Learning through Music and Movement

I love this picture.  Like, really LOVE this picture.  

Why?

Because I was able to capture a moment where our learning was not based upon a scripted lesson from a textbook but rather in an active and engaging whole brain method.

Something magical has happened as we've danced to  Blends are Letter Friends created by kindergarten teacher, Kathy Griffin.

At first, the class was just following the dance moves.  Dancing, listening and having fun.  Eventually, they learned the words to the song. That is when the "aha moments" began. Students transferred their new learning into the academic setting. They began to see blends in their reading, our shared writing, and in their names.  Suddenly, blends were everywhere.

Over the years, I have found that if I can incorporate learning through music and movement, my students are more apt to learn the concept at a faster rate and can retain the information for a longer period of time. I have also learned that it doesn't feel much like learning.  It feels like play and fun. And, we all know that our classrooms need that.

Here is a list of some of my favorite resources that use music and movement.

How do you think students learn best?  Do you have any other resources that I should try in my classroom?

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