Focus Music

Music is a very important part of peoples lives over the decades. In education, it is always debated whether headphones should be allowed in the classroom with students choosing their music. I have not concluded that this helps kids work better but just drowns everything else out and sends them to think on other things rather than the task at hand.

Think back to your education and even in college. You are in the library trying to write a paper and have your headphones in using your first 500 MB mp3 player, the iPod with the click wheel or maybe we go way back with a tape player Walkman. Whatever the device that you listened to think about how many times did you go off track listening to the lyrics or maybe spacing out. Even now trying to write a lesson plan you hear a great song start singing along you are no longer working on what you are supposed to be doing. I read an article ( I can not remember where or who wrote it) that talked about this problem with school work and music.  I observed myself and students when working with the music of choice in how much production with and without. Especially in ADHD students, more work was done without headphones or music of their choice.

I have also wondered about the studies that said music did increase focus and what would help my students( and me) work better in the classroom. I found this online music source called focus@will. This is music that they say is developed to help focus, different styles and all without words.

Since August I have experimented with and without. I have also experimented while I was teaching a lesson. My conclusion is that it is very helpful and students have a calmer overall demeanor. Work output is also increased when music is playing. I observed most of the differences in classes when I would forget to play it and wondered why things were a little more restless or less focused. I also feel it helps me in class and times I am trying to get work done.

It is not a magic bullet but I would encourage you to try it and see if it makes a difference in your classroom. It is a monthly 10$ but I have no problem paying for it because it is helpful. If you would like to try it this is a link to a free trial. http://ssqt.co/mQd6G4r

The regular website link is focusatwill.com. If you try it let me know what you think and if you find it helpful to your students.Even if you do do not use it in your classroom I would encourage it for personal work. Hope you enjoy this resource.