“You’ve gotta dance like there’s nobody watching,
Love like you’ll never be hurt,
Sing like there’s nobody listening,
And live like it’s heaven on earth.”
― William W. Purkey
I have a long commute to work each morning. LONG. I usually listen to audio books so that I can “enjoy” being in my car as long as I am in my car in the mornings.
This week I have been driving to work in the most elated state possible. I don’t know why I’ve been so happy driving to work each morning this week. It could be for many reasons…I have been excited about what I am going to teach each day, I am excited to see a beautiful friend of mine who is coming to visit this weekend from Utah, it has been sunny and chilly outside each morning and so beautiful, I have been proud of myself for exercising each morning before school or because I have been listening to all kinds of music blaring through my speakers while I sing at the top of my lungs and dance like no one is watching me. I think that might be why! Here are my songs of choice so far this week:
Lady Gaga-Edge of Glory
Lady Gaga-Born This Way
Martin Solveig & Dragonette – Hello
JLo-On the Floor
It has been so fun dancing and singing on my way to work! Music can make such a difference in how I feel. If I can start my day bopping around like no one is watching and belting out a tune, I’ve noticed how great I feel.
I’ve been doing the same thing with my 7th and 8th graders each day. We sing and dance to at least two songs in Spanish as we start each class, and what a difference it has made in their demeanor and mine! I have to choose songs they like of course (which is difficult at times because there isn’t much that they “like”…middles schoolers) :), and they are more focused, engaged and involved in class. I’ve found some fantastic songs to share with them and easy share the lyrics with this awesome app called jotnot pro. It is like a teeny scanner on my phone that work with evernote, email, google docs and more!
Every Friday is Dance Friday in my classroom now and it starts our mornings off great! Music. SO simple. SO great. Seriously, try it. Find the songs you love and, “You’ve gotta dance like there’s nobody watching,
Love like you’ll never be hurt,
Sing like there’s nobody listening,
And live like it’s heaven on earth.”
― William W. Purkey
Be the change... 
Love this post!
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try it! you can sing with me tomorrow! I am usually not done singing yet as I pull into the parking lot!
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That is exactly WHY I teach music!!! I am happy someone gets how it can affect you in such a positive way. I am glad you do this with the kids…I don’t think anyone else does, and it’s SO SO SO important! Yay Lauren!!!
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Yay Liz! I think I am going to attend chorus (choir) each morning to sing with you and the kids from now on!
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What a wonderful way to start the day! I must admit that since I work so many hours without a radio I usually listen the morning news on my short commute – that way I’m not an ignoramus about current events. But maybe your way is better…
I LOVE audio books, particularly for doing housework. Where do you get yours?
What a pleasure to read your blog!
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Hi Naomi! I feel so special whenever you read my blog! I get my audiobooks from the library. If I reeeeeeeeeally like the book, I buy it. They are GREAT for housework!
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