Music · 02-12-2017
We all know the importance of nurturing children’s strengths and interests. Whether it’s praise for reading or a conversation about their artistic creations, encouraging a child’s self-expression, creativity, and excitement is important. For example, I have watched many children develop an interest in music. Some liked creating silly songs or singing in our classroom. Others discovered a serious passion for an instrument and would practice daily. Whatever their capabilities, nurturing...
Music · 04-04-2016
April is a wonderful month – spring is in the air, trees are showing their leaves, birds are chirping, and everyone feels more energized. It’s the perfect time of year for Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM). Created at the National Museum of American History, JAM encourages everyone to participate in jazz. You can celebrate by learning more about one of the jazz legends whose birthday falls in April: Duke Ellington, Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Johnny Dodds, Lionel Hampton,...
Music · 03-14-2016
March is Music in Our Schools Month (MIOSM), an annual celebration to promote the benefits of music education programs in our schools. Along with the joy of sharing their love of music with children, music educators are also highlighting the many ways music inspires. Music is an important subject for students. In addition to the many ways music enriches our brains, playing a musical instrument may also help children overcome anxiety, focus attention, and control emotions. Music educators...
Creativity · 10-08-2015
Children have many ideas about the creative process and bring unique experiences to their artistic adventures. Creating art helps them learn more about themselves, others, and the world. Writing about their art further refines their ideas, thoughts and experiences.
Music · 03-21-2015
The song, “Over in the Meadow” is a traditional sing-a-long song that allows young children to sing, count, rhyme, and make animal sounds. The song’s rhythmic pattern also encourages musical experimentation. A group of third graders revised this happy song by rewriting the lyrics. We also spent time discussing why the rhyme pattern appeals to young children. The excited third graders decided rewriting the lyrics was a great opportunity to introduce preschoolers to a few new animals They...
Music · 07-11-2014
Can’t go wrong with using the first line of a song as a writing prompt for a short story, journal entry, poem, or even another song! The following list will motivate young writers and introduce them to the Great American Songbook. As we know, art is one of the best ways to promote creativity fluency.