Write Away

April 13, 2015

What’s the K in Köchel 331?

In the mid-nineteenth century, Austrian botanist Ludwig von Köchel catalogued all of Mozart’s works, which the composer did not date or number consecutively. K. (Köchel) numbers are similar to Op. (opus) numbers. They help musicians distinguish one piece from another—for example, which Sonata in G is it?—and at what point in Mozart’s life the piece was Continue reading

Music, Speaking and listening, Teaching and Learning

classroom, Mozart, Music history, vocabulary
April 11, 2015

Restorative Justice in School

Teenager Jon swore at his teacher, threw a notebook at her, and when told to report to the principal, he bumped his shoulder into hers as he left. What do you think should happen to Jon? Punitive action, a call home to notify his parents, in-school suspension, out of school expulsion? How about restorative justice? Continue reading

Social and emotional development, Teaching and Learning

behavior problems, discipline, expulsion, punitive, suspension
April 10, 2015

I Whistle a Happy Tune

When is the last time you sang or whistled this song? It’s from The King and I, an Oscar and Hammerstein award-winning musical. In it, teacher Mrs. Anna Leonowens sings it to her son, so he won’t feel afraid as they reach the Kingdom of Siam. Something about whistling puts people in a good mood Continue reading

Music, Social and emotional development, Teaching and Learning

children, music, social emotional development, whistle
April 9, 2015

Hummingbirds Hatch

Lots of people watch hummingbirds at their backyard feeders. But watching their ½” eggs hatch is fascinating. My local birding store turned me on to Bella and I can’t stop watching. Your students won’t either. Here’s a science unit that will last a few weeks. Tune in to this site and your students will be Continue reading

Interdiscipinary learning, Science

Birds, Hummingbird
April 8, 2015

The Lowell Goat’s Tale

A good community story engages readers of all ages, especially when it’s about an escaped animal. Our area had one: the Lowell Goat who escaped slaughter by fleeing from its Tewksbury, MA farm. The goat went on the lam. The Lowell Sun started a hilarious Twitter feed from the goat. No kidding. A Go Fund Me campaign Continue reading

Speaking and listening, Storytelling, Writing

What’s the K in Köchel 331?

Restorative Justice in School

I Whistle a Happy Tune

Hummingbirds Hatch

The Lowell Goat’s Tale