This presentation explores the value of developing a community music playlist in the classroom. While every class is unique, the goals of building inclusive, community learning spaces remain the same: engagement, enrichment, extension, and exploration. These goals can be met by incorporating a community music playlist!

Inspired by the opening lyrics of Sly and the Family Stone’s 1968 hit recording, “Every Day People”, —“Sometimes I’m right, I can be wrong. My own beliefs are in my song…,”— this presentation examines how music lyrics can connect curriculum standards and objectives to community and conversations norms. This session will focus on the power of lyrics and their ability to take common human experiences and use these experiences to broaden and extend student perspectives.

This presentation explores the process of building a playlist that champions culturally responsive teaching practices including exploring diverse musical genres that bring culture in and build culture from within.