Please unplug...

Many of the students in my class have iPods. My CT allows them to listen to music while working independently in the classroom. I think it helps many of the students focus-- to be able to filter out the background noise and whatever's happening around them in the room. For me, personally, I have a hard time reading or writing in a silent room. My thoughts wander because the space is so empty and quiet, so my mind runs away from me to fill the silent void. With music, I can focus. I've always heard of the "Mozart effect"-- that listening to Mozart increases students' productivity and improves their thought process. Having music in the classroom must make school a more enjoyable experience for many of my students. We've learned that when students are feeling positive, their minds are more receptive to learning and new ideas. As long as students don't play their music so loud that it distracts others or they can't hear me when I'm calling the class back to order, I would be happy to allow my students to use their iPods in my classroom. Whenever my CT is calling my students back from their independent work and headphones, she always says, "If you could please unplug and turn your attention back up here..."