Learning about rock cycles and fractions may not be fun for most elementary schoolers, but one teacher has found a way to keep her classroom of fourth graders engaged and excited while they learn. Marlee Christianson creates parodies of the hit songs her students love, using lyrics related to what the kids are being taught.
Despite having no background in music, the Florida teacher turns popular songs by stars like Lizzo and Taylor Swift into lessons for her kids. And Christianson says they’re always a hit. “Every single class that I’ve ever had, they always love the songs,” she explains. Teachers at her school expressed interest in her songs, so she decided to post them on TikTok so other teachers can use them in their own classrooms.
Christianson has used Taylor’s hit “Anti-Hero” to teach kids about the rock cycle, and in the video you can hear how enthusiastically her students sing along. One of her most popular uploads is a song she used to teach her earth and space unit, her version of “Day ‘n’ Nite,” which has racked up 2.6-million views. But even better, the rapper even responded to give it his stamp of approval, commenting, “LOVE!!!!!”
Source: Good Morning America
Scott's Thoughts:
- Just think of all the things we’d remember learning if our teachers had taught like this!
- Reminds me of the "Schoolhouse Rock" cartoons we watched as kids. I learned how our government works because of "I'm just a bill!"
- Teachers - think something like this would work for your students? Have you ever tried?