Every school year has a soundtrack.
There's the song that gets you pumped for the first day. The one that carries you through a Wednesday afternoon slump. The one that somehow makes even indoor recess feel a little more manageable. And of course, the one you blast on the drive home after making it through that very first week.Music has a way of meeting us in the moment. It can calm our nerves, boost our confidence, and help us feel at ease when the day doesn't go according to plan.So we created the Champion Mindset Soundtrack – a perfectly curated playlist designed for the moments every educator experiences throughout the school year.Whether you're welcoming in new students, celebrating your classroom community, or simply rejoicing that there's no line at the copier, we've got a song (and a mindset) for that!Hit play, turn up the volume, and let the Champion Mindset set the tone for your year.
When it’s the first day of school… play “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield because every new school year is a fresh start.When you finally meet your new set of students… turn on “Brave” by Sara Bareilles as a reminder that courage is showing up despite the nerves.When it’s morning arrival… play “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors because we should always start the day with a belief that something great could happen.When you made it to dismissal on the first day… crank up “Celebration” by Kool & The Gang because YOU DID IT. Proof that you can do hard things.When you spill your coffee… blast “Shake it Off” by Taylor Swift and remind yourself to try your best to let the hard moments go and keep moving forward. (and then go get yourself another coffee)When there’s donuts up for grabs in the teacher’s lounge… listen to “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers and soak it in because little things like that are also worth celebrating. When you’re stuck having indoor recess… turn up “Zoo” by Shakira because when the game plan changes, champions adapt – aaaaaand sometimes that means the classroom becomes a playground.When everyone remembers their homework… blast “Happy” by Pharell Williams because big victories are built one small habit at a time.When there’s no line at the copier… play “On Top of the World” by Imagine Dragons because you deserved that moment!When you’re trying to make it through hump day… turn on “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten and remember that perseverance isn’t just for the big moments. Keep showing up, one class at a time.When you’re walking into your last period of the day… crank “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor and remember when you did hard things before, because you can absolutely do them again.When you made it through the first full week of school… blast “I’m Still Standing” by Elton John excepttttt maybe don’t stand? Sit down. Catch your breath. Recharge. Because rest is necessary to keep being at your best.When you leave the building at contract time… play “Hall of Fame” by the Script because protecting your time and your peace is a Champion move all the way.When you wake up and find out there’s a delay… turn on “Beautiful Day” by U2. More time to rest and recharge? We love to see it.When a student is doubting themselves… play “You Gotta Be” by Des’ree and remind them that confidence is built by believing you can keep learning, growing, and trying again.When a student realizes their potential… crank up “Firework” by Katy Perry and remind them that they absolutely have something amazing to offer.When your observation goes better than expected… you better blast “Good Feeling” by Flo Rida and forget perfection. Praise the process & celebrate your growth!When teamwork really does make the dream work (shout out to that amazing teammate of yours)... play “Count on Me” by Bruno Mars and remember that the strongest environments are built by people who continue to show up for each other.When your students find their place in your classroom community… turn on “Sky Full of Stars” by Coldplay and remind students that every one of them shines differently, and together, you create something beautiful.
Bonus Tracks!
Want more music inspo?We asked some of our Classroom Champions Athlete Mentors to share the songs that motivate them. You'll find their favorite hype songs mixed throughout the playlist, giving your students a chance to connect with the music that fuels the champions they look up to.Who knows? You might just discover your new classroom anthem.- Tyson Langelaar, CAN, Speedskating - Levels by Avicii
- Macy Tarlton, USA, Bobsleigh - Who Let the Dogs Out by Baha Men
- Kacie Bosch, CAN, Basketball - All The Small Things by blink-182
- Bryan Sosoo, USA, Bobsleigh - Waiting for Love by Avicii
- Abby Roque, CAN, Professional Women’s Hockey - Dog Days are Over by Florence and the Machine
