Music – Page 2 – Write Away

January 12, 2016

Use What Talents You Possess

…The woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.” I love this quote, attributed to Henry van Dyke (1852-1933). It encourages us to grow our talents and share them with the world. It’s also the way we encourage students to aim high, practice, and try even harder. It’s Continue reading

Interdiscipinary learning, Music, Teaching and Learning

gifted and talented

November 16, 2015

Talking With Kids About Paris

The images, audio, and news about the terrorist attacks in Paris worry all of us. The war on terror is perhaps one of the most difficult things for us to cope with because of its sinister, cruel, and unexpected aspects. How do adults stay informed while keeping children safe from the media onslaught? These are three Continue reading

Music, Speaking and listening

communication, Paris, terrorism

November 11, 2015

Music Lovers Are Problem Solvers

Problem solving stretches far beyond a math lesson, into every facet of a child’s education. When you use music as an intentional strategy, you’re building music lovers who will be problem solvers. Active listening (what do you hear?), imagination (what are the possibilities?), and sustained focus (what do you think is the composer’s message?) You Continue reading

Music, Speaking and listening, Teaching and Learning

listening skills, music and math, problem solving

September 14, 2015

Piano Month and Chopin: Developing the Mind

September is National Piano Month and taking lessons is a great opportunity to help your child to develop her mind—think problem solving, listening, analyzing, focus, grit. I studied the piano for years and tenacity was one of the biggest skills I learned. The first months, even years, of learning the piano is fun. The pieces are easy Continue reading

Music, Speaking and listening, Teaching and Learning

grit, practicing piano, tenacity

August 18, 2015

Summer Night Sounds

Right now, I’m sitting near an open window and listening to a nighttime chorus of katydids and crickets in huge numbers. Want to listen, too? How many night insect sounds can you identify? Besides being relaxing music from nature, children find it incredibly interesting to learn about insects and how they create their songs. Make Continue reading

Celebrations, Family, Music, Rituals, Science at Home, Speaking and listening

cricket, insect music, katydid