School-Safe Playlists for Teens

Test Taking Music, Teen Dance Playlist, Active Brain Break Tunes, and More...

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Let’s all just put on some music!!

You don’t need anyone to tell you- 2020 has been weird.  Whether you’re doing distance learning, in-person teaching, or some sort of hybrid, it’s the perfect time to incorporate some tunes in your classroom. Classical, calming test-taking music, nature sounds, smooth jazz while students work in groups, or fun upbeat music to lift spirits while they enter the classroom (real or virtual), music is a powerful way to set the tone of your classroom.

It’s been proven that music can relax the mind or energize the body.  According to the American Psychological Association, music improves the body's immune system function and reduces stress. In fact, listening to music was also found to be more effective than prescription drugs in reducing anxiety before surgery (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23541122/).  If you’re not already using music in your classroom- what are you waiting for?

Just imagine the relaxation benefits of doubling up and using both music AND doodle notes in your classroom!
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So we built an awesome collection of classroom playlists! We’ve made sure all songs are appropriate for your students’ ears. All you have to do is follow Math Giraffe on Spotify, then click through our collection of playlists curated specifically for teens!

(Spotify is free for users, but it plays an ad every half hour.  It allows you to skip songs 6 times an hour. There is also a premium option if you prefer that.)
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Here is a rundown of the Math Giraffe playlists that you can use in your own classroom:
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​Classical Test-taking
While students are taking a test, you want to do everything you can to set them up for success.  The songs on this playlist do just that.  Invigorating and thought-provoking, classical music helps kids open their minds and do their best.  Science Daily tells us listening to classical music enhanced the activity of genes involved in dopamine secretion and transport, synaptic neurotransmission, learning and memory, and down-regulated the genes mediating neurodegeneration.

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Everyone Calm Down
Music to calm the energy in the room is sometimes a necessity.  This playlist is full of songs that will “bring it down a notch” if the kids are being disruptive or if there is any chaotic energy.  It’s amazing how music can change the whole vibe.

Upbeat Jazz
Smooth and upbeat jazz can be excellent while students are working quietly.  The music is simultaneously soothing and energizing.  It helps with concentration and improves the overall energy in the room.

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​Teen Dance 
It feels like today’s top hits require the use of explicit content.  It’s so hard for teachers to find content that won’t upset administration or parents, but also meet your students’ definitions of “cool”.  Put on this playlist for dances for your teens! (Note: These lyrics are appropriate for most, but maybe not for all.  All songs are appropriate for the radio, but might have slight innuendos.  If you follow stricter guidelines, give these songs a listen before playing them for the kids.)

Nature Sounds
The title here is pretty self-explanatory, but this playlist can be a gamechanger for some teens.  (Insider info: in Issue 2 of SnowDay Magazine, there’s information about the benefits of bringing nature into the classroom; nature sounds are one way we recommend.)

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Get Moving
This set is for when your students have been sitting too long and you see them all foggy-eyed and you have to say, "Ok get up and let’s move and stretch for a minute!"  Some of these songs guide them in movement, and some just make you want to dance with a lively, catchy beat.

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Just for the Teachers
This is just a fun extra album with my Personal Favorites.  These ones are for you to listen on your own time, like on your commute or while you're working after school!


To listen to all these awesome playlists, just follow Math Giraffe on Spotify!


What do your students like to listen to in the classroom?! If you have recommendations to share, or are wishing for another playlist, let me know in the comments.