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Original poster

Any primary school teachers about?

15 replies

TheCoast · 27/09/2023 20:33

Evening

Just a quick question, my child is in Y4 and during their times tables sessions (15 minutes practice each day currently) the teacher puts music on for them whilst they do them, I was wondering if this is normal? My child find maths hard and has been struggling to concentrate with the music playing. I will ask the teacher about it but I just wondered before I look stupid whether this is common place?

OP posts:
BlueIgIoo · 27/09/2023 20:35

What kind of music? There's a Times Tables Rockstars exercise where you complete a multiplication grid in 5 minutes to rock music. It's definitely distracting to many children but they love it so it's motivating. Teachers also often put on quiet music, usually classical, to encourage a class to be quiet. Your daughter could ask to wear ear defenders if you bought some? It's a fairly common request.

PeggyPiglet · 27/09/2023 20:36

I only tend to put music on very quietly after breaks when they're quietly reading.

I wouldn't put it on during times tables practice.

Bluejellybean23 · 27/09/2023 20:37

I sometimes put classical music on during creative writing lessons or art but I've not put it on during maths. I would agree that it might be harder to concentrate on times table if music was on however you could say that about English or art I suppose! I would suggest he mention it to the teacher. I have had the odd child say to me they can't concentrate with the music on and I've turned it down/off.

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SunnySomer · 27/09/2023 20:39

I sometimes put quiet classical music on when we’re doing creative writing - depends on the class. Some groups love it, some hate it so I offer and they choose. Also sometimes for arty things.
I wouldn’t for any maths. If it’s distracting, it’s important to let the teacher know.

Butteredtoast55 · 27/09/2023 20:39

It's a bit unusual to put it on for times tables, but it's very common for writing and reading or for creative arts. It can really help with concentration and relaxation, and for keeping noise levels down. It often helps children get into a state of flow.
I think it would be reasonable to ask the teacher the rationale for using it in this context (unless they're setting the tables to music of course) and to explain that it doesn't seem to be helping your child. They might have a solution.

switswoo81 · 27/09/2023 20:40

I did a "things I want my teacher to know" excercise at the start of the year and the vast majority said music was a distraction when they needed to concentrate so I only ever put it on during art (which they asked for).

MurunB · 27/09/2023 20:42

It does sound like times tables rock stars, when the times tables are completed using a song as a timer. We use this in my school and the children love it.

Original poster
TheCoast · 27/09/2023 20:43

It’s written down times tables sums on pieces of paper and one of today’s songs was Spaceman by Sam Ryder 🤣.

Sounds like it’s probably pretty normal then, I will keep quiet and just do lots of practice at home with her so she can answer them more easily with distractions!

OP posts:
Original poster
TheCoast · 27/09/2023 20:45

Butteredtoast55 · 27/09/2023 20:39

It's a bit unusual to put it on for times tables, but it's very common for writing and reading or for creative arts. It can really help with concentration and relaxation, and for keeping noise levels down. It often helps children get into a state of flow.
I think it would be reasonable to ask the teacher the rationale for using it in this context (unless they're setting the tables to music of course) and to explain that it doesn't seem to be helping your child. They might have a solution.

Edited

Thank you, that makes a lot of sense and is helpful: I did wonder if it may help with the flow, it probably does with most children.

OP posts:
Soontobe60 · 27/09/2023 20:51

Teacher here. If the music is distracting your child, then I would want to know. They could wear headphones, or perhaps just not have the music on! I certainly wouldn’t play songs during learning time, but I often put on ‘music to help you relax’ at certain times.

WGACA · 27/09/2023 20:53

Yes I would just email or speak to the teacher and explain that your son finds it distracting and could they sometimes practice without music. They’ve got an external times tables check to sit this year so it’s in her interests to create optimal practice conditions for all of the children.

DelurkingAJ · 27/09/2023 20:58

DS1 wears headphone when his teacher does this. He says he can see that the rest of his class behaves much better but he can’t cope, so headphones and everyone’s fine.

Hummingbird233 · 27/09/2023 20:58

@TheCoast I think the majority have said it's not normal to have it on for maths and to raise it, rather than make her do more at home...

Electricfireplace · 27/09/2023 21:04

For Times Table Rock Stars (TTRS) there is a classic rock playlist on YouTube as it was initially aimed at older primary/Y7 who needed to learn their tables before secondary.
It's a bit of fun, most kids love it.I have had a few ask to turn it down or don't like it but luckily I have break out areas kids can go to if they need. If it's really distracting to your child you could ask the teacher but if not, it's just all part of the ttrs way to get kids into learning their tables by heart... Not something which is an easy sell at the best of times!

LibbyL92 · 27/09/2023 21:04

I use music quite often! The children love it and often request it. (Mostly calming music during reading time ext)

if it was Times tables rockstars we play rock music and they have to rock out the times tables. It’s a bit of fun and they all enjoy it.

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