Category Archives: music

Boston Pops, 4th of July, and Music

Posted on July 4, 2018 by

I moved to Massachusetts in 1984.  Since then, I have faithfully watched the Boston Pops perform every Fourth of July.  Back then, John Williams was the conductor.  He was the man who wrote the music for my favorite movies, “ET”, … Continue reading →

Posted in American flag, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, music, patriotism, Singing, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , | 47 Comments

Teaching Patriotism Begins With Singing

Posted on May 19, 2018 by

Today is Armed Forces Day. Teaching patriotism is something I do in my classroom, and I do it frequently. It is rarely a planned activity; it just happens.  Much like teaching kindness or giving, or even bravery, the learning comes from doing. … Continue reading →

Posted in American flag, children's books, Early Education, Giving thanks, history, military, music, patriotism, picture books, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 62 Comments

Music Begins to Inspire Our Art.

Posted on March 25, 2018 by

“The music goes into your ears and into your brain.  Then, as you listen to the notes and sounds, it goes into your heart and shoots out of your fingers.  Like a million stars.  It’s magic.” Those are the words … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Inspiration, music, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 95 Comments

The Violin and Ice Hockey and St. Patrick’s Day

Posted on March 17, 2018 by

Tonight, St. Patrick’s Day, the Boston Bruins play the Tampa Bay Lightening.  Two great ice hockey teams.  The National Anthem always introduces the game with a variety of singers.  Not tonight.  Two musicians played “The Star Spangled Banner” – a … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, music, patriotism, Singing, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , | 44 Comments

The Power of “Yet”

Posted on March 1, 2018 by

“Yet” has quickly become one of our favorite words this year.  It’s the most powerful word in my classroom.  As children learn and grow, it is a constant process of trying, over and over again.  Saying “Practice makes perfect” can … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, music, self esteem, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 51 Comments

Einstein, and Why He is My Hero

Posted on January 29, 2018 by

Jim Trelease sent me Einstein’s quote, “Creativity is intelligence having fun.”  Jim knew this would strike me, and it did.  All that I do in teaching is centered on creativity.  And of course fun is essential in order to make … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Einstein, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Jim Trelease, music, Quotes, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 72 Comments

Yet…

Posted on January 22, 2018 by

Yet.  It’s a word I use often at school with children.  When they try hard and struggle, and say, “I can’t”, I add the word “yet”.  A child might not be able to do it just now, but with practice … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Mindfulness, music, Singing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 92 Comments