Submitted by Connie, Wisconsin
Idea posted September 19, 2001
I had a very meaningful discussion with 3rd and 4th graders on how music has helped us heal. They cited several examples of music they have either heard or sung themselves that has been used to make people feel better and unite our country this past week. One of our most at risk students gave the most eloquent speech on how the world would be empty without music, how music is another way of "talking" and how music helps us express our feelings. It was very moving. We will continue singing patriotic songs in preparation for Veteran's Day and hopefully will join this list in a special musical observance. Next week, I will also use "We Might Heal" from Music K-8, Vol. 10, No. 4. Our fourth graders will visit the nursing home in October and we will share the many American songs we are singing. We are so lucky that music is such a big part of our lives and that we are able to bring this gift to our students. I also plan to do some listening journals with American music and will encourage students to write about their feelings.