Get Inspired,

Be Inspiring!

Why do We Exist?

It started more than a decade ago when Elizabeth attended Gordon College and discovered the possibilities music could play in her philosophy of education.  She opened her laptop and started typing.  Now, it is our hope that we can reach other teachers and parents who want to inspire their children with all the arts to make them more well rounded, complete people.  That’s what having an Inspired Classroom is all about!

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About the Blogger and Author

Send Elizabeth an email!

Elizabeth M. Peterson, M.Ed.

Elizabeth Peterson has devoted her life to education and to reaching out to other teachers who want to remain inspired.  An arts integration specialist, 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 and leads an arts integration PLC (PLaiC).  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.

To learn much  more about Elizabeth, visit her ME site.

Endorsements

I have used all the activities, lessons and projects found in Inspired by Listening in the various classrooms in which I have taught, including 2nd and 4th grade general classrooms and middle school (6-8) music classes.

These are some things people have said about my written work and teaching strategies integrating music and the arts into other areas of the curriculum.  ~EMP

From Classroom Teachers

“As a language arts teacher, I sometimes forget the “art” part of my curriculum.  This book reminded me that I could incorporate music and the arts into my everyday lessons.”

“Teaching the parts of speech in my language arts class can often be a grueling and difficult task.  I’ve used the tools from Inspired by Listening to make grammar exciting again by incorporating music that the kids love.”

Jennifer AC Nadeau

7-White Language Arts teacher

“This is definitely something I will use in my classroom with the lesson plan base to guide me. This is for the layman teacher that doesn’t have a background in music. It allows you to bring music into your program without being a specialist.”

Joyce Combe

2^nd Grade Teacher

“This is an excellent resource that is classroom teacher-friendly even for those without a musical background but who are seeking to integrate a purposeful love for music into their curriculum.”

Melissa Brown

5th Grade Teacher

“When you teach a specific content area it can be awkward to reach beyond your comfort zone for new ways to reach your students. This book makes incorporating music easy and natural. I was amazed at how well my language arts students responded to some of these ideas.”

Jennifer AC Nadeau

7-White Language Arts teacher

Educational Professionals

“Whether you teach social studies, math, English or all three, Inspired by Listening shows you how to integrate music into your curriculum with easy to create lessons for studnts of all ages.  All you need to do is create the mood whether it’s a rainy Friday afternoon, Monday morning, or better still, every day!”

Judy DeFilippo

Professor, Simmons College

“I am most impressed by the integration of musical and other teaching goals. You have given an excellent example of music, both for its own sake and as a tool for enhancing other skills. The balance, use of age-appropriate activities and modalities, and quality of work is outstanding.”

Stephanie Grenadier

Professor, “Arts and Learning” Graduate Program, Endicott College, Beverly, Massachusetts

“Your curriculum is very strong. Your evolution of Active Listening is notably credible, with transferable skills beyond the immediate curriculum. You are teaching to the “whole” person by including all the senses.”

Enid E. Larsen

Assistant Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies, Endicott College, School of Graduate and Professional Studies, Beverly, Massachusetts

From Parents of Former Students

“I am very impressed with the attention spent on listening to and learning music in the classroom. My son likes to select music to listen to and sits in our living room while actively listening. I am amazed at how well he remembers songs.”

Kathy S.

Parent

“This has been a year full of music for my daughter. Your emphasis on music has opened a new world. Your class has definitely increased her appreciation for a variety of music. I do believe she has a better understanding of the complexity of music and will stop to identify a song or a composer. She has enjoyed the way you have brought music into the classroom!”

Beth C.

Parent

From Workshop Participants

Elizabeth is very knowledgeable and accessible.

Elizabeth is a fantastic speaker!  I would like to attend more of her workshops/presentations!

Interactive, interesting

I am able to walk away with many ideas

I liked the innovative ways the instructor had of teaching music and integrating it throughout varied subjects.

The instructor was very knowledgeable of her subject and conveyed her ideas clearly and in an interesting way.  I’ll be able to use what I have learned.

A lot of ideas and ways to incorporate the arts into the curriculum.  A lot of hands-on participation.

Elizabeth did a great job of trying to include the age groups and topics being taught of all the class members.

I loved the variety of methods discussed.  Very inspirational!