Read this post if you are an early childhood teacher or advocate or parent or educator. It’s unbelievable.
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 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 …
This year the Magic Penny Ceremony of the Children’s Music Network honored Kim and Reggie Harris. KIm and Reggie have been friends of mine for many years. I met them through my affiliation with the Kennedy Center teaching artist roster, and we’ve talked many times. I deeply admire their artistry; they are fantastic singers, activists, teachers, …
Barbara Tilsen and I drove to the Children’s Music Network conference last weekend. We talked almost the whole way – 7 hours and 7 hours back. We’ve been friends for many years, something like 35 and have sung, shared and organized together. Barb is a wonderful singer, songwriter, community activist and spirit. And when these …
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 …
Sometimes, and actually, fairly often, things just slip out of kids’ mouths. Great lines, observations, insights, and inspirations. Thanks to the teachers who notice and share. Here’s one straight from the mouth of a four year old. And it’s for all of us, though. It reminds me of Walter Isaacson’s new book about Leonardo Da …
A song for the early days of school to build community.
Jack Pearson was a wonderful singer, musician, songwriter and storyteller. And an all around kind, joyful, generous, funny, and deep human being. Jack died of infection and cancer after a short stay in the hospital. His son Peter wrote amazing blog pieces on his father’s progress and ultimately his death. Jack and I knew each …