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Music and rhythm is a strategy that can be used in the classroom to help students recall
information, stay concentrated, have fun, feel positive, and build relationships.
Implementation Ideas:
There is a wide variety of ways to implement music
and rhythm into the classroom:
Have upbeat music playing while students
enter the classroom to wake them up and get
them ready
Play quiet, soothing music during study/
reading time
Use specific songs to indicate transitions
between activities
Have students create songs to remember definitions or
other important information to use as a review
Utilize a 1-2 minute dance break to stretch and get out
jitters/wiggles/extra energy
Use rhythmic clapping beats or phrases to call students to
attention and begin active listening
Feature a different genre of music in class and engage
students in a discussion on how it makes them feel
Introduce a new language through examples of native music
References
Constantin, F. A. (2015). Emotional Effects of Music Therapy on Children with Special Needs. Journal Plus Education / Educatia Plus,
12A178-183.
Mendelson, J., White, Y., Hans, L., Adebari, R., Schmid, L., Riggsbee, J., & ... Dawson, G. (2016). A Preliminary Investigation of a
Specialized Music Therapy Model for Children with Disabilities Delivered in a Classroom Setting. Autism Research &
Treatment, 1-8. doi:10.1155/2016/1284790
Register, D., Darrow, A., & Standley, J. (2007). The Use of Music to Enhance Reading Skills of Second Grade Students and Students
with Reading Disabilities. Journal Of Music Therapy, 44(1), 23-37.
Vaiouli, P., & Friesen, A. (2016). The Magic of Music: Engaging Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders in Early Literacy A
ctivities With Their Peers. Childhood Education, 92(2), 126-133. doi:10.1080/00094056.2016.1150745
Vaiouli, P., & Ogle, L. (2015). Music Strategies to Promote Engagement and Academic Growth of Young Children With ASD in the
Inclusive Classroom. Young Exceptional Children, 18(2), 19-28. doi:10.1177/1096250614523968