Category Archives: music

Music Makes the 4th of July

Posted on July 4, 2022 by Jennie

The 4th of July – America’s declaration of independence.  I teach children about the American flag, and patriotism.  It’s important.  Best of all, children often lead the way.  Their interests are the springboard for the best learning. The 4th of … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Giving thanks, Inspiration, music, patriotism, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 18 Comments

“The” Invitation From a Former Student

Posted on June 19, 2022 by Jennie

I got an invitation most every teacher dreams about.  But first I need to tell you about this student: I remember my students.  I love them.  Some stick with me more than others, and Colin was one of those students.  … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, Love, music, play performances, Singing, Student alumni, The Arts | Tagged , , , | 107 Comments

More Music and Art – and Why I Teach

Posted on March 26, 2022 by Jennie

Music has been a great inspiration, and children have truly created wonderful works of art. When I think of classical music inspiring children I immediately think of the renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma playing for Mr. Rogers. This video clip speaks … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Imagination, Inspiration, music, Teaching young children, The Arts, Uncategorized, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , | 92 Comments

Music Inspires Art

Posted on March 23, 2022 by Jennie

Children are painting in earnest, working on their own masterpieces, preparing for our annual Art Show.  We have studied Van Gogh, Picasso, Kandinsky, Monet and Matisse.  The range of art is as diverse as the interests of the children.  That’s … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, music, Quotes, Teaching young children, The Arts, The Beatles | Tagged , , , , , , , | 106 Comments

Best Christmas Commercial

Posted on December 19, 2021 by Jennie

Here is my all-time favorite Christmas Commercial.  I have watched this hundreds of times, and it fills me up – always.  I hope it brings you the same joy.  You might want to have a tissue handy for those happy … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving, Inspiration, Love, music | Tagged , , , | 77 Comments

The Flights To and From LA – Book Stories

Posted on October 12, 2021 by Jennie

My flight to LA to appear on the Kelly Clarkson Show was packed.  I was in the three-seat section along with a nice young couple.  After a few hours in the air, it was apparent that she was pregnant.  He … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, literacy, music, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, School | Tagged , , , , , , , | 77 Comments

9/11 and Kindness Peace and Love Day at School

Posted on September 11, 2021 by Jennie

Honoring 9/11 at school is Kindness, Peace, and Love Day.  It has been twenty years since that tragic day in September, and for children it is a day to remember the heroes.  How do we help young children honor the … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, music, Peace | Tagged , , , | 64 Comments

The Real Start of Teaching the Fourth of July – Part 2

Posted on July 5, 2021 by Jennie

This piece is actually about the last quilt my class made. Bloggers have asked me to ‘finish the story’. Here is Part 2, with two more to follow. Over the summer I will go back to the beginning, how it … Continue reading →

Posted in America, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, geography, Gloria, Inspiration, music, picture books, quilting, Singing, The Arts | Tagged , , , | 51 Comments

The Real Start of Teaching the Fourth of July

Posted on July 3, 2021 by Jennie

The Fourth of July – America’s declaration of independence.  I teach children about the American flag, and patriotism.  It’s important.  Best of all, children often lead the way.  Their interests are the springboard for the best learning. The Fourth of … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Early Education, geography, Giving thanks, history, Inspiration, music, patriotism, picture books, preschool, quilting, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 72 Comments

Music and The Art Show – Part 1

Posted on April 5, 2021 by Jennie

The children have been preparing for our annual Art Show, a major exhibit for the whole community.  It’s especially exciting this year, as last year’s event was cancelled due to Covid. How do you help children to think like Picasso … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Inspiration, music, preschool, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , | 82 Comments