Teaching Tips / HuffPost Education Article: "Relationships Matter"
I read an article on Huff Post Education yesterday about the importance of relationships and the role relationships play in success and growth. In the spirit of promoting successful peer dynamics, here are some “teacher tips” on how you can use our music. Use educational rap to help students become more involved with their peers, and promote positive interaction and discussion in group dynamics.
Tip: Play the song so students get the ‘big picture’ before isolating verses. Have lyrics visible or available. Encourage conversation and comment about the information presented.
Details: Discuss the overall content and then focus on the topic and verse(s) that you are using. Play the song again giving students time to internalize the lyrics.
Repeat verse(s) using Downtempo Track if students are having difficulty understanding the lyrics or for details. Move into discussion as soon as students are ready.
Ask questions:
- What’s the main idea?
- How does it apply?
- Can you put the lyrics in your own words?
Time: 10-12 minutes to play song or verses multiple times.
Quotes from real teachers using our music with great success:
“Thanks. My students LOVE your songs and raps!!!! They leave my room singing science facts! Thank you.” - 7th grade science teacher, GA.
“I teach fully sheltered ESOL kids language arts and reading (7th and 8th grade). Not only are they learning about the skills—they are also learning the language!” – Special education teacher, FL
“The kids like it because the songs are rap and have a popular sound. They have asked me to play it again.” – 7th grade teacher, OH
“My sixth graders love these songs. They can relate to this type of music and remember the information presented in the song … Thanks for doing such a great job and helping us teach our future.” - 5th grade teacher, MN
