IT’S NOT YOUR MOTHER’S BRAIN. Today’s students are “Digital Natives,” the first generation to grow up with digital technology from birth. Today’s students think and process information differently from previous learners. (Prensky)

Various kinds of stimulation actually change the brain structures and affect the way people think. The brain changes and organizes itself differently based on the inputs it receives. (Prensky) IT’S A CHANGING BRAIN

The brain reorganizes itself, a phenomenon known as neuroplasticity. The brain reorganizes itself, a phenomenon known as neuroplasticity. The brain maintains this plasticity for life. The brain maintains this plasticity for life.(Prensky) AND IT WILL CONTINUE TO CHANGE!

Today’s student brain has been adjusted by the speed and interactivity of video games. has been adjusted by the speed and interactivity of video games. thrives on instant gratification and frequent rewards as in video games. thrives on instant gratification and frequent rewards as in video games. prefers random access like hypertext. prefers random access like hypertext. likes to parallel process and multi-task. likes to parallel process and multi-task.(Prensky)

How does MUSIC affect the brain?

Music can be a powerful means for creating a mood or feeling.

Listening to music can increase production. increase motivation. increase ability to focus/concentrate.

MUSIC & WORK GO TOGETHER!

Throughout history, people have found that they are better able to focus and are more productive and motivated when they sing or listen to music.

Slaves sang spirituals as a way to communicate, keep their spirits up, and make their work go more quickly.

Perhaps you listen to music at work or as you do chores around the house. Today, most children listen to music while cleaning their bedroom.

You might allow your child to try listening to some favorite music while doing homework. It may be the key to better focus and completion!

Lyrics or No Lyrics? Lyrics may become a distraction when working on a learning task. Help your child create a special CD or digital file of instrumental music for homework time. Help your child create a special CD or digital file of instrumental music for homework time.

Familiar or Unfamiliar? A student may find it impossible not to sing or hum along with familiar songs and become distracted from work. Try choosing classical or new age music and have enough selections that they don’t become too familiar with them.

Fast or Slow? Music can affect blood pressure, heart rate, and mood, so the tempo of music can be an important consideration. For background music during student work time, choose music that moves at about 60 beats per minute, the rate of the average heartbeat. To calm or soothe a student, try music at 40 to 50 beats per minute.

Headphones or ear buds (with or without music) can help minimize distractions while your child works.

Sources Prensky, Marc. (2001). Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants. Prensky, Marc. (2001). Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants, Part II: Do They Really Think Differently? Sousa, David A. (2001). How the Brain Learns, 2 nd Edition. Corwin Press.

Brewer, C., & Campbell, D. (1991). Rhythms of Learning. Tuscon, AZ. Zephyr Press. Campbell, D. (1997). The Mozart Effect. New York, NY. Avon Books. Jensen, E. (1998). Teaching with the Brain in Mind. Baltimore, MD. ASCD. The Power of Brain Compatible Learning, Participant Manual. (2009) The Connecting Link. Sources

Musical Selections Follow the Drinking Gourd; Traditional Spiritual; Plank Road Publishing, God Bless the USA; Lee Greenwood, I’ve Been Working on the Railroad; Traditional; Paul Austin Kelly, Marsupial Sue; John Lithgow. Syncopated Clock; Leroy Anderson. Viva La Vida; Coldplay, Whacky Do Re Mi; Teresa Jennings; Plank Road Publishing, 2000.