Tag Archives: music

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

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

Einstein, and Why He is My Hero

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…

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

Noah, Music, and Children

Look what came in the mail for Noah, along with a pair of socks! It reads, “Dear Noah, You knocked our socks off by taking your love of music and turning it into a music program for preschool kids!  Awesome … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, music, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 62 Comments

England, and the Beatles

My preschool class is learning about England.  Our loft has been transformed into Buckingham Palace.  The Union Jack flies overhead along with a picture of Queen Elizabeth.  We made a red phone booth out of a big box, and we … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, England, music, Singing, Teaching young children, The Beatles | Tagged , , , , , , , | 68 Comments

Always Go With The Flow- Books and Singing

From books, to mending, to singing… I have so many books in my classroom for children to access all the time.  Books are the doorway to learning.  If they’re available for children at all times, reading becomes exciting.  It certainly … Continue reading

Posted in books, Early Education, music, picture books, reading aloud, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 71 Comments

Music Keeps Inspiring Art

Artists just… know.  So do children.  They both tell the world their passion through painting.  When music becomes part of creating art, magic happens. “Art should make you feel, like music.”  -Wassily Kandinsky- Kandinsky is a favorite artist with the children.  They … Continue reading

Posted in art, Early Education, Imagination, music, Quotes, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 62 Comments

There’s a Story Behind Every Child.

Noah and his big sister Emma When Emma was in my preschool class we took a field trip to the Shriner’s Circus.  That was back in the day when going on a field trip did not require volunteers to carry … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, music, patriotism, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 40 Comments

Music Brings Unexpected Learning

A child brought to school a CD with the “Star Wars” theme song.  Fortunately it was a recording of all the John Williams movie themes, and that means good music and a golden opportunity for learning.  We began with mindful … Continue reading

Posted in Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Singing a Peace Song

Singing and music with children is transforming.  It happens every time; as soon as I pull out the autoharp or ‘song jar’ I have a classroom of children who are craving the experience of music and singing.  I’m not a … Continue reading

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