Gotta love this!
In these last few weeks of summer, I have been taking my two kids (4-year-old boy and 3-year-old girl) to Music Together, a music program for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. This is one of those great luxuries a teacher-parent has: to enjoy a family class such as this during the day in the summer. In a nutshell, this is a terrific program and my kids love it. Their faces say it all: wonderment, joy and excitement.
The emphasis is on providing musical experiences in singing, vocalizing, playing, rhythms and movement. The best part is that you are not forcing your children to participate. Instead if they join in, great, if not, then they are in the midst of a truly musical environment where the adults are modeling the power and joy of music.
This is learning at its rawest state! The kids are all soaking it up and when they feel ready, they join in the activity.
As I think about this wonderful experience my children and I share during these times, I can’t help but think about some of the other themes that have come up as I blogged this summer: being a Master Learner, where I reflected on how we teachers need to model what it means to be a true learner; I Remember You, where I contemplated the importance of having our children and students see us enjoy what we’re passionate about and Teach Talents where I stress the importance of us using our talents to inspire our students. It comes down to us – the teachers, the adults in our children’s lives. When we are happy and engaged and motivated to teach, our students become happy, engaged and motivate to learn. (See Happy Teachers, Happy Kids.)
So, as we prepare for our new school year (or for so many educators, continue the first six weeks of school), we must always keep in mind that we are the ultimate models for our students. We have a great affect on their learning experiences in more ways than just what we say and what materials we use. When we live through our teaching, our students learn how to live through learning!
Woah – deep thought… I better stop now 
Your turn – please add a comment!
EMP
Related posts:
Elizabeth Peterson has devoted her life to education and to reaching out to other teachers who want to remain inspired. Mrs. Peterson teaches fourth grade in Amesbury, Massachusetts and is the host of www.theinspiredclassroom.com. She holds an M.Ed. in Education, “Arts and Learning” and is currently enrolled in a C.A.G.S. program through Plymouth State University with a focus in “Arts Leadership and Learning.” Elizabeth is author of Inspired by Listening, a teacher resource book that includes a method of music integration she has developed and implemented into her own teaching. She teaches workshops and courses on the integration of the arts into the curriculum, leads an arts integration PLC (PLaiC) and is adjunct faculty for PSU. Mrs. Peterson believes there is a love of active, integrated learning in all children and from their enthusiasm, teachers can shape great opportunities to learn. 
Nice post Elizabeth! I taught college for many years and even there I noticed that the students emulated what we did. It is so important that as teachers we are role models. I also love that you were on their level.
Thanks for the post!