I had just met the children. The classroom was overflowing with eager parents and not-so-eager children. New + big + different = scary. For fifteen minutes we looked at each other, me smiling and children with big worried eyes. The classroom may have looked wonderful, but all that children could see were too many other people – and new teachers.
I knew just what to do. I pulled out the autoharp.
It’s big. Really big, with twenty-one strings. I sat down and put it on my lap. Suddenly there wasn’t a sound in the room. Nobody said a word. I looked at the autoharp and touched a string.
Me: “The strings make sounds. Like this.”
And then I plucked a few strings, from low to high, pausing between each sound. At the last one I winced my face, readying for the tiniest string that would play a really, really high sound. This was fascinating.
Me: “Now, if I push a button and play all the strings, it makes music. Not just sounds. Music!“
My face is excited, and I… do it. I push a button, strum the strings. Then I do another button. And another. Still, no one has said a word. Children are entranced.
Me: “I know, let’s play music and sing a song. Oh, there’s a song I think you know. See if you can guess what it is.”
And, I play ‘The ABC Song’. Children were eager to sing along, of course. Oh, did they ever sing! Now they were part of what was happening. I was connecting with children.
Me: “Wait! There’s another song that has exactly the same tune. It sounds just like ‘The ABC Song’. See if you know what it is.”
I began to play ‘Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star’. Children immediately sang. Two children stood up to sing. Actually, they belted out the song. We all had the best time together. I looked straight at every child. I was smiling and singing. They were, too. It felt good. It was a moment, a big one. I know the school year will be just fine.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
It’s amazing how music brings us together and breaks down barriers!!!
It really is amazing, Ritu. I can barely strum three chords, but that doesn’t matter to children. 😍
😍
What a terrific way to break the ice. Have a fabulous year ahead!! Can’t wait to hear all about it.
Thanks, Darlene! 🙂
I can just see you. What a perfect way to start. Music is universal. It breaks down all barriers. Keep smiling Jennie.
It really does, Opher. Thank you! And I will. 🙂
Aww perfect.. can imagine the widest smile ever..
It was big! Thank you. 🙂
“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” – Plato. Music speaks to each of us and sometimes for us. Your school year is beginning on a happy note! Thank-you and best wishes!
I absolutely love this quote, Ellen. Plato knew. And so do you. Thank you!
A magical start to another school year. I am eagerly anticipating hearing about those coming adventures in education. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
Thank you, Pete. Always a wonderful adventure in the classroom. Best to you.
Perfect icebreaker, Jennie.
Thanks, John. I thought so, too. 🙂
🙂
Lovely post on inspired action
Thank you!
….and A is for Autoharp, in Jennie’s class.
Great start to another grand year ahead!
Aww… I love that, Ren. Thank you! 🙂
You are a natural, Jennie – ‘music is to be shared’ and you are/have been doing this for years…remember your ‘I can’t …yet’ moment? Makes me think you have a musician’s heart, hon.
Yes, I remember my ‘I can’t …. and yet’ moment!! Thank you, Laura. I definitely think I have a musician’s heart. Music is IT. And it needs to be shared. I need to reblog an old post about music and singing to a child who could not be consoled… And, I thought about you when I wrote this post. Really. 🙂
Whoa, I’m honored!
I’m so glad! 🙂
Reblogged this on charles french words reading and writing and commented:
Here is another wonderful post from an excellent teacher, Jennie!
Thank you, Charles!
What a ‘nincompoop’ (I like that word…so does my wife), I just realized that those two songs have the same tune. Thanks, Jennie! I’m learning in your class…😉
Steve, that is hilarious! You made my day. Thanks so much! 😀
Glad to do it. And it was easy peazy…
😀
Wonderful, Jennie.
Beautiful. Heartening.
Thank you!
This is gorgeous, Jennie. What a brilliant start to the year. I know you’re going to have a wonderful year of learning together.
Thanks so much, Norah. I have quite a few siblings of former students, which will be wonderful.
Oh yes. I always loved it when I had siblings. It was great because the relationship with the family was already established.
Indeed it is great to have established relationships. And then, the younger child or children (I have taught 3 in quite a few families) is completely different than his/her siblings. Oh, how we laugh together when that happens.
They all have their unique personalities, that’s true, but the relationship is so important.
Yes!
I think you are one of the most amazing teachers I have ever known. You clearly love your work and the children you teach. Thank you for that; it is so needed in today’s world.
That is so nice, Anne. Thank you!
beautiful-Music is a treasure and quite a magical tool.
Indeed it is, Michele. Thanks!
What a wonderful way to ease them into a happy place. You’re the best, Jennie!
Thanks, Dan! 😊
A is also for angel! You are heaven sent, Jennie. Happy wings to you and your class! Loved your weapon of mass distraction — no more jittery nerves. 🎶🎵😊
I loved this, Rose! Perfectly penned and oh so thoughtful. Many thanks! 🙂
You inspire me. 😘
That’s so nice. 😊
Wow! Flashback to Mrs. Miller in the third grade! I had forgotten having a teacher who did this exact same thing!
Way to go, Mrs. Miller. Mine was Miss Pinson in fifth grade. Many thanks, KC! 🙂
Your students are fortunate to have you as their teacher!
Many thanks!
Clever. This is something that won’t quickly be forgotten.
Thank you, Jacqui!
I am sure this was a very special first day for your children, Jennie.
Thank you, Robbie. I love those shining eyes. 🙂
Awww. What a great way to break the ice, Jennie, and get all the kids feeling comfortable. You’re off to a great year. 🙂
Thanks, Diana! 🙂
So vivid. You are so good with children!
Thank you, Cynthia!
Now, you know how to captivate an audience Jennie! Happy new school year! 🙂
Thanks, Debby. Off and running. 😀
Jennie, you presented this post so beautifully. I’m sorry to be late. I was right there in the classroom, watching you play the autoharp. I remember a teacher from long, long ago who had one, but I don’t remember who she was. So she must have been a temp or a visitor. I was fascinated with it too. Loved your two little stars belting out the song. Hugs!
See, Maya Angelou was right. We may not remember what people said, but we do remember how they made us feel. Hats off to your teacher from long ago. Thanks so much for your warm words, Teagan! Hugs to you. 😍
Two stood up to belt it out! I love that!! Sounds like your year together started off on the right note. 🎵😊
Thank you, Deborah. I think so, too!
Great post! As I read I found myself right there sitting in the room with you watching the kids sing. Thanks!
Thank you. I’m so glad!