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A soundtrack for inclusion?
Posted on September 10, 2012 in Inclusion, News
Some of you know that I started running last year. For this reason, I am constantly changing up my iPod playlist to find inspiring music that will keep me motivated and energized. Well, one of the things that I have noticed lately is that many of these inspiring songs remind me of my work in inclusive schools. So, I thought I would share the top 5 inclusion-related songs I am currently enjoying. I cannot tell a lie so I will disclose that I wanted to write this post not only because I think music can move people to create, move, and act, but also because I so loved listening to music countdowns as a kid that I wanted my own moment of being Casey Kasem! In order, they are:
5. Make This Place Your Home by Phillip Phillips
Ok, so I really did get addicted to this song during the Summer Olympics, but the more I listened to it over the summer, the more I ended up loving its message. The song (to me) is as much about accomplishment as it is about being welcome.
4. I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor
This one is necessary to have on hand for bad IEP meetings, not-so-hot days in the classroom, and the like. It is a nice one for co-teachers to sing to each other :)
3. Welcome to Wherever You Are by Bon Jovi
I wish I knew the story behind this song because it really sounds like it was written as a teaching tool for inclusive classrooms! It is really sweet.
2. Good Life by OneRepublic
This song always motivates me. Some people can’t run to slower songs like this one, but I am such a slow runner, every song works for me—LOL! It always puts me in a good mood. There is one semi-“bad” word in the song, otherwise it would be perfect to play in the classroom.
1. Change Your Mind by Sister Hazel
I just love this song! I started listening to it as I was trying to run a mile and then 3 miles and then 5 miles and so on. The more I listened, however, the more I became enchanted by the bigger message of the song which is to change your life by changing the way you think. The same goes for changing the school, the classroom and so on.
What would be on your inclusive schooling soundtrack? Please share! I am always looking for great music to use and pass on to others.
Comments
My 5 songs (not for running per se, but for inclusion) in no particular order:
1. One Day by Matisyahu
2. Be by Common
3. One Love by Bob Marley
4. Rainbow Connection by Weezer ft. Hayley Williams
5. Hey World (Remote Control Version) by Michael Franti & Spearhead
Here are my suggestions:
1. Everybody’s trying by Poi Dog Pondering
2. Upside Down by Jack Johnson
3. Get up Stand up by Bob Marley and the Wailers
4. Love Train by Keb’ Mo’
5. Learning to Fly by Tom Petty
6. Crazy by Gnarls Barkley (even though I don’t like the term).
You are truly missing a lot by running with music, assuming you are running outside. The natural sounds are so beautiful. jm2cw Try it might like it.
I love all of the suggestions so far. I would add Hit Me With Your Best Shot by Pat Benetar for IEP meeting prep ;)
When my oldest son was going through transition and we had a “few” meetings where things got a little heated. He and I would always crack up Going Down in Blaze of Glory from Bon Jovi before going into the meetings. It worked! :)
1. Some Kind of Wonderful – The Drifters
2. I’ll Be There – Jackson 5
3. Respect – Aretha Franklin
4. Like A Rock – Bob Seger
Nobody’s Perfect – Jessie J
Wonder by Natalie Merchant
Some of the lyrics: I’m a challenge to your balance
I’m over your heads
How I confound you and astound you
1. Welcome Table–traditional
2. Redemption Song-Bob Marley
(especially the lyric “Emancipate yourself from mental slavery; none but ourselves can free our minds”
3. Revolution–Tracy Chapman
4. The Times They are a Changin –we like the Nina Simone version
5. I Believe in Love–Indigo Girls
Unwritten
And love the song on this youtube video, ““We’re All in This Together ”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wq6BnMmXhc4
Love this so much.
1.Change is gonna come. Norah Jones/J. Ralph
2.All You Need is Love . From Across the Universe Soundtrack
3.We’re Going to Be Friends, White Stripes ASL by D-PAN
4. U Smile . Justin Bieber ( I know, but listen, it has the sweetest feeling)
5. Wonderful World.. James Morrison ( after an IEP meeting:)
6. Options – Gomezx
The one that’s gotten our family through a lot:
3 little Birds – Bob Marley
I also love these:
Stand – Rascal Flatts
Smile – Uncle Kracker
Dreams – Van Halen
Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey
I like this idea. Playlists are a great way to become motivated and remember a theme. I wrote about creating a playlist to reinforce comprehension in children who may have difficulties learning : http://mindfulschoolpsychologist.blogspot.com/2012/09/6-ways-of-increasing-comprehension.html
love them all– off to add to my iPod!
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