by really fast.

For a dog.

🙂

Comments

SassySub says

at

I will definitely be checking out Heidi's Songs. I can't wait to incorporate lots and lots of singing and dancing into my classroom. One of my personal favorites is the Electric Factory. I have a friend who is a big Beatles fan and plays ALL the Beatles albums throughout the year.

Happy Birthday to Murphie!
Kimberley says

at

You always rave about Heidi's Songs and I don't have them. I need to try them because I totally trust you. What do you use for speakers with your ipod? That's my problem. The kids can't hear it.
Mrs. Mody says

at

It is so funny you just posted that. I had one of the sight word DVD's in my computer and was just checking it to see if it had tomorrow's words on it. They are seriously the BEST!! The word family one has been on my list for a while though. I need to get it!
marianne says

at

We sing to this DVD each morning. My kids can't get enough of the quarter song. I love it as much as them!
Liz M. says

at

I have never used or heard any of Heidi's songs but I just enrolled for the Southern California K conference and will be attending one of her workshops. I also will be attending your workshop. Very excited to meet you guys!
Heidi Butkus says

at

You are so sweet, Kristin! I'm your biggest fan, too! So it works out. 🙂
Now I just have to meet little Miss Murphie too, and my life will be complete! She has REALLY grown so much in such a short time! We need to get Murphie together with my two chihuahuas so they can have a playdate. LOL!
Heidi
Shelly Sitz says

at

I have been using Heidi's songs for years and they are wonderful! The kids get to move around and learn at the same time. Sounds Fun Phonics is a great one for second grade.

Shelly
Smiling and Shining in Second Grade
Mrs. B. says

at

Murphie is sooo beautiful! Happy birthday puppy!
Miss Squirrels says

at

A year goes by in a flash! It's already been a month since we saw each other! Wowsers Murphie is just adorable! She needs to be in puppy commercials!
Squirrels
☞ Go Nutty With Me ☜
misssquirrels@yahoo.com
Mrs. Wheeler says

at

I seriously need to get some of Heidi's DVD's and CD's!!! Thanks for the reminder.

Megan
Mrs. Wheeler's First Grade

Mrs. Wheeler's TPT
Rosa Self says

at

Hi Kristin, my kinders really love Heidi Songs. I am so disappointed that the Bloggers' Bash is sold out. Is there a waiting list for those that really want to attend?

Latest on Instagram

Latest on Facebook