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This is a HUGE topic and contains lots of tools and ideas. Don't let that overwhelm you. Scan the list of tools and ideas, see if something stands out that interests you and explore it. Possibly you have other tools you have been wanting to dig into and haven't had the time, now is the opportunity! Making something a habit takes time and patience!

Tools, Tools, & more Tools...

Notes, bibliographies & more: tools that are great places to store information

Google Keep - is a note taking application and is available as a mobile app for the Android and iOS mobile operating systems and as a web application. Ability to add images, notes, voice notes, set reminders, easily copy into google docs, share & collaborate with others, and an amazing search filter for your notes. Article on Google Keep. Google Keep Chrome Extension (Chrome extension*)

Evernote - Organize and remember everything. Select text & photos on a web page and add it to Evernote. Evernote remembers where you took the text from. Use it to write notes during meetings, store ideas for projects, email photos from your phone and more. Organize your notes into topical folders, add tags to describe the content and aid indexing. Synchronizes across multiple computers and mobile devices. Your notes are always with you. M ake sure you add the WebClipper ( Chrome extension* ) to your browser so you can save web pages too.

your research sources. Make sure to add the Zotero - a free, easy-to-use tool to help you collect, organize, cite, and share Chrome extension Zotero Connector ( *) Introductory Tour for Zotero.

delicious - Delicious stores a list of your favorite websites online so you can access them from anywhere.

diigo - Another very popular bookmarking tool that has many added features, including groups to pool resources and note-taking options.

Evernote - Not specifically a bookmarking tool, but it can serve that purpose. If you're already using Evernote as a note-taking tool, make sure you add the WebClipper ( Chrome extension* ) to your browser so you can save web pages too.

Mercury Reader - ( Chrome extension* ), strips out the junk on a web page and makes it easier to read, then you can copy the link and share with students .

Instapaper - When you run across an article, web page or news story you want to read later, use the "Read it Later" bookmarklet to quickly add it to a list of articles that you can access via your computer or mobile device. Very handy.

Feedly - Scan your favorite news sources and blogs all in one place. Save articles to read later.

Flipboard - Another tool for reading favorite news sources and blogs. Save articles to read later. Also share resources by creating a Flipboard magazine.

Awesome Screenshot - Handy Google Chrome extension* for taking and annotating screencaptures.

LastPass - stop trying to remember all your passwords.

OneTab - Too many open tabs? Add this Chrome extension* and save all your open tabs into a simple list. It will speed up your browser! After you have a simple list, you can copy the link to your list of websites and share with your students .

WeTransfer - Send files up to 2gb in size. Free, very easy, no login required.

Scrible - Handy for annotating a web page and sharing it with students /others. Highlight text, write notes on 'postits'. Here's an example

Murally - An interactive whiteboard of sorts. Add content, move it around, rearrange, collaborate, create presentations. View the tour to get a quick idea of how it works. My test Murally.

Google docs voice typing : Handy for students who have trouble writing down their thoughts and ideas.

SnapDrop - Another handy file sharing tool that works across all kinds of devices on the same wifi network. More info.

VideoNotes - This handy service plays a video on the left side of the screen and lets you take notes on right side. Notes are synchronized to the point in the video where you stopped to take the note. Integrates with Google Drive. ( Overview article from Mashable) ** Great tool to use with students. Similar to EdPuzzle.

SafeShareTV - Enter URL for a video and show the video without distractions (ads, comments, etc.)

Self Grading Forms with Flubaroo : Use Google Forms to create a Self-Grading Quiz the results will be posted in Google Sheet. Flubaroo is an add-on tool in Sheets that helps you quickly grade multiple-choice or fill-in-blank assignments.

Reminders, To do Lists, Handy Shortcuts

Remember the Milk - Web-based tool, with app available for iPad & Android. Integrates with Google Calendar, Gmail & Twitter.

Wunderlist - manage and share todo lists across multiple devices.

DO from ifttt - Apple and Android apps to quickly accomplish frequent tasks. An example, my "do note" app is set up to let me send myself a quick email without having to open my email or add an item to my evernote todo list. Limitless options.

Workflowy - Keep Workflowy open in a browser tab - add, delete, organize 'to-do' items very easily.

IDoneThis - Simple way of keeping track of what you've done everyday. You receive an email once a day, you quickly dash off a reply with a list of what you did. And that's it, you're done. Keeps a simple calendar for you that you can refer back to and export for safe-keeping.

*Special Note on Chrome Extensions:

Teachers & Students have different rights with adding chrome extensions. Teachers can access the extensions in the Chrome Web Store. Students CAN NOT. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Castle or your school IT Support.

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This is a HUGE topic and contains lots of tools and ideas. Don't let that overwhelm you. Scan the list of tools and ideas, see if something stands out that interests you and explore it. Possibly you have other tools you have been wanting to dig into and haven't had the time, now is the opportunity!

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Here are some videos from Youtube Help you become a to support your use of Youtube in your PLN.

Sign in & Navigate Youtube (2:05)

Subscribe to follow Channels (1:25)

Create and Share Playlists (1:39)

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Here are some videos from Youtube Help you become a to support your use of Youtube in your PLN. Sign in & Navigate Youtube (2:05) Subscribe to follow Channels (1:25) Create and Share Playlists (1:39)

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Share & Collaborate on Boards

*I suggest using a Personal email account to set up your Pinterest account.

What's Pinterest?

Tutorial for Teachers - How to Setup account & Tons of Ways to Use Pinterest

Pinterest for Teachers - How to find ideas, how to PIN, and more....

How to follow and unfollow boards

How to create a board

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Share & Collaborate on Boards *I suggest using a Personal email account to set up your Pinterest account. What's Pinterest? Tutorial for Teachers - How to Setup account & Tons of Ways to Use Pinterest Pinterest for Teachers - How to find ideas, how to PIN, and more....

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So, I do have a Twitter post coming up in the works (I have been LOVING using Twitter to do class prep), but today, we are here to talk about different tools that work GREAT for music teachers!

If you're anything like me, then you use a ton of different websites (especially youtube) to enhance music class. There are so many wonderful resources out there to make an otherwise substantial but less relatable lesson, much more enjoyable for all (yourself included).

Which brings me to my first (must-have) tool. SafeShareTV is by far my favorite of all of the productivity tools I have been experimenting with, both at-home and at-school. SafeShareTV is a website easily accessible by any internet browser (including Safari for Apple-users like me). It's job is simple. When you input the link to a video (youtube, vimeo, even playbill), it reformats it so that you can play the video with a simple background without any ads which can sometimes cause fits of giggles or other unwanted reactions from kiddos. I have been using it with my musical unit. Kindergarten and Grade 1 are watching "Annie" for their musical this year. Problem is, I won't show the original movie version (while rated "G", I don't agree with that rating), so I show the 1999 Disney remake which IS appropriate. It is on Youtube, but last year, there were SO MANY ADS. Now, I can show the video without ads that may cause disruptions.

The great thing about this is that I can go through and create these new links for all of the videos I wish to show while at home, and then send the links to my school email. This allows me to go through everything at home or at school, which means I can work from everywhere. It's simple, but it makes showing beneficial clips of music much more user and kid friendly.

Now, onto the next tool I really found helpful for the music room, and that's called OneTab. In my school, I teach 7 sections of music class each day, with zero passing time. So when a class leaves at 9:40, the next class is waiting outside my door at 9:40 to come in. OneTab allows me to load all of the tabs I may need for a class into just one overall link. So, instead of having 5 tabs for each of the 7 classes (which ends up being 35), I can start the day with just 7. When you click on the tab, all the links you will need are there and you can load them when needed. No dozens of tabs clogging your webpage and slowing your system down! The main problem I have with this program (and hence the picture of the comedy/drama masks), is that it is not travel-friendly. It is a Chrome Add-on, which, don't get me wrong, is wonderful, if you carry your school laptop with you everywhere, or, if you have a pc computer at home. However, I use my macbook at home, and it is not compatible with Safari. Now, I know that I could install Firefox or Chrome on my macbook, but, I try to avoid littering my laptop with a bunch of extras that could make it run slower. So, while the tool is wonderful, it is not quite so accessible depending on the method of technology you are using. I will still continue to use it because it is so much easier for my teaching day, but it is something that I need to prep and set up while at school instead of at home.

The final tool I'd like to talk about is Readability. Readability is similar to SafeShareTV but for articles instead of videos. It allows teachers to take articles, reading excerpts, etc, and reformat it to a version with less distractions and ads. I like to use it for worksheet warm-ups I do with my 6th graders about musical professions. Before, I had to copy and paste descriptions into a new word document. Now, I can use Readability to create worksheets that are appropriate and simple to use, while saving a ton of time. The problem? Same as OneTab. It is a Chrome add-on, and while I am able to access the website via Safari, I do not seem to be able to use the actual program while I am on my mac. I am not the most tech-savvy, so maybe there is another way, but for now, it definitely seems to be more user-friendly if using a pc laptop or chromebook.

No matter what, though, all three of these tools have made teaching music just a little less stressful and a little more timesaving, which, if your schedule is like mine, is very beneficial. I am planning to keep experimenting with more tools to help organize and help my classes run more efficiently. So, stay tuned!!!

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So, I do have a Twitter post coming up in the works (I have been LOVING using Twitter to do class prep), but today, we are here to talk about different tools that work GREAT for music teachers! If you're anything like me, then you use a ton of different websites (especially youtube) to enhance music class.

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Want to find some music that you can use in your elementary classroom? Looking for songs that are fun and that students recognize, or songs that have a positive message? Last spring I was looking for some songs to use in a video for my students and did not know where to start. It took me a while but I finally found 2 appropriate and child-friendly pop songs in my over 3,000+ song collection. I knew there had to be more options than that! If you're interested in 25 Oldies Songs to Use in Your Classroom, check out my related post here.

This summer I set about to researching pop songs from the last 10 years or so and finding a good pool of them. I teach second grade and these songs, in my opinion, would be fine for classroom use. Some may even already be used for brain breaks in programs such as GoNoodle and Just Dance!

So how did I choose them? I listened to about 100 songs I thought might be okay and eliminated most, then read the lyrics and a few more didn't make the cut. If you'd like to read the lyrics yourself, try AZ Lyrics' website.

I will post links to the videos for the songs so you can hear the song but I can not vouch for the videos themselves. If you need to find music videos that are okay for elementary students, please search through videos on your own. I can only vouch for the songs themselves! If you have any other songs you know well and would recommend, please comment and let us know!

Here they are-25 Pop Songs to Use with Students

HAPPY by Pharrell Williams

Well, of course! I don't think I need to say anything else!

I used this song as one of the two for my end of the year videos last year. It has such a positive message. Love it!

Yep, Katy Perry is one of quite a few artists who are on this list more than once. This is another positive, life affirming song. I remember I saw her perform it on the show Home for the Holidays one Christmas. The show promotes the Dave Thomas Foundation (for adoption) and all these children who had once been in the foster care system who had been adopted were in the front. So many happy smiles. It was the perfect song for it.

UNWRITTEN by Natasha Bedingfield

This is the other song I used in my end-of-the-year video, and yes, you may also recognize it as the song played at the beginning of those The Hills shows on TV about 10 years ago. Its great and always makes me feel good when I hear it.

POCKETFUL OF SUNSHINE by Natasha Bedingfield

More positivity here. Bedingfield has a message of creating your own happiness and staying positive, despite hard times.

BEST DAY OF MY LIFE by American Authors

This song is pretty new and I wasn't that familiar with it until a few months ago. It reminds me of Lovin' Each Day by Ronan Keating (which I loved but couldn't make this list because it has one "bad" word). Its happy, uplifting and might be a good song for your alarm each morning.

STRONGER BY KELLY CLARKSON
I am sure you know this one, but Clarkson sings about being strong on her own and not relying on others for happiness. Of course it is about a breakup, but the message is pretty general. You may have to explain the saying "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger" but if you don't mind that, it's a great choice.

BREAKAWAY by Kelly Clarkson

Another Clarkson song that is appropriate for younger kids, Breakaway talks about moving away from home and being on your own. It explains some times you need to take some risks in life and that doing so and embracing your independence can lead to real happiness.

GOOD FEELING by Flo Rida

This is an interesting song! I never would have thought of Flo Rida for this list but I remembered the chorus and researched the lyrics and it's a solid, positive song. Flo Rida sings (well raps) about loving the life you're living and about how working hard, really hard, leads to success. He also reflects on the feeling of beating the odds and living his dream.

STEREO HEARTS by Gym Class Heroes Ft. Adam Levine

This is a light, happy song, that is about love, but also can be applied to any relationship where two people love and support each other.

HALL OF FAME by The Script Ft. Will I. Am

You may not know the band or recognize the song name but you will recognize it once you hear it. It's another song about working hard and becoming successful. The song also reminds children (and adults) you can be what you want - a teacher, lawyer, preacher, doctor, whatever you dream is possible.

WHAT MAKES YOU BEAUTIFUL by One Direction

Sorry 1D haters, this makes the list because it's sweet, fun, light, and has no risque lines or curses. And it promotes positive self esteem too!

A great song from a former American Idol winner about supporting and being there for each other.

KEEP YOUR HEAD UP by Andy Grammar

So catchy and fun! I always walk a little taller after hearing it.

LET'S GO by Calvin Harris Ft. Ne-Yo

This song is not as well know as some of the others but its a fun dance song with a catchy chorus. As you might guess from the title, it's about not procrastinating and taking action now.

FEEL AGAIN by Onerepublic

This is a song about healing after a break up but it might not be obvious. The lyrics make it clear that you can get through hard times with support and love. Just a note there are two versions and both mention "a gun" once (I never even noticed until I looked up the lyrics). The radio version says "just shy of a gun" but the album version says "Just shot a gun". Just FYI in case it affects your choice to use it or not.

DIFFERENT COLORS by Walk the Moon

This is a terrific, uplifting song that celebrates diversity. Everyone is different and unique but we can support each other and get along. There is one line that mentions "biting the bullet" which you may have to explain has nothing to do with an actual weapon.

A song from this year by a band led by family members. It promotes the fact that you don't need to be a certain type of kid to be happy. The lyrics question the need to be a "cool kid" and points out it's best to be yourself. It is similar to the message of Different Colors but a very different song.

HOUSE OF GOLD by Twenty One Pilots

This is a fascinating song which details a conversation between mother and son. She is discussing growing old and asks if he will take care of her and buy her a "house of gold". He says he will take care of her, love her, and keep her healthy. It's extremely rare to find a song about a mother and son so this is a neat one.

SHAKE IT OFF by Taylor Swift

Not much to say here. All the kids already know this song, so if someone is going to hate, just shake it off!

SAFE AND SOUND by Capital Cities

This is a fun song that you will probably recognize even if you have no idea who this band is. Its about positivity and knowing that with the support of a loved one, everything will be okay. There is one lyric which if someone is listening very hard, may ask about: "Even if we're six feet underground I know that we'll be safe and sound". Just so you know it's in there!

This is a catchy one that I bet you've heard. Its about a crush and how fun the feeling is, but if you listen to it, you may not even notice what its about!

This song may be familiar to you if you saw that movie Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible...To sum up, its about a happy, fun day!

This is the song with the chorus, "You can tell everyone, oh you can tell everyone, I'm the man, I'm the man, I'm the man, yes I am, yes I am, Yes I am..." It's pretty positive overall! My research indicated there is an explicit version and a clean version but I listened to both and looked up both lyrics and didn't see anything questionable. Just to be safe look for the clean version.

The video below is the "clean" version.

I'M ONLY ME WHEN I'M WITH YOU by Taylor Swift

Another one from T. Swift this is about how you can really be yourself with those close friends and family members! Positive and fun!

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Want to find some music that you can use in your elementary classroom? Looking for songs that are fun and that students recognize, or songs that have a positive message? Last spring I was looking for some songs to use in a video for my students and did not know where to start.

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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....

* Jack Johnson Children's Radio

Do you have any other favorites? Comment below and I'll add them to the list!

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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.