As part of the residency mentioned in my previous post, we’ve now written the words and learned five songs about butterflies. One is Butterfly Wishes by Sarah Pirtle. I’m not including that here. One is adapted from Butterfly Dance by Joanie Calem. The other three are Butterflies, Long Way Down to Mexico, and Changes in …
article about the importance of relationships in education.
A great article about what I have seen over and over makes a huge difference for kids. Affection/Relationship/Love
Windsor Elementary School, 5 minutes from where I live, is embarking on an arts integrated residency exploring connections between monarch butterflies, journeys, metamorphosis in all of us, and creativity. My wife Heather Terrill Stotts did the sizable leg work to make this happen. She teaches second grade and is also a driving force in bringing …
Once again singing at the family care center room. Young kids, 1-4. Chaos. A certain amount of stress. I’m singing some, letting kids strum my guitar, telling them to be gentle, passing around rhythm instruments. A song evolves. I’ve known for years how young kids love to play what I call “Sleep, Wake Up!” The …
I was working in a family care room, where grown-ups and kids hang out during the day. I arrived with a bag of simple instruments and my guitar, prepared for uncertainty. The kids came and went, their attention wandering to superhero toys or Lincoln logs, and then coming back to the music. They wanted familiar …
A final article from Wendy Strauch-Nelson. I’m so happy to see her discussing what may be in fact the most important aspect of student learning and experience in school. JOY! Article 6: Why Arts Integration Final Article, Series Wrap-up This is the final article in a series that has provided a brief overview of the …
I wrote this song as part of last year’s crop of kindergarten songs. Tom changed a crucial line to make it work, and in this video he has also made it zipper song with movement. He’s such a master. Today he and I are going into the studio to record some of these songs that …
Two years ago, in December of 2016, I went back to Tanzania to arrange and record a number of songs I had written about Tanzania and my experience there. I was fortunate to work with the members of the Great Cornerstone Band, whose vocals in particular were stellar. This song features those vocals in shining …
Many years ago Laurie and I listened to elders in churches, nursing homes, nutrition sites, and activity rooms, gathering stories around various themes. I loved taking the time to sit and listen. These conversations led to lots of songs. I don’t remember exactly where this song came from, or who told it to me. But …