“The Crickets” from “Mouse Soup” by Arnold Lobel “The Crickets” is a perfect story for music time – funny, well-written. easy to follow, and very musical. It’s one of the stories in “Mouse Soup” by the great Arnold Lobel, about a mouse who puts off ( and escapes) his eventual inclusion in a weasel’s soup pot by […]
Tag Archives: early childhood music
The following article of mine originally appeared in Teacher’s Net Gazette in November 2011. How Should We Teach Creative Thinking? Ask a Four-Year-Old By Abigail Flesch Connors Young children are the “experts” when it comes to creative thinking. Here are some tips I’ve learned from the young children I’ve taught to foster creative thinking in students […]
I would tend to think that anything that makes children fell happier and better about themselves and life in general, like music, would naturally improve their behavior. Aren’t we all nicer when we’re happy? Well, this study gives scientific backing to this idea – and indicates that music helps young children with problem-solving skills, too! […]
“Sarasponda” on “Too-da-la” CD by Kindermusik available on iTunes This old favorite is a very easy movement song which I’ve used successfully with toddlers through kinder- garteners. There are three verses with different movements on the words “ret-set-set” – clapping, patting thighs, and stamping feet. It includes a “surprise ending” which is not difficult for even the […]
This article of mine originally appeared in “Teaching Music,” a publication of the National Association for Music Education, in 2010. The Sound of Creativity: Helping Children Develop Creative Thinking Skills Using Rhythm Instrument Activities Abigail Connors Today more than ever, our fast-changing world depends on creative thinking. Yet teaching creative thinking is not a priority […]
Creative kids are often daydreamers… What’s going on in a dreamer’s head is likely to be original ideation, visualization, imaginative thought, and creative problem solving. Daydreaming is a good thing. Marjorie Sarnat As a lifelong daydreamer, […]
Mexican Hat Dance from the CD “All-Time Favorite Dances” by Kimbo Educational The Mexican Hat Dance is an “all-time favorite dance” for a reason – it’s very catchy and has a strong beat that’s fun for everybody to dance to, especially young children. The usual way the dance is performed, though, with feet kicking out […]
“Where’s Mary’s Hat?” by Stephane Barroux Simple, simple, simple – that’s what I’m looking for in a picture book for young children at the beginning of the school year. I want a book with the bare minimum of plot to follow: bright, bold illustrations; and plenty of silliness. Easy to understand and easy to enjoy. […]
This article of mine appears in the latest issue of the online magazine Creativity Portal (creativity-portal.com). My Student Just Did Something Creative… Now What? By Abby Connors That inner “Wow!” That tingle of excitement. That feeling of “Yes! That’s what it’s all about!” That’s the moment that makes me so thankful to be a teacher […]
“Buzzing in the Garden” by Peter and Ellen Allard from “Pizza Pizzazz” CD available on ellenallard.com To go with “Where There’s a Bear, There’s Trouble,” which I shared with you yesterday, and which features a bumblebee, I like to use this song in my classes. It starts with one little bumblebee buzzing in the garden […]
Music (and Science) For Young Children 