amo_mea_filiis. Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 Dd is doing math, handwriting, and 2 OT type worksheets on her own today. None require major focus (math is 2nd grade). When i got out of the shower, I heard music on her ipod. My first instinct is to say yes AND no! Lol. Yes because she's doing math without whining. No because I used to "study" with music but never retained anything. Her OT said that while dd does like to fidget and hum during work, it does NOT help her concentrate. Forced focus does produce better results. But again, she's not doing anything difficult. What say the Hive? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FaithManor Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 Softly - classical music with a non-driving beat in 4/4 meter. Mozart, Debussey, Chopin, Bach, Mendelssohn, Schubert, Schumann... NO opera or anything else with voices. Instead of causing increased patterning in the brain, it creates a distraction from the language processing part of the brain. Faith Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kim in Appalachia Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 I put yes, but it depends on the child. I absolutely allow it for dd14, and I think it would be fine for ds12 (he hasn't asked). My dd14 works better with music. It helps her focus. I would not allow it for my younger 2. My ds10 has enough issues focusing. Maybe when he's older it will be helpful, like it is for his sister, but right now it would not work. I can see my youngest wanting music playing in the background, but not till he's older. Right now he's too young. I think it depends on the child. If the work still gets done well, then it's fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Night Elf Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 Dd14 always studies with music. She can't focus on schoolwork with just a quiet background. Now that she's in public school, her English teacher plays classical music during class when they are writing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AK_Mom4 Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 You need an option for "Absolutely REQUIRE music during school work" :D The only time we turn off the music is when DD11 is practicing piano. We listen to different genres everyday. For DD and I (and DS16 when he was homeschooling), music helps us tune out the background noise. Of course, the background noise consists mostly of DD11 humming and singing - which is what she does if I don't have music playing. When DS16 was homeschooling, headphones were a sanity-saver for him so he could ignore little sister's noises and talking. For the record - this morning I am listening to Daughtry and Cold Play. Yesterday it was something DD18 gave me with John Trane playing the blues on saxophone. Amazing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ErinE Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 We only play classical music for the whole house. No lyrics, too distracting. Also, no soundtracks. DS is a fan of John Williams, but on Pandora's John Williams channel, he spends more time focusing on the movie and whether he has permission to watch it than on his schoolwork. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamakimberly Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 I listen to loud music and my kids are forced to hear what I listen to ;). I listen to a mix- Adele, Usher, Kelly Clarkson, Justin Bieber, Maroon5, Hillsong, whatever is on my mind at the moment :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 when in high school dd insisted she needed to listen to pirates of penzance. never hurt her rention of higher math. she was a language major but excelled through calculus in math. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seshet Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 I allow music. We play music during school every day. We play a variety of music, including music with vocals, because the singing does not distract us. Personally, I have always focused better with music that has vocals, because strictly instrumental music gets totally tuned out after a time. So, I listen to a mix of instrumental & music with vocals. Though, this is likely due to my ADHD & actual need for my brain to focus on more than one thing. I truly focus better when my mind has something else to use as a minor or background focus. That way, the little things that could become distractions get tuned out. My kids have shown no signs of vocals distracting them from their work & have no retention issues. So, I allow them to listen to whatever they want. However, if they were distracted by the music, took longer to do their work, made a lot of simple mistakes that showed lack of attention, had retention issues when listening to music, etc., I would obviously rethink the music issue. The only time I don't allow them to have music on is during their hour of required reading time. I have learned that, while I can listen to music & read at the same time, my kids can not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fairfarmhand Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 yes to music, because it dulls the irritating little sounds that bug my kids (mom, she's coughing on purpose just to annoy me!) but I do make it instrumental music, softly playing in the background. With words we get the "mom, she's singing the wrongs words/off key just to annoy me!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redsquirrel Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 Yes to classical music (or whatever music on headphones) but NO to audio books. This is the battle I have to fight in this house. No, you may NOT listen to Percy Jackson while attempting math. Nope. No. Not gonna happen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dsmith Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 We play classical if I am trying to get some work done, but if it is only ds doing schoolwork we play either classical or classic rock. Ds isn't distracted by vocals as long as the volume is low, but I can't concentrate with the vocals. I also like to sing along, which can be a distraction to both of us.:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Momma_Bear Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 Yes, we found it actually helped them focus better because it blocked all the background noise. Before dd11 started listening to music during school work every little noise distracted her and she couldn't focus even if it was quiet (she said it was to quiet :001_huh:). I also play classical music for my younger kids working in the school room, they like it. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justamouse Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 I allow Classical music, played low. I especially love Anglican Chamber Music. Nice, Latin chant in the background. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dory Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 I have an overactive mind and I find that I concentrate better with background music. I also know that if the music has voices or a harsh beat that I don't retain things well. I have applied the same to my kids, mostly because if I have to think in a straight line to teach them, then they have to listen to what I NEED to listen to. Usually what I have on during school is Mozart or Debussy or something like that. I play bouncy up beat music during breakfast, and whatever anyone feels like after school, but only classical and soft during school. I have actually sorted all my music on my ipod accordingly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobbeym Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 Yes, yes, yes! DS focuses so much better with any sort of music playing in the background. I suspect it's an ADD-brain thing since my iPod runs all day long but it's only when I'm in between tasks that I realize what's actually playing. Neither of us can function or focus well in quiet situations. DH is opposite of course, and argues about no music for DS. He claims he doesn't focus, but in reality the "lack of focus" DH complains is about occurs when he gets too busy with something else and forgets to use parental oversight to keep DS on task. As long as he's engaged and kept on task, his focus is just fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KnitWit Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 If the fruit of her doing the work with music is GOOD, then allow it! I don't understand it, because music is incredibly distracting to me and I cannot think and don't retain ANYTHING. However, my eldest daughter cannot study without noise. She either plays music or has a movie going on her laptop when she studies. What can I say? She is a college junior with a 4.0!!! Now, I admit she is a freak of nature in some ways... :lol: ...but the point is...DO WHAT WORKS!! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jujsky Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 (edited) I do, but in DS's case it DOES help him concentrate and focus better. He has ADHD, and I read that even though the initial reaction of most is to decrease stimulation, they actually focus better with more stimulation. I don't let him listen to it if I'm lecturing, but if he's doing seat work, it's fine. In your situation, I'd let your kids try it for awhile. If it doesn't impact their attention and improves their behavior and cooperativeness, keep going with it. If it does impact their attention, pull it. Edited to add: I know a lot of people said they listen to classical, but I found for my son the heavier the beat, the better he concentrates. Edited August 21, 2012 by jujsky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*Michelle* Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 We listen to classical or chant during school. If anything, it helps me stay calm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AprilTN Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 Yes, we usually play the Yo-Yo-Ma station or light jazz station on Pandora. During November/December we play Christmas music. During lunch time/chore time I let the kids crank up whatever they like and we dance around. We listen music without lyrics while we are doing school. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Florida Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 I went with "other," because "allow music" was too broad. As others have said, I allow instrumental (preferably classical, but my son prefers Celtic stuff) music played at a reasonably soft volume. As I'm typing this, taking a break from the never-ending writing about the historical movies project, I have a Pandora station based on Vivaldi music playing softly on my computer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
regentrude Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 I always did schoolwork with music, it helps concentration. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 My DD would be too distracted! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delirium Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 Also yes without vocals. She's been on a jazz kick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paige Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 Our day starts when I turn the music on! It is a great way for us to reduce the distraction of kid noises, like a PP said. It also keeps us all in a better mood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeninok Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 I do, but in DS's case it DOES help him concentrate and focus better. He has ADHD, and I read that even though the initial reaction of most is to decrease stimulation, they actually focus better with more stimulation. I don't let him listen to it if I'm lecturing, but if he's doing seat work, it's fine. In your situation, I'd let your kids try it for awhile. If it doesn't impact their attention and improves their behavior and cooperativeness, keep going with it. If it does impact their attention, pull it. Edited to add: I know a lot of people said they listen to classical, but I found for my son the heavier the beat, the better he concentrates. :iagree: My son worked through 8 pages of Miquon multiplication, happy as could be today, while listening to Skrillex and Deadmau5. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitestavern Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 I voted other because I will allow only classical music to be played during school. I find it helps my ADHD son focus much better. It also keeps the chit chat between the kids down a bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 no music here. I Have children with Dyslexia, they need complete quiet to focus. One of the reasons we started homeschooling was because my oldest ds couldn't focus in the classroom because of the loud rock music playing during class. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ereks mom Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 You need an option for "Absolutely REQUIRE music during school work" :D :iagree: I turn on music pretty much every day while we're working. I only want instrumental music, though, because the lyrics are distracting. I love light classical, but it makes us all sleepy, so we listen to light jazz instead. It's channel 851 on DirecTV. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I talk to the trees Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 You need a "Yes, I encourage them to play music" category! But it has to be music we agree on!;) (I have to admit here that dd and I have very similar tastes in music. She doesn't really listen to pop music, so we agree on most of her selections!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommyof4ks Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 I need music to study, but my mind tends to wander if it is quiet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalanamak Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 We listen to classical much of the day, and it can be on during class. Sometimes, when something really dramatic comes on, he says it is time to do a hard subject. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 Softly - classical music with a non-driving beat in 4/4 meter. Mozart, Debussey, Chopin, Bach, Mendelssohn, Schubert, Schumann... NO opera or anything else with voices. Instead of causing increased patterning in the brain, it creates a distraction from the language processing part of the brain. Faith This. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justamouse Posted August 22, 2012 Share Posted August 22, 2012 Sigh, I am helplessly in love with Debussey. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted August 22, 2012 Share Posted August 22, 2012 I allow music that does not have words. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kathryn Posted August 22, 2012 Share Posted August 22, 2012 Softly - classical music with a non-driving beat in 4/4 meter. Mozart, Debussey, Chopin, Bach, Mendelssohn, Schubert, Schumann... NO opera or anything else with voices. Instead of causing increased patterning in the brain, it creates a distraction from the language processing part of the brain. Faith This. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FairyMom Posted August 22, 2012 Share Posted August 22, 2012 I voted yes, but only on mindless work that would be boring. Handwriting practice, copywork, that kind of thing. We listen to Pandora and talk about bands of my youth. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BibleBeltCatholicMom Posted September 27, 2012 Share Posted September 27, 2012 Softly - classical music with a non-driving beat in 4/4 meter. Mozart, Debussey, Chopin, Bach, Mendelssohn, Schubert, Schumann... NO opera or anything else with voices. Instead of causing increased patterning in the brain, it creates a distraction from the language processing part of the brain. Faith :iagree:yep, that's us plus our suzuki and, depending on the work, our mark o'connor cds (the american fiddle version of suzuki). no words. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justLisa Posted September 27, 2012 Share Posted September 27, 2012 Yes. DD wears headphones and listens because DS gets distracted by it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravin Posted September 27, 2012 Share Posted September 27, 2012 I put "other" because we use music for some things, usually while playing games (which we do each day--for either math, spelling/grammar, or geography). For everything else, it would be too distracting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GSOchristie Posted September 27, 2012 Share Posted September 27, 2012 I have never been able to concentrate with any sort of noise, including music, even without lyrics. My kindergarteners seems to be the same way, you can tell he gets agitated if he's trying to think/work and something is playing the background. He really doesn't even like to sing the cc stuff, he prefers just to say it, without the motions :001_smile:. My three year old loves to sing, and he can build, etc with music in the background. So I'd have to say it depends on the kid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy in NH Posted September 27, 2012 Share Posted September 27, 2012 Classical music is known to help with concentration. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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