Music, music, music

Teaching Pre K-8, Feb 2002

Character education gets a boost from popular songs with inspiring lyrics

Just as "a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down," music can make character education more fun to teach - and learn. There are so many memorable, kid-pleasing songs with lyrics that area perfect fit for character edu

cation. Teaching K-8 asked some of our friends to tell us about their favorites. We've included a line or two, to give you a "demo" of each song, as well as the name of an album on which each song can be found. Let our choices inspire you to find songs that work for you and your classroom. We hope these songs are a jumpingoff point for artwork, writing or service learning activities and, of course, discussion of the elements of character education - the "virtues," if you will. Warm up your vocal cords, because the music is about to start!

Carol Mata

Teaching K-8

Advertising Director

1. We're Just Like Crayons

(Tolerance) available from Melody House ...Just like my crayons,

All over the floor Black; brown, yellow, red and white

It's such a wonderful sight

We're just like crayons

All over the world..

2. I'm Just a Little Person

(Compassion, Self-discipline)

available from Multi-S Music

...Sometimes I feel angry,

Sometimes I feel so mad,

And then I hug my teddy bear,

And I don't feel so bad...

3. Joy to the World

(Responsibility)

Best of Three Dog Night, Three Dog Night ... We only have one Earth now,

We better treat it right.

It's the only home that we'll ever have,

Everybody 's gotta see this light...

Maryann Manning

Teaching K-8 columnist Maryann uses the first two songs to open every Mid-South Language Arts Conference. Principal Vickie Stokes does the singing, and she gets a standing ovation every year!

1. Love in Any Language,

(Tolerance, Compassion)

Morning Like This, Sandi Patti

... Oh, maybe when we realize

how much there is to share,

we'll find too much in common

to pretend it isn't there ..

2. The Greatest Love of All,

(Self-discipline)

Whitney Houston, Whitney Houston

I believe that children are our future.

Teach them well and let them lead the way...

...Because the greatest love of all is happening to me.

I found the greatest love of all inside of me...

3. Would You Like to Swing On a Star?

(Responsibility)

On the Sunny Side, Maria Muldaur

... So you see, it's all up to you.

You could be better than you are

You could be swingin 'on a star.

Janice Welch

Teaching K-8

Eastern Advertising Manager

1. I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing,

(Tolerance, Responsibility)

16 Most Requested Songs, Ray Conniff

... Id like to see the world for once

all standing hand in hand,

And hear them echo through the hills

for peace throughout the land...

2. Shalom

(Tolerance, Compassion)

Jerry's Girls, Original Cast Recording ... It means a million lovely things,

like "peace be yours," "welcome home,"

and even when you say goodbye,

you say goodbye with shalom.

3. Hero

(Perseverance, Self-discipline)

Music Box, Mariah Carey

... So when you feel like hope is gone,

look inside you and be strong,

and you 11 finally see the truth

that a hero ties in you...

Carol Hurst

Teaching K-8 columnist

Carol says, "One of the best uses of song that I've seen was in (former Teaching K-8 columnist) Barbara Kines' first grade in Baltimore County. After introducing me and another visitor to her class, Barbara began singing "Getting to Know You," from The King and L All the children joined in and formed lines in front of us. While the first child in line spoke his or her name and shook our hands, the others continued with the lyrics. This made us feel very welcome and established a nice connection between us and the children."

1. Getting To Know You

(Tolerance)

The King and I Broadway Cast Recording

...Suddenly I'm bright and breezy

Because of all the beautiful and new

Things I'm learning about you

Day by day.

2. Peace I Ask of Thee O River

(Responsibility, Compassion)

Traditional camp song

3. 'Neath Their Vine and Fig Tree

(Tolerance, Compassion)

Traditional round

...Nation shall learn war no more,

And into plowshares beat their swords...

Allen Raymond

Teaching K-8 publisher

1. What a Wonderful World

(Respect, Perseverance)

All-Time Greatest Hits, Louis Armstrong

...I hear babies cry

I watch them grow.

They'll learn much more

than I'll ever know

And I think to myself

"What a wonderful world."

2. The Rose

(Self-discipline, Perseverance, Responsibility)

Experience the Divine: Greatest Hits, Bette Midler

...Like the seed that, with the sun s love

in the spring, becomes the rose.

3. The Impossible Dream

(Self-discipline, Perseverance, Responsibility)

Man of La Mancha, Original Cast Recording ... To fight for the right without question or pause,

to be willing to march into Hell for a Heavenly cause

And I know, if I'll only be true to this glorious quest,

then my heart will lie peaceful and calm

when I'm laid to my rest ..

4. That's What Friends Are For

(Responsibility, Compassion)

Friends, Dionne Warwick

... Keep smilin, keep shinin,

knowing you can always count on me...

Pat Ferreri

Teacher consultant

1. High Hopes

(perseverance, Self-discipline)

The Best of the Capitol Years, Frank Sinatra