Teaching Demo: Parachute Fun!

Summary

In this video, Mr. Maugham introduces the concept of 'songs without words' and how they engage the brain. He demonstrates a fun educational approach, using a song called 'The Sled' by Dr. Gordon to enhance listening skills in children. The video showcases an interactive activity where seventh graders use parachutes to accompany the song, keeping students engaged and reinforcing their listening vocabulary. The repetitive nature of the song helps solidify the learning experience, providing a dynamic way to teach while maintaining excitement and focus.

Takeaways

• 😀 The brain tends to focus on words rather than music, which is why 'songs without words' are often used in teaching.
• 🎶 The song 'The Sled' by Dr. Gordon is used as an example of a song without words that can be used in classroom settings.
• 🎵 The music itself (e.g., 'bum bum bum bum') is a key part of the learning experience, despite the lack of lyrics.
• 📚 The goal of using songs like 'The Sled' is to work on students' listening vocabulary and musical awareness.
• 🧠 The brain, being a 'lazy organ,' prefers to focus on the lyrics, which is why instrumental or wordless songs help shift attention to the music.
• 🤹‍♀️ Props, like parachutes, are used to make the song more engaging and fun for kids during activities.
• 🎉 The parachute activity serves as a playful way to reinforce the song through physical interaction.
• 👧👦 The parachute activity is tailored to different grade levels, with the example focusing on seventh graders.
• 🔁 Repetition is important—students have heard the song multiple times (17 times in this case) before moving on to an activity.
• 👏 The activity is designed to make learning more dynamic and enjoyable through movement and group interaction.

Q & A

What is the purpose of using 'songs without words' in the classroom?

The purpose of using 'songs without words' is to help the brain focus more on the music rather than the words, engaging students in listening activities that strengthen their listening vocabulary.

How does the brain tend to focus during music listening activities?

The brain tends to focus more on the words rather than the music, which is why 'songs without words' are used to emphasize the musical elements over the lyrics.

Why is 'The Sled' by Dr. Gordon used in this classroom activity?

'The Sled' by Dr. Gordon is used because it’s an engaging song that helps students work on their listening vocabulary, though it can be challenging to teach directly due to its lack of words.

How do props like parachutes contribute to the music activity?

Props like parachutes are used to make the activity more engaging and fun for the students, allowing the song to be played repeatedly in an interactive way that maintains their interest.

Why might kids get bored with listening vocabulary activities, and how does the parachute activity address this?

Kids might get bored with repetitive listening vocabulary activities. The parachute activity introduces an element of fun and physical movement, keeping them engaged while still focusing on the song.

How many times had the song been sung to the students before the parachute activity was introduced?

The song had been sung to the students about 17 times before the parachute activity was introduced.

What is the goal of the parachute activity with seventh graders?

The goal of the parachute activity is to further engage students in the song, making it a more interactive and enjoyable experience, and reinforcing their listening skills.

How do students respond to the parachute activity?

Students respond positively to the parachute activity, as it adds an element of excitement and physical activity that enhances their learning experience.

What role does repetition play in the use of the song in the classroom?

Repetition plays a key role in helping students become more familiar with the song, allowing them to focus on different aspects of the music, like rhythm and melody, while reinforcing listening skills.

Why is the instructor using a combination of listening and physical activity in this lesson?

The combination of listening and physical activity helps students stay engaged and reinforces their learning in a more holistic way, catering to different learning styles and keeping the lesson dynamic.