Tag Archives: the power of music

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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Teaching Patriotism and Singing, Part II

Singing and music are powerful and universal.  Is there a part of “The Star Spangled Banner” that gives you a lump in your throat?  When I sing, “…gave proof through the night”, that does it for me.  We all hold … Continue reading

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“The Art Show” S.T.E.M. + Art = S.T.E.A.M

The Art Show is on display at last.  Thanks to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), and plenty of inspiration, the children did it!  They created remarkable works of art, worthy of a real Art Show. When I look at … Continue reading

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The Art Show, and How Books and Music Make the Difference

Eric Carle is a well renowned children’s book author and illustrator.  His museum in Amherst, MA  draws visitors from around the world.  The museum’s focus is on picture book art, because that’s what Eric Carle does, and he does it … Continue reading

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Quilting Art With Children: Milly Part II

This is the story of children, a quilter, and how they connected ideas to create art that hangs in national museums.  The first story (prior post) depicts the evolution of the Peace Quilt, and this story is the next chapter.  … Continue reading

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Emergent Curriculum… In Action

Emergent curriculum takes some ‘bravery’ from both teachers and children.  A teacher must have the foresight to scrap all those lesson plans when a genuine, worthwhile teachable moment presents itself.  A child must have the confidence and enthusiasm about the … Continue reading

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Resilient Children and Behavior

It never ceases to amaze me how quickly young children adapt to their environment.  School is a perfect example.  Those first days are often filled with tears, sobbing, even clutching Mom or Dad with a grip that requires the Jaws … Continue reading

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Camp Songs; Why We Love Them

It took me until adulthood to realize that my love for music stemmed from my childhood summers at camp.  I spent a month every summer at camp in the hills of Salt Rock, West Virginia.  A half a century has … Continue reading

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A Memorial Day in My Classroom

Our school wide Memorial Day remembrance some years ago with General Zukauskas and Cadet Crampton was stirring and moving, to say the least.  I think holding the American flag and singing patriotic songs, particularly “The Star Spangled Banner”, were quite … Continue reading

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