Category Archives: music

Happy Birthday to “The Star-Spangled Banner” becoming America’s National Anthem

My well-loved and well-read book. March 3rd, 1931.  “The Star-Spangled Banner” becomes America’s National Anthem.  Wait…1931?  I remember the day I discovered the date; Milly the Quilter had finished the God Bless America Quilt, and we had been singing the … Continue reading

Posted in America, history, music, patriotism, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 61 Comments

Goodnight Moon – It’s a ‘Rap’

Before children learn to read, first they must hear the words.  It’s developmental, like learning to crawl before learning to walk.  The auditory piece, including singing, hits both the brain and the soul in learning.  In my preschool class, reading … Continue reading

Posted in chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, literacy, music, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 48 Comments

Elvis, and Martin Luther King

When Martin Luther King died, Elvis Presley was devastated- along with everyone else.  He was scheduled to perform a few days later, and he was troubled.  He stayed up all night and wrote a song, and sang it instead of … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, music, Peace, Singing | Tagged , , , | 49 Comments

The New Groton Hill Music Center

A new music venue is in Groton.  The design, acoustics, and architecture are world class, with multiple concert halls and studios.  One opens like an airplane hanger so people can enjoy the concert outside.  This will rival anything outside of … Continue reading

Posted in Giving thanks, Inspiration, music, Singing, The Arts | Tagged , , | 80 Comments

Music Makes the 4th of July

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 , , , | 51 Comments

“The” Invitation From a Former Student

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

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

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 , , , , , , , | 108 Comments

Best Christmas Commercial

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

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