There are a number of very good reasons to include music in your homeschooling day, and not just as part of the curriculum. Music helps many students with concentration issues. In fact, studies show that listening to fast-paced music may help with both recall and speed when working on simple math problems.
Music, however, is not just good for concentration. It’s also good for mood. Students who are arguing in favor of their favorite song or group playing in the background aren’t going to be quite as focused on the hated math assignment in front of them (though they may take longer breaks to sing or dance along with some of their favorites). Music is uplifting in its own right (depending, of course, on the type of music being played), but it is even more uplifting when everyone is laughing, dancing, and playing as they learn.
A well-chosen song can even change the course of your day. Having a grumpy day when everyone is disagreeing, no one really wants to be doing schoolwork, and nothing is really being accomplished? Stop fighting against your kids (and yourself) and put on music for a while. When you come back, you’ll all be more energized—and if nothing else, the dance time can count as PE time. Or, tell kids that they have until a specific song is completed to be in their places. They may push to the absolute limits for complying, but at least you have a specific time to go by.
The CDs and music DVDs already in your home are, of course, an excellent source of good music. However, there are other alternatives available if you want to mix it up a little. Youtube is an excellent place to find music of all types; and many popular videos include selections that last for hours. I am particularly fond this Disney compilation, which includes many favorites and will play for four hours while the work gets done.
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