Moving and Grooving to Music Around the World #SmartSummer
Music is a big part of our lives. My grandfather was a professional musician and my daughter loves to play piano. And music is a fun way to gain insight into other societies. As part of my study of history, I delved into how music reflects culture. So, as part of our Me on the Map week, we enjoyed traditional music from around the globe! Since this (history and culture through the lens of art) is my … Read entire article »
Filed under: All Ages, Bodily-kinesthetic, Featured, Geography, History and Culture, Music, Musical, Performing Arts and Theater, Smart Summer Challenge, Sound
Rain Stick
Not that we need more rain… Since we are studying rain and the water cycle in April, we made rain sticks. This is a nice way to incorporate some culture and music and movement into our studies. And it is also a simple and fun craft that is always a hit with the kids. Materials long cardboard (paper towel) tube rice soft, flexible plastic (like a sandwich bag or any leftover shrink wrap) construction paper markers, stickers, jewels, etc. for decoration Directions 1. Pour … Read entire article »
Filed under: 3-5 (Preschool), 3-5 (Preschool), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 6-8 (Early Elementary), 6-8 (Early Elementary), 9-11 (Elementary), Bodily-kinesthetic, Featured, History and Culture, Music, Musical, Spring, Summer, Visual-Spacial, Weather
New Year’s Noisemaker
For most cultures, New Year’s is a time for new beginnings. The traditions usually involve cleansing the home of bad energy and welcoming in luck and prosperity. Most likely the origins of the use of noisemakers and firecrackers on New Year’s Eve is to frighten away “evil spirits”. We’ve made the “rain maker” style noisemakers using water bottles or toilet paper tubes in the past so I decided to try these simple paper plate noisemakers. These … Read entire article »
Filed under: 3-5 (Preschool), 3-5 (Preschool), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 6-8 (Early Elementary), 6-8 (Early Elementary), Featured, History and Culture, Music, Musical, Sound, Winter
Jolly Old Saint Nicholas
As an early Christmas gift, here is my daughter (age 4) playing Jolly Old Saint Nicholas. She had just started learning the song so her playing is a little halting but she wanted me to record her. I think it is a sweet little record of what she is doing now and I hope you enjoy! … Read entire article »
Filed under: 3-5 (Preschool), Featured, Music, Musical, Winter
Make a Note of It!
My daughter has been taking piano lessons for almost a year and she loves to play. I am impressed with the progress she is making with her teacher. She can play pieces with chords, using both hands. However, I can tell that help with sight reading notes would improve the fluency of her play–and probably her enjoyment. We bought flashcards but they did not hold her interest and I do not like to push. Instead, inspired by … Read entire article »
Filed under: 5-6 (Kindergarten), Featured, Music, Musical
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About the Author
Candace Lindemann is a published children’s writer and educational consultant. She holds a B.A. from Yale University and an M.Ed. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Working with school districts around the country and some of the most well-known companies in the education industry, Candace creates custom strategies, textbooks, and lesson plans. Her articles have appeared in print and online.
While Candace’s degrees prepared her for a career in education, she’s found that the best preparation for parenting is on the job training.
Contact Candace via e-mail, read her full biography, or connect with her using the social media icons below.
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