7 Songs From the 90s to Get You Through Another Day of Teaching
This article was written by a guest blogger, teacher, wife, and mom of one, who is going into her 11th year teaching 4th grade. Her belief is that successful teaching is based solely on building relationships with her students.... but also Sonic drinks and a sense of humor.
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Hans Christian Anderson said, “Where words fail, music speaks.” Every day, while looking into the faces of my 60+ students, I think of this quote. Because more times than not, there are literally no words.
However, thanks to the magical music era of the 1990s, there are an infinite number of lyrics that fit each situation that arises in an intermediate school. Below are some that cross my mind daily, when my own words fail me.
1. Song: "Don’t Look Back in Anger"
Artist: Oasis
Lyrics: “Don’t look back in anger; you ain’t ever gonna burn my heart out.”
Perfect for:
- When a defiant child won’t work, so you give them the classic ultimatum: “It’s up to you. You can work now, or you can work during recess,” and they look at you with a death stare.
- When you finally send a belligerent child to the office, and they make it a point to lock eyes with you as they are leaving the classroom.
- When YOU’VE had a rough day, and you’re finally leaving the parking lot.
2. Song: "Scar Tissue"
Artist: Red Hot Chili Peppers
Lyrics: “With the birds I share this lonely view…”
Perfect for:
- When your teaching partner is absent.
- When other teachers are having a movie day in their class and you are teaching a labor-intensive lesson.
3. Song: "Comedown"
Artist: Bush
Lyric: “I don’t wanna come back down from this cloud…”
Perfect for:
- 3:30 PM every day.
- Sunday nights.
- When your WHOLE class understands and appreciates a lesson.
4. Song: "Wonderwall"
Artist: Oasis
Lyric: “By now, you should've somehow realized what you gotta do. I don’t believe that anybody feels the way I do about you now.”
Perfect for:
- When you’ve given the same directions 10,000 times and one more students asks what they are supposed to do.
5. Song: "Give It Away"
Artist: Red Hot Chili Peppers
Lyric: “Low brow but I rock a little know-how”
Perfect for:
- When a student questions your authority and you have to remind them of expectations.
- When you use reverse psychology on a student and win them over.
- When your teacher observation goes well.
6. Song: "Hand in my Pocket"
Artist: Alanis Morrisette
Lyric: “I’m young and I’m underpaid…”
Perfect for:
- The 25th of each month when you see your pay stub.
7. Song: "Don’t Speak"
Artist: No Doubt
Lyric: “Don’t speak, I know what you’re saying…..and I don’t need your reasons…”
Perfect for:
- All day, every day.
What 90s songs do you like listening to before or after a long day of teaching? Let us know in the comments!
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Total eclipse of the heart – Bonnie Tyler
“Turn around, every now and then I get a little bit tired…”
I sing “turn arouuuund” to kids on a daily basis ?
Hey! How about a 1980s playlist for us older — I mean, “veteran” — teachers?!?!?
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