Mindful, creative and kind. It’s a new mantra for me when I think about education. It also has a nice rhythm. Mindful, creative and kind (oh my!) We talk about preparing children for the future, and there have certainly been enough pundits, educators, parents, politicians, and civic leaders who have bemoaned the lack of focus …
Ecolint, the International School of Geneva, has an early childhood campus called Pregny. It’s a wonderful school, dedicated to play and cooperation and creativity. I’ve performed there several times over the last few years. The last time I was there, in spring of 2017, the staff had asked me for a song about making change …
I’ve written a couple of first day of school songs. Such an important event. I wrote this one with kids from Elvehjem School nearly 20 years ago. It’s in honor of all those kids and teachers returning or starting out! Whether it’s last week next week or today. Here we go…. First Day of …
I lead a lot of storytelling workshops in the course of a year. Mostly for teachers, through the Kennedy Center or early childhood trainings or district in-services. I have a constant refrain in these workshops – storytelling is a powerful and accessible tool for teachers. It has huge implications for classroom engagement and environment, it …
A song for the early days of school to build community.
Here’s a very singable song that was appreciated by many at the CMN gathering in Los Gatos. Fun, upbeat, and easy to get going on. And who doesn’t love the moon? Tom Pease and I wrote this song, and kindergarten students at Cormier, Tanner, and Riverview schools helped with verses. Joanie Calem added some verses …
For over five years I’ve worked occasionally with the Oakwood Retirement Community to create intergenerational programs. I began by working with Sarah Sprague who started a wonderful project called Treasured Times designed to bring seniors and pre-school aged children together to engage in meaningful activities. Sarah asked me to work with her on some musical …
The first thing I learned is that Rotorua, a town that is at the center of Maori culture and is also the site of the training I am doing, smells. The seismic activity that New Zealand is known for has created thermal springs. Maori people used them to cook over, and tourists come here for …
Two good ideas for EC teachers. One: A board where teachers can add the cute things kids say. You hear them all time, and maybe you remember them or maybe you don’t. This is a way to bring humor, to connect, and to sharpen everyone’s sense of listening for those great little moments. Two. A …
I went to Mary Babula’s visitation tonight, joining hundreds of other people who came to remember her and celebrate her life. I had known Mary for many years, and every interaction I had with her was warm, kind, and positive. She was instrumental in the growth and development of WECA, and continued to work on behalf …