“Respect” in my generation often meant being unseen, unheard, and stifling hurt or angry feelings. Montessori schools have a unique and positive approach towards respectful communication and conflict-resolution that begins in early childhood. The Peace Rose is integrated into every day classroom life of conflict and resolution. Children who are experiencing conflict are encouraged to […]
Tolerance seems like such an impatient word. Why wouldn’t we be “tolerant?” Even the most broadminded person often is aware of internal prejudices, stereotypical judgments and bias. We may have been raised a certain way or absorbed the bias as we were growing. I believe that step one is to be aware and truthful with […]
Once upon a time there was a child who was bullied, teased and talked about whenever she was going to school, was in school or was coming home from school. No one knows the exact reason. Maybe it was because she belonged to a minority religion, maybe it was because her family didn’t have a […]
Mean behavior starts early. We need to be proactive and start early to stay on top of insensitive actions and reactions exhibited by children. Role modeling is the most effective teaching of all. Scary how we have to stay on top of our own behavior, but it is the greatest teacher of all. Children have […]
As we put a Valentine’s Day magnifying glass on the vibratory word of “Love,” I share with you a song that I often sing or say: “Love is the only power, love is the only way, love love love love, watch our circle grow.” As this chant is repeated, sung gently within and then offered […]
Peace is a deeply emotional word, and I’m often asked what I personally mean by Peace Concerts. My non-political definition is that peace begins with you and me. I believe that every word, thought, action and feeling creates a vibrational effect on our entire planet. I had this awareness even as a little girl. I […]
Recently, I was delighted to receive the 2010 KIDLUTIONS PREFERRED PRODUCT AWARD for my 6 children’s music CDs. The reviewers were looking for products that develop emotional intelligence, as well as being entertaining. As a composer and educator, I believe that the WORDS in each song need to be purposeful and consciously written. Words go […]
Do you remember that awful song…something about “School Days, dear old Golden Rule days…Reading and Writing and ‘Rithmatic, taught to the tune of a hickory stick”…Ouch! well let’s assume the hickory stick part is not done anymore, anywhere…but the reading, writing and ‘rithmetic are more emphasized than ever…WHAT HAPPENED TO MUSIC?! Crucial! CREATIVITY! Vital! Reading, […]
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me”…I remember hearing kids say that taunt when I was a young child, and it is a phrase that doesn’t ring true for me personally or professionally. Words have a tremendous vibration within the delicate soul of each and every person, no matter what […]
What do I mean when I use the word “Peace” in my concerts? Do I mean peace versus war? Many people ask me initially if my “Peace Begins with Me” or “Peace Begins with Me-We’re Bully Free Teaching Concerts” for elementary school ages and preschoolers are politically-oriented. My intention in each of the concerts is to […]
