DATE: Mar. 17 , 2008
Music helps students get to class on time:
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Some people play Beethoven and Bach to relax.
Liberty Junior High School Principal Joel Benton plays the classics to get students moving. Also, research suggests classical music has a positive effect on learning.
“It’s having a positive effect on their brain wiring,” said Benton, who started playing classical music over the school intercom this year.
He’s found the three-minute bursts, followed by one minute of silence, keeps students focused as they make their way through the halls during each passing period.
The junior high principal came up with the idea after observing students in the halls and realizing how they simply get distracted or sidetracked as they walk past friends or dig through their lockers.
The music tends to keep them focused, he said, letting them know when it’s time to hustle.
Since introducing the music to passing periods in November, Benton has seen the number of student tardies drop by 50 percent.
It took them a little while to catch on, he said, but now they know when the music stops, they have one minute to get to class.
“Let’s go,” the Liberty principal has heard more than one student say. “The music is off.”
Not every student is fond of Benton’s musical selections. Some have tried talking him in to playing something more upbeat.
But Benton is sticking with the classics.
“They calm our nerves,” he said.