So I know we are all in study mode. The next few weeks are stressful, and can even push us to the verge of a nervous breakdown. To keep all of you focused and sane, I have decided to share one of my favorite new bands: Chromeo. It is a two man band that is a mixture of funk and pop; they sound like they belong in the 80s. Their music is very entertaining and addicting, but the complexity of their lyrics also surprised me. Sometimes I think we forget the value of musical lyrics, and I plan to use music a lot in my classroom. I think we have all seen the rolling eyes, the groans of despair, the sunken shoulders of our students that come when we mention poetry. We need to remember that there are brilliant voices in today's world. Poets are no longer confined to paper; song is just as powerful an instrument.
"There must be another way
When she's gone to a better place
And loneliness will hurt you if you can't get through the night
Then the moment starts to fade
And dawn is just an hour away
I feel she's watching over and it gets me through the night"
Whenever you are finding a moment of pure stress, a moment when you just need to smile, check out their music.
Renee, you're always great at putting out a little interlude at the best times. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI agree, these next two weeks will be difficult (but at least we get our presentation done this week!). Thanks for the recommendation. :) My practicum students are going to bring in lyrics for their favorite songs in their next unit. I think it will be really successful!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree about the lyrics, I think we're all guilty of ignoring them. I've found that I tend to memorize lyrics without even realizing it and then at one point far along the line, I really listen to what I'm singing and am astounded!
ReplyDeleteI like that you say poetry can be found in music because I agree. I also think introducing this idea to future students of ours is important because music is something a lot of us can relate to and if students recognize this idea, they may be more willing and intrigued by poetry itself.
ReplyDeleteThanks! This blog was a treat to read/watch!
ReplyDeleteAnd it's so true! Is there a generation of teenagers who haven't loved music? It's such an easy connection for them...and us!
I appreciate the music- gonna need it during these next few weeks.
ReplyDeleteReminds me how I like to incorporate music/ lyrics into an English classroom. For some students it can be an extremely effective tool
Alex Rummelhart
I think that incorporating music into a lesson plan is a great idea. I have thought about using music lyrics as a learning tool, and I think it would be a great way to relate to the students and allow them to find the joy in looking for a deeper meaning.
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