Lesson 7 - Music and Math in the Classroom!

The contept of math is often misidentified by students as something that is not important in the "real world".  We need to change this mindset and help students understand that math skills will utilized in so much of what they do as adults. We, as teachers must incorporate math into all content classes, to help students develop an interest in it. When we do this, it will help students understand their need for it in the world.  Some examples of how math is used on a daily basis is balancing a check book, paying bills, measuring ingredients for a recipe, establishing time frames, and so many other ways. With any subject, showing them the importance of knowing certain concepts will help stir a desire within them to learn it.  As a teacher, I want to be excited about all content that I teach.  If I act uninterested in the material being taught, how can I expect them to be excited about it and want to learn it?  

The impact of incorporating musical training into learning is a great tool to enhance learning in every subject!  Music naturally increases joy and mood.  Research shows that “feel good” music even enhances student’s testing ability and raises test scores. 

Even as a health teacher I can incorporate music and instruments into my lessons.  As an assignment, I could give students an option to write songs using lesson content and perform their songs to the class.  Even playing music softly in the classroom may help calm student’s nerves and help them enjoy their learning, as they associate the content with a positive environment.