Try It Tuesday: Use Sound to Prime Students for Focus and Learning



If you've ever felt the peace of listening to the rain fall outside or of hearing wind rustling through the trees, then you understand the power of sound to calm and relax the mind.

Although there are times when we want students talking and engaging with each other, there are other situations that call for some stillness and attention.

Try some of these ideas to bring sound into your classroom to promote focus and attention.

1. Call students' attention to the start of a quiet period by using a bell.

Tingsha cymbals have a nice sound. Try this one or this one.

2. Play nature sounds while students are working on an assignment or a test.





3. Experiment with using "alpha wave music" during times when you want students relaxed and focused. 

Alpha waves are the brain waves that dominate when we are in a relaxed and open state of mind, primed for learning.

These classical compositions have been associated with encouraging alpha waves:

Mozart
Concerto No. 27 in B flat major
Violin Concertos 3 (in G major)4 (in G major) 
Symphony No. 38 in D major

Beethoven
Emperor Concerto
Moonlight Sonata

Vivaldi
The Four Seasons

Telemann
Concerto for 3 violins and orchestra

Pachelbel
Canon in D

J S Bach
Cello Suites
Flute Sonatas
Harpsichord Concertos

You might also want to try this:




Sounds can have a big impact--how do you use sounds to promote focus and attention in the classroom? Leave us a note in comments. We'd love to learn more!



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