Category Archives: The Arts

The Legacy of Milly, Part 2

Posted on July 6, 2018 by Jennie

In Part 1, I discovered a Peace Portal at a museum and recreated it in my classroom.  Peace became a big deal and very real to children.  When I saw quilts that were murals, I knew I had to make … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, museums, Peace, quilting, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 72 Comments

Boston Pops, 4th of July, and Music

Posted on July 4, 2018 by Jennie

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

The Legacy of Milly, Part 1

Posted on July 2, 2018 by Jennie

Every good story has a great backstory.  To know how Milly came into my life and tell you about her early years in my classroom, I have to back up and tell you what really happened.  It’s a great story, … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, museums, quilting, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , | 59 Comments

The Art Show!

Posted on April 12, 2018 by Jennie

“It took me a lifetime to learn to draw like a child.” –Pablo Picasso– “I would like to paint the way a bird sings.” –Claude Monet– “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” –Vincent van … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, self esteem, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 76 Comments

“The Scream”, Round 2

Posted on April 2, 2018 by Jennie

Alex liked his painting of “The Scream.”  He called it “The Yeller Who Was Lost”, because he couldn’t remember scream, and he knew the painting had been lost.  Actually, Alex liked the original art by Edvard Munch far more than … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 78 Comments

Music Begins to Inspire Our Art.

Posted on March 25, 2018 by Jennie

“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 , , , , , , , , | 103 Comments

In the Words of a Child, an Art Masterpiece

Posted on March 22, 2018 by Jennie

The children have started painting in earnest, and studying both art and techniques.  All this work and joy is in preparation for our annual Art Show.  Much more on that to come. I want to share a funny story this … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 80 Comments

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

Posted on March 17, 2018 by Jennie

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

Darth Vader, Marines, and Reading Aloud

Posted on December 28, 2017 by Jennie

I watched a TED Talks with actor Adam Driver who plays Darth Vader’s son in the last two Star Wars movies.  He is one great actor!  The new Star Wars movie (saw it yesterday) is outstanding. What he does outside … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Imagination, Inspiration, military, play performances, reading, reading aloud, storytelling, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , | 39 Comments