Social Studies/Geography
Music can help students powerfully absorb information by giving it context and connecting it to them emotionally. It's one thing to be studying how the development of canal systems affected the development of the United States. It's another thing to put everyone in the time (mid 1800's) and place (upstate New York) and action (guiding a mule that is pulling a barge on the tow path along the Erie Canal) by singing along to Red's recording of the song "Erie Canal". It's fun, engaging and full of visual imagery that brings the time and place and action to life for them.
Here's a list of Red's songs, by topic, that can be used to help kids make a deeper connection to subject matter. Have fun!
US Map Studies
Cotton Fields (Louisiana, Texarkana)
World Map Studies
Farm Life and Agriculture
Transportation
Work
US History
Simple Gifts (1840's, Shakers)
Alexander's Ragtime Band (1910's)
Rattlin' Bog (How European immigrants brought their music with them)
Patriotism and Citizenship
Diversity and Oneness
Languages
Citizenship
