Music is more than background noise. It’s a powerful tool for classroom management, emotional regulation, and relationship-building. In our recent edWebinar, educator Alexia Pendleton shared how she uses intentional movement and rhythm to set the tone for her day. One of her favorite tools? A thoughtfully curated classroom playlist.
But music isn’t the only rhythm she relies on. Just like a great playlist keeps your classroom flowing, tools like ESGI help create smooth, sustainable routines for assessing and supporting your students, all without disruption.
Whether you’re welcoming students in the morning, transitioning between tasks, or collecting meaningful data, these strategies help you start strong and stay centered.
Start-the-Day Songs
Create a welcoming, energetic tone as students enter the classroom. These songs can support predictable routines and help students transition into learning mode.
- “Happy” – Pharrell Williams
- “Best Day of My Life” – American Authors
- “Three Little Birds” – Bob Marley
- “Walking on Sunshine” – Katrina & The Waves
Pair this music with a consistent check-in routine, like greeting each student by name, followed by a quick ESGI skill check. You’ll start building connections and collecting data in a calm, familiar environment.
Calm-Down and Focus Tracks
Use these during independent work, mindfulness moments, or after a high-energy activity to help students reset and refocus.
- “Weightless” – Marconi Union
- “Clair de Lune” – Debussy
- “Lava” – Disney Short Soundtrack
- Rainforest or ocean wave sounds
After a calming transition, ESGI can help you quickly assess key foundational skills without disrupting the class vibe. One-on-one assessments become a quiet moment of connection.
Transition & Movement Break Songs
Keep transitions smooth (and fun!) with consistent cues for what’s next—or use these for quick dance or brain breaks to reset energy.
- “Can’t Stop the Feeling” – Justin Timberlake
- “Shake Your Sillies Out” – The Wiggles
- “Banana Banana Meatball” – Koo Koo Kanga Roo
These breaks are the perfect time to pull 1–2 students for a quick ESGI check-in. When assessment becomes part of the rhythm, it stops feeling like a disruption—and starts feeling like support.
Pro Tip: Use Music for Routines
Pair a specific song with a classroom routine—like lining up, cleaning up, or preparing for story time. Over time, your students will associate that song with the behavior or transition, creating smoother, calmer shifts throughout your day.
Just like a song cue signals “It’s time to clean up,” ESGI can become a routine signal that shows students their growth matters. The more familiar the process, the more confident they feel.
Start your playlist!
You can follow Alexia’s favorites on iTunes here or create your own based on your classroom needs.
💡 Bonus tip: Let students help pick songs to create classroom ownership and excitement!
Looking to create calm, consistent routines for assessment too?
Try ESGI free for 60 days with promo code DANCERTEACHER and see how easy it is to make data part of your daily rhythm.
