I rarely drive in my car alone without someone to talk to on the phone or a mental list to prepare, but tonight was one of those occasions where I could enjoy listening to CBC Radio on my drive home. I always learn something when I take the time to listen to CBC content. Sometimes it is as simple as a gardening tip, but other times it is something inspirational and life-changing.
Tonight, I had the pleasure of catching only three songs. They were part of a follow-up to the June 21st Indigenous Day program, which had aired earlier in the month and featured music by Indigenous artists across Canada.
I found myself memorized by these incredible songs that were a blend of traditional and modern Indigenous music. My lightbulb flashed on! I suddenly knew how I could authentically add another layer of Indigenititey into my future classrooms.
I am always stuck wondering what music I should play in classrooms. What is appropriate? I’m not a classical music fan. I also have found that I enjoy listening to nature sounds like rain when I am trying to concentrate on studying etc., but that’s not always appropriate either. I love upbeat, happy music, but I don’t always want a classroom singing and dancing to their favourite pop songs either and then I’m always on swear word monitoring duty!
My gut feeling says I should be able to compile an excellent YouTube playlist of Indigenous Artists from all across our country in many different styles. Maybe some students will recognize what I have put together for what it is, and maybe some won’t. Perhaps, I will share what the playlist is to allow my Indigenous students to see themselves reflected in my classroom uniquely.
Either way, I will have a great solution to my music in the classroom dilemma and another way to embed present Indigenous culture into my classroom.