A Lark and a Prayer: Music in the Classroom

December 2, 2024December 1, 2024 ~ wordancerblog ~ 8 Comments

Last week, I was reminded of the importance of music. This reminder came in the form of a six-year-old girl named Lark.

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I think you should give yourself a round of applause for inspiring their creativity!

8 responses to “A Lark and a Prayer: Music in the Classroom”

Glenda Funk

December 3, 2024

Joanne,

I totally agree w/ your point about music and love imagining Lark and the young violinist. I always enjoyed listening to speeches featuring music and recall one student who brought in a drum. He’s an accomplished pianist who recently played in Sweden as part of a classical music program. I had a colleague who taught French. She’d play her guitar and taught students to sing in French. I’d advise all teachers in training to study music. I wish I had.

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Trish

December 3, 2024

Music is magic, as this post accentuates. Granted, not everyone responds as avidly as Lark. (What a perfect name; I wonder about her parents’ reasons for choosing that one.)

I certainly know that when we would be memorizing a poem, or even learning one, it was great fun to put it to music or just for a laugh to “sing” directions even in middle school to gain attention. So what if parents heard that the teacher was “kinda crazy?” They heard the smile in the comment, too!

And to have Michael actually see the fruits of his passion materialize on the stage of Carnegie Hall…chills! (Thank goodness for teachers who value the gifts children have and invite them to unwrap gladly.)

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beckymusician

December 3, 2024

As a musician myself (two degrees in music) I am so happy to see a teacher including and valuing music in the classroom. For kids to play for their peers (and teachers!) is a wonderful experience for everyone. And how awesome that Michael grew up to be a concert violinist!

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Stacey Shubitz

December 3, 2024

Your experience with Lark beautifully illustrates the profound impact music can have on children’s learning and creativity. By allowing her to express herself through music, you not only nurtured her talent but also highlighted the importance of integrating artistic expression into education.

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The Right Notes – Jump off; Find Wings

December 3, 2024

[…] magic, isn’t it? I am thinking of its power after reading the post from Joanne’s blog Word Dancer this morning. Maybe you’ll read it, too, but if you don’t, it features music-lover Lark […]

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mitchteemley

December 3, 2024

Thank you for the twofer, Joanne, i.e. your accounts–and beautiful encouragement–of two wonderful musical kids in one post!

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kimhaynesjohnson

December 4, 2024

I love that you honor the talents of your students this way. And a singer named Lark is so fitting. I think it’s great that you can give them opportunities to sing ~ even write their own songs or make them up as they go. We need more music in our classrooms, that is for sure, and you give a powerful reminder of this today.

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Denise Krebs

December 4, 2024

Joanne, this is so lovely. Lark is a darling name and for a singer too. Your honoring her contribution, yet also getting out the objectives of your lesson is top-notch pedagogy there. I loved reading about this and how what you learn translates into making it accessible for more students.

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