Sounds of Spring
“Blue skies smiling at me
nothing but blue skies, do I see. Bluebirds singing a song,
nothing but bluebirds all day long…”
When I hear Irving Berlin’s popular American song, “Blue Skies,” I am reminded of a certain joy and hope that often comes with spring. If you step outside and listen close enough, you can even hear the earth making music. Raindrops create a rhythmic pattern on the sidewalk, bees are buzzing, flowers emerge across a dynamic range of colors, the sun is beginning to warm the earth, and birds sing a melodic tune.
Music is inherently a part of our world and the human experience. Research has also consistently shown the positive impact of music on students’ language development, creativity, fine motor coordination, emotional sensitivity, self-confidence, team-work, and relaxation. This month, join Partner Learning by integrating music into your learning environment and listen to the sounds of spring as you watch your students’ imaginations bloom.
Hear…Think…Wonder…
Open students’ ears and imaginations by starting class with a listening exercise.
Play an instrumental piece of music. Suggested musical selections include:
Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint-Saëns
Afro-American Symphony: III. Humor (Animato) by William Grant Still
“In the Hall of the Mountain King” by Edvard Grieg
3. As students listen, invite them to write or draw responses to the following:
I hear…
I think…
I wonder…
4. Offer one or more of these prompts to guide their listening:
Do you hear fast or slow music? Loud or soft? Smooth or choppy?
What images come to mind when you hear this music? What colors?
What is the mood? How does the music make you feel?
How would you move to this music?
Written by Amy Kirkland, Partner Learning Specialist
