Teaching through Music

I have worked with The City School network for about 14 years and as Regional Music Coordinator devloped the music curriculum for the network as well as a comprehensive music policy to be used in more than 150 schools in different cities of Pakistan .

During my teaching career , I was able to invlove students in educational discussions about diferent topics according to their age and class level and used the medium of music for integeration of diferent subjects .The most intersting thing was writing and composing new songs according to the lesson plans of English ,Maths and Science .Over the years I experienced that we can use music as a wonderful and effective teaching medium in the following areas:-

 Language Development

Language is derived from the Latin word ‘Lingua’ meaning tongue and is a system of arbitrary vocal sounds or graphic symbols. Different languages have their own vocal sounds and symbols which carry specific meaning. Words or vocabulary is a set of definite sounds used in any language.

Through songs and rhymes, children can certainly increase their vocabulary of any language. Through music, even before they are able to understand the new words and concepts, they become familiar with different phonics, are pronouncing difficult words, their accent (Urdu or English) gets better, their conversation power increases and gradually through repetition of words and actions they also start understanding the meanings of the words. Repetition also develops their memory.

Language development is especially important before the age of five as articulation capacity of the tongue is complete at this age. Through music, that is songs and rhymes, children can develop maximum articulation capacity much more easily and rapidly.

 Development of Aesthetic Sense /Appreciation of Poetry and Drama

Music is an excellent and effective means of developing the aesthetic sense of children. The lyrics of poems and songs introduce poetry and develop an appreciation of the art of expression through words.

The actions and movements that accompany songs and simple role play activities according to the characters created in the lyrics provide the basis for understanding life and an appreciation of drama in general

 Mathematics:

Children can easily learn counting if taught in a tune as it is actually the rhyme which helps. Through some rhymes we can also introduce numbers e.g. 5 little monkeys, 10 green bottles, 5 baby ducks etc. We can directly or indirectly give children the concept of addition, subtraction, multiplication, even time e.g.

1. Ten little chicks went to market (subtraction)

2. Ten men went to mow (Reverse counting)/counting in 5’s (multiplication)

3. This old man (1-10 counting)

4. Sally the camel (Reverse counting)

5. 8 fat sausages (subtraction)

6. Song of ten (addition)

7. The hands of the clock (time)

 Character Building

In the early years a child has an absorbent and sensitive mind, experiences lots of things, receives lots of stimuli and curiosity is at its peak. This is the time when we can inculcate good moral values, the concept of help, sharing and friendship through poems and stories.

Some examples of poems focusing on character building in young children are:

1. In a cottage in a wood (concept of help)

2. I can see Alhamd-o- Lillah (sensorial, grace and courtesy)

3. Manners

4. Such he kaho (truthfulness)

 General Knowledge

A wealth of general knowledge can be provided through songs, poems and musicals. At the junior level we can easily relate songs and poems with the monthly topics. There are songs about professions, food, science, nature, seasons, colours, transport etc.

In addition to the already available songs and rhymes, teachers can also create new rhymes on any topic they want and any target they wish to achieve. Some examples of poems for enhancing the general knowledge of young children are:

1. Do you know the continents? (Geography)

2. Do you know the Planets in the solar system? (Space and solar system)

For the older age group, basic concepts about many general topics can be provided through carefully selected songs and musicals. Music can develop socio-cultural awareness e.g. songs about Eid, Christmas and other occasions. Students can develop a fair understanding of social and political issues. Some examples are:

1. War and peace

2. Environment / Pollution

3. Human rights

4. Relationships

5. Feelings

6. Cultures around the world

 Coordination between Mind & Body/Muscular Coordination

Young Children: According to Dr. Montessori a child after birth is the psychic embryo. He seems physically complete but emotionally and mentally he/she is not. There is no coordination between the mind and body at birth and it is achieved gradually as the child grows. Music is a perfect stimulus to get different parts of the body into motion. Even infants and toddlers have been seen to swing to the beat of music. Besides free movements, actions following specific commands and acting out different phrases in the rhymes as the children sing, helps in developing better coordination between the mind and the body. Songs with actions are liked by all age groups especially early years. Some examples of songs and rhymes most helpful in this area are:

1 Boogie Woogie

2 Teddy bear, teddy bear turn around

3 Point to the ceiling, point to the floor

4 If you are happy and you know it, clap your hands

All Children: Songs with actions are liked by all age groups though more so by the younger ones. Singing with actions not only improves muscular coordination it also helps in developing muscles, boosting confidence and promoting good health.

When songs are composed, order and sequence is always there. So indirectly they learn these qualities too. Through repetition of poems and songs the child’s tendency for order is fulfilled even further.

Older children, when they act out a song can be taught to feel the emotions and move the body in harmony. Creative dance is an effective means of achieving harmony and coordination within oneself and among group members. This is also a means of achieving a desired level of balance and control.

 Other Benefits of Teaching through Music

When children are exposed to different songs they make their own choices and discuss their likes and dislikes. It is the beginning of being open minded and independent. We, as teachers should give importance to their choices.

Teachers are responsible for communicating knowledge as well as helping children overcome their problems and difficulties. Music is a means of exploring different characteristics of a child e.g. confidence, fears, preferences etc. Music can be used to help children with psychological problems by rebuilding self-esteem and confidence through opportunities for solo/group singing and appreciation of their efforts.

Just like structured play, music can be created, moulded and developed according to the learning goals for different age levels.

Please email for lyrics and tunes of the songs mentioned   ,I will be more than happy to guide in all possible manners .

Seeme Laleka

Chook Chhok Chhok !!! Train

I find trains very facinating ,perhaps it is the rhythm of trains or the feeling of moving ahead on the track towards the destination that adds to the excitement .

This song"Rail Garee" is From my first album "Aoo Jhoomein Gaain " released by Shalimar Recording Company in 1990 Music :Chand Zia Thsi song is a good example for teaching young students about different types of Transport ;land ,air and water .
Different pictures can be shown to students to enhance understanding .Difference between steam engine trains and electric trains should be explained as well .
Young students can role play as engine and bogies and enjoy moving like a train in the playground .

School Assembly : An Opportunity for Learning Enrichment

What is an assembly? An assembly is the gathering of all the individuals related to an institution at one place for the same cause. It is a reflection of the general impression & discipline of a school It The assembly can also be defined as a group of classes which meets at a specified ,pre –arranged time for the purpose of sharing the social ,emotional and cultural life of the school (Greenberg,1965)

Ten Important Functions /Educational values of the Assembly

1. To instill a sense of unity and a common school spirit for students. Assembly is a place where all members of the school are brought together and through expression of opinions and participation in the programme, learn the value of cooperative efforts and action .A sense of unity is thus developed throughout the whole student body.

2. To motivate expression and overcome self-consciousness.

3. To share information

4. To allow special visitors to speak

5. To create punctuality, regularity, sincerity & a sense of responsibilities among teachers & students

6. To gradually enhance the knowledge of students as well as teachers

7. To create a spirit of patriotism, unity, faith & discipline.

8. To reinforce positive behavioural patterns

9. To focus on social & emotional aspects of learning: self-awareness, managing feelings, motivation, empathy & social skills.

10. To allow the student body and staff to celebrate upcoming or recent events.

Objectives of the assembly in the context of Pakistan

National

• Patriotism

– Pride, national identity, unity, empathy, compassion, motivation.

• To create awareness about and to celebrate important National & cultural events

• To create awareness about current affairs

• To commemorate and rejoice being a Pakistani

Religious • To begin the day with the name of Allah

• To give awareness about the Quran and Sunnah.

• To motivate students and teachers towards becoming true Muslims.

• To create the spirit of humility, and submission, to the Almighty

• To motivate towards becoming the real vicegerents to the Almighty

Social and Cognitive • To provide avenues for curricular and co-curricular activities.

• To provide sense of unity and discipline

• To encourage students interaction

• To create a safe and creative learning environment by sharing of ideas.

• To provide positive incidental learning experiences

• To stimulate observation and thinking

Arrangement of School Assembly

The pattern and components may vary on a regular basis but some components must always be there. Separate assemblies should be organized according to age and class levels.e.g.

• Pre-Juniors /Early Childhood

• Primary /Junior section

• Secondary /Senior section

At times whole school assemblies must also be planned according to the events and situations.

• Call for Assembly with bell ringing, duration is usually 15 to 20 minutes but can be reduced to 10 in some cases.

• All classes must come for the assembly under the supervision of a class in charge in proper lines.

• Every person (Head Teacher, Support staff, teachers, and students) should be present at the Assembly.

• For the better arrangement of Assembly, assign duties to some teachers e.g. cleanliness, personal grooming (uniform haircut, nails etc)

The Routine Assembly in Pakistani Schools

• Recitation of The Holy Quran with English translation & explanation of few verses daily

• Naat-e- Rasool-e-Maqbool or Ahadees

• Flag hoisting ceremony with rendering of National Anthem

• Prayer of Allama Iqbal.(Lab pe Aati Hai) or school song /any patriotic song

• Morning presentation by classes according to roster

• Message/quotation/sentence/word of the day

• Back to the classes with class teachers.

Flag Hoisting & National Anthem

 A National Flag is a symbol of pride and Identification of a country.

• This is a sign of responsibility and encouragement towards the progress of our nation.

• The National flag is typically flown from daybreak to sunset. While being raised or lowered it must never touch the ground or be handled with indifference. The flag is raised in the morning, and lowered in the evening.

• During Flag hoisting everyone present should stand quietly with respect to face the flag .Students must be taught how to hold or fold the flag after the ceremonies. At all times, the flag should be flown at full staff, weather permitting.

• Unless you have all weather flag, designed for such purpose, flags should not be flown in rain or other conditions which might damage the flag. A flag that begins to show wear or becomes damaged should be removed and disposed off properly.

• The flag should not be flown at night unless it is on a properly illuminated pole.

Importance of the National Anthem

• To develop sense of patriotism in the students

• To develop a sense of respect for Pakistan’s flag and the manners to listen or render National Anthem.

• To develop a sense of pride to be a Pakistani.

• To give them awareness about Quaid’s message “Faith, Unity & Discipline”

Assembly Roster

• Prepare rosters according to academic terms or semesters and include …

• All classes and sections.

• All Subjects e.g. Urdu, Islamiyat, Library etc .must also be included in the roster.

• Assembly rosters should be circulated well in advance so that the teachers get ample time for planning and preparation

• It should be planned with a good rotation of students so that every child gets a turn

• Key to successful conduction of School Assembly

The importance of planning cannot be underestimated. Last minute thinking does not create meaningful assemblies.

• School Assembly should have educational value for students and must facilitate and enhance learning.

• Assemblies can be based on a yearly plan that incorporates monthly values and weekly themes. This plan is the subject of staff discussion and amendment because it is important that all staff feel comfortable with the proposed themes. This process gives a sense of ownership of both the process and content of the assemblies. (The Role of the School Assembly) Neil Hawkes)

Make the School Assembly engaging, enjoyable & effective by Creative Morning Presentations

• The content of the presentations must be both relevant and appropriate to the age and stage of the pupils. There should be Variety and creativity in the presentations to keep the audience involved.

• Involve the children in selecting themes and content for presentations .For this purpose, an idea or suggestion box can be place d in the school. All assemblies should be interesting, instructive and inspiring. The extent to which these three characteristics are incorporated in the programme largely determines their success

• Best speakers should be engaged for the assembly

• The principal and teachers are also expected to give occasional talk

• Presentations should be inspiring and interesting

• National issues ,problems and their measures can be presented by the speaker

• Activities of Parent –Teacher associations ,Child welfare club and Alumni can be reported in the assembly

• Assembly can be used as a platform to demonstrate class and club work

• Keep in mind the national, religious and social context of the school while planning the Assembly Programme.

• Assembly should be creative based on novel ideas .All ideas should be discussed with the Head Teacher before presentation.

Assemblies can be informative, fun, educational, motivational or a combination of all elements. Some Activities for Assemblies:

Role-play ,Quiz,Skits,Debate ,Project display and presentation ,Allocution ,Aerobics ,Puppet Show / Story Session ,News /current affairs ,Event Celebration, Honour Assembly, Guest Speakers(professionals from different fields ,.community members ,parents )

Role and responsibilities of a Head Teacher to run a successful assembly programme

Planning, guidance, support, evaluation, monitoring arrangement of resources e.g. equipment, guest speakers, assuring quality of presentations.

• School assemblies should revolve around events or achievements in different areas of education.

• Regardless of the purpose, school assemblies should provide all school students a sense of inclusion.

Objectives of the Daily or Weekly address by the Head Teacher

• To provide leadership and direction to staff and school

• To raise standards by pointing out the strengths and shortcomings

• To shape up the school community according to the desired parameters

• To share school improvement plans with students

• To share school vision and mission

• To review performance of students

• To motivate and guide

• To provide information

• To give messages on important cultural or national occasions

Cautions for Principals /Head Teachers

• Avoid unpleasant things in the Assembly

• Do not try to find the fault openly or to criticize student body

• Avoid making unnecessary announcements

• Never address without any reason

• Avoid unplanned address

Role and responsibilities of teachers towards effective school assembly

• Preparation and research, discussion with students, discipline, dress code, body language, facial expressions freedom of expression, giving ownership to students

Broadcasting Unit/Assembly Committee

Initially Head teacher or any other senior teacher can conduct the assembly but ideally students should be trained to handle the assembly without any on spot help from the teachers. A broadcasting unit or assembly committee must be formed under leadership of the Head teacher .An enthusiastic teacher able to check and guide students regarding appropriate vocabulary, phrases, pronunciation, grammar etc should be in charge of the committee.

The broadcasting committee should select and polish students to act as comperes and hosts of the assembly .Rehearsals may be conducted during break or afterschool .New students must be given chance on regular basis to be a part of the committee

Islamiyat and Urdu teachers can help for selection of Holy Verses according to occasion or event for recitation and translation. Sports /Physical Education teacher along with other subject teachers can help in maintaining the school discipline and checking of uniform and cleanliness (a morning duty roster can be prepared)

Seeme Laleka

I'd like to build this world a home and furnish it with love

To promote peace and equality in our society we need to educate our students about human rights and how to practice them in our daily lives .

Many of us have servents in our homes but it is a shame to see the way they are humilated and treated every day .When a little child misbehaves with an elderly person helping in the house chores ...no one stops him as it is an ok thing ...is it ?

Let us start from our own houses and try to buld a society where there is dignity of labour and people are respected not because of how much wealthy they are but who they really are .

There is a need to change attitudes ... we need to learn to respect view points of others and be a friendly civilized society

Earthquake 2005