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 …
Every year spring inspires me. One of these years I will take the whole month of May up at the cabin to just watch the slow beautiful progression of flowers and birds and sun. In the meantime, here are two small songs to celebrate the season. One is a zipper for young kids. The other is …
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 …
At the end of the Children’s Music Network Conference there is always a closing circle. Because the network is made up of singers and musicians, there’s a full and rich sound when everyone sings together. I wrote this song soon after, imagining it sung by my friends at that closing. Maybe some year, but for …
At the Children’s Music Network Gathering this year I was about to give the keynote (a nerve-wracking assignment). As I prepared to start I was standing by my step-daughter Celeste, who was talking to a CMN member. Celeste was excited about the event, and she had reserved a spot up front. I overheard her say …
I was walking into an early childhood center this past summer and a new song showed up. I was literally writing it as I was setting up. I played it and kids got it and liked it right away. It’s a useful song. I’m gonna clap my hands in the morning. I’m gonna clap my …
I spent this morning touring the Zurich International School Early Years Campus. It’s in a beautiful setting, located in a 200 year old villa on the shores of the Lake Zurich. The school has seven classrooms of kids aged 3-5, and it’s impressive, not just for its setting, but for the educational attitudes and approaches that …
We had an incredible safari in Tanzania, and part of our experience was due to our fantastic guide Aimi (Ahimidiwe Ismaely Nasari). He taught me bits of Swahili, including many animal names (which resulted in a different song, coming soon.) I was fortunate to get to sing this song for Aimi, his wife, Lightness …