Music in the Classroom

So, as some of you may know I am studying to be a teacher.  But not just any teacher, I am getting the BLE endorsement (English as a Second Language and Bilingual Education).  I have always wanted to be a teacher and teaching English Language Learners is definitely where my heart is.  As an English Language Learner myself, I want to inspire children to aspire to be whatever they want.  DREAM BIG.  I want to help every future student in every way that I can.
I am in the teachers program right now and although it is hard and I am always busy with homework, I have to say that I LOVE my classes!
Here is something that I would love to incorporate in my future classroom with music.  I like to think that I am musically inclined, some might disagree (well I disagree since I can't sing), but I want to include music in the curriculum to help students feel more involved and interested in the things that they like as well.  For example, I can use simple songs such as "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes" (while playing it in my classroom on a keyboard) to teach about Biology, making sure English Language Learners can learn the content and language through gestures and music.
You might have seen this already on the news but I really liked this video.  These students are 6th and 7th graders from Ron Clark Academy that made up the lyrics in response to learning about politics.  There are lots of other videos but I liked this one the best, even though you can't really hear, but it shows the real thing of being in the classroom.  The lyrics are posted as well. (the lyrics go a bit longer, but that's the just)




You Can Vote However You Like lyrics
Obama on the left
McCain on the right
We can talk politics all night
And you can vote however you like
You can vote however you like, yeah

Democratic left
Republican right
November 4th we decide
And you can vote however you like
You can vote however you like, yeah

(McCain supporters)
McCain is the man
Fought for us in Vietnam
You know if anyone can
Help our country he can
Taxes droppin low
Don't you know oils gonna flow
Drillin low off sho
Our economy will grow

I want Obama
FORGET OBAMA,
Stick wit McCain you gone have some drama
MORE WAR IN IRAQ
Iran he will attack
CAN'T BRING OUR TROOPS BACK
We gotta vote!

Obama on the left
McCain on the right
We can talk politics all night
And you can vote however you like
You can vote however you like, yeah

Democratic left
Republican right
November 4th we decide
And you can vote however you like
You can vote however you like, yeah

McCain's the best candidate
With Palin as his running mate
They'll fight for gun rights, pro life,
The conservative right
Our future is bright
Better economy in site
And all the world will feel our military might

(Obama supporters)
But McCain and Bush are real close right
They vote alike and keep it tight
Obama's new, he's younger too
The Middle Class he will help you
He'll bring a change, he's got the brains
McCain and Bush are just the same
[ From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/r/ron-clark-academy-lyrics/you-can-vote-however-you-like-lyrics.html ]
You are to blame, Iraq's a shame
Four more years would be insane

Lower your Taxes - you know Obama Won't
PROTECT THE LOWER CLASS - You know McCain won't!
Have enough experience - you know that they don't
STOP GLOBAL WARMING - you know that you won't

I want Obama
FORGET OBAMA
Stick with McCain and you're going to have some drama
We need it
HE'LL BRING IT
He'll be it
YOU'LL SEE IT
We'll do it
GET TO IT
Let's move it
DO IT!