Do you use Pandora in your classroom? In case you don't know what Pandora is, it's a free site that lets you stream music. You do need to create an account though, and the free account does have some inconveniences: it only plays for one hour and then you have to refresh, and there are commercials that are much louder than the music. But my kiddos have become used to the commercials, and we like to laugh at them and make fun of them. Commercial: "Do you need a new ________?" And then I'll say something like, "NO! Now be quiet and let us work!" I can't stand silence, so Pandora has been a life saver in my classroom. I used to play music on my iPod, but I got so tired of hearing the same songs over and over and over and over..... Maybe next year I'll upgrade to the commercial-free account. Maybe... Anyway, this post was actually inspired by a question I asked on my Facebook page. My Facebook friend, Laura, suggested that I compile everyone's favorite stations into a blog post. So VOILA! Here we are! I only stream instrumental music. I want my kids to stay focused on their work and not be singing along. Two of my favorites are Solo Piano Radio and Lorie Line Radio. I recently discovered the Lorie Line station and I LOVE it, which is what sparked my Facebook question. It plays a lot more pop songs than Solo Piano Radio. My favorite thing about both of these stations is that they both play some church hymns, which personally brings me a lot of peace and calmness. Again, there are no words, and I'm thinking most of the kids don't know that they're hymns, so I'm OK with it. Although, two days ago, one of my kiddos was excited to tell me, "Mrs. Nerby, they play this song at my church!" His comment made me smile :) At Christmastime, I also like to play Peaceful Holidays Radio. When we learn about Native Americans, I like to play Native American Drums and Flute Music during work time. Of course I have a few stations for me for when the kids are at specials: an assortment of pop and 80s stations, as well as a calm one called Easy Listening Radio. Although be forewarned... it does tend to overplay Michael Buble.... Here are some of my Facebook Friends' favorite stations, as well as stations that were suggested by blog readers in the comments. I haven't listened to them all, so you will want to check them out for yourself before you use in your classroom: * The Piano Guys (LOTS of "likes" for this one, and I have to agree! LOVE!!) * Spa Suite * Radio for Kids * Elizabeth Mitchell * New Age Instrumental * Mozart for Kids * Kids Bop * Jack Johnson Children's Radio * Rainforest * Disney * Children's Indie Music * Vitamin String Quartet * Calm Meditation Radio * 2cellos * The Mozart Effect * Relaxation Radio * Clair de Lune * Nature Sounds * Ambient Instrumental * Classical Radio * Classical Medley * Yiruma Station * Classical Guitar * Rockabye Baby * Kenny G Radio * Film Scores Radio * The O'Neill Brothers * Sleepytime Tunes (Children's) * Children's Instrumental Ensemble * Calming Rain with Piano * Halloween Theme * Classical for Studying * Lindsey Sterling * Yo Yo Ma Radio * Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Radio * Thomas Newman Radio * Kevin Kern Radio * Jim Brickman * Toddler Radio * White Noise Radio Do you have any other favorites? Comment below and I'll add them to the list!
