I haven't blogged in a couple of weeks and have become ok with that. I feel like it is more important to do so when I feel that inspiration. Tonight, I found it as I was sitting down to continue to work on my lesson plans for the week. Like every Sunday, I pull out my collection of books highlighting our state studies to haul off to school. This summer, I treated myself to some new ones with some of my Crystal Apple funds. Always love buying books. I bought Trombone Shorty by Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews. I read it quickly when I first got it, but reopened it again this evening. After I finished rereading the story, I proclaimed to my husband how much I love quality children's literature. He was not shocked to hear me profess this for the millionth time!! The story, by musician "Trombone Shorty" or Troy Andrews, tells the childhood story of how he became a musician in the neighborhood of Treme in New Orleans. Troy is truly a gifted musician, picking up the trombone at age 6. The story recalls to how music was always the constant in a neighborhood that had is ups and downs, but was never lacking for the gift of music. Young students can relate as he shares how the neighborhood kids would go out to play at 5 o'clock after completing their homework. He compares the music to gumbo stirring in a pot, a little of this and that coming together. With most books I read to my class, I particularly enjoy looking for the author's notes at the end of the book. This, of course, did not disappoint. I also did more research to discover that "Trombone Shorty" has started the Trombone Shorty Foundation to support young New Orleans musicians. Talk about a way to give back to your community! I found this book inspirational for so many reasons. I played the baritone saxophone all through college and was fortunate enough to attend a festival while in college. I wish that I could say it is something I kept up with. My husband and I visited New Orleans several years ago, and I am always hungry to learn more about the city, culture, history, and music. This book opens those doors for my own students. I am anxious to share tomorrow in class as we will also be enjoying some current performances of "Trombone Shorty." Music, history and a great book!
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My post this evening is inspired by one of my history professors. He posted a portrait of Teddy Roosevelt by John Singer Sargent as part of a growing trend on Facebook right now. The trend is to fill FB with art as a change from so much of the negativity that is going on.
Thanks George! I like it! I also have been meaning to post this little gem of a portrait. The TR portrait above was given to me just this last week by one of my current students. She is in an art class and came up with the idea on her own. It is my early Presidents' Day gift, and quite honestly, the only Presidents' Day gift I have ever received. I thought that I would add it to our own classroom museum area as part of our portrait gallery. I think TR rounds out Abe (Happy Birthday today Abe!) and Lady Liberty rather well. This gift makes me smile! It brings me such joy to know that my students are going home with history on their minds. The portrait has also inspired me to explore the website from the National Portrait Gallery for tomorrow's #MuseumMonday blog. Stay tuned...
This week in class, we are studying Minnesota, Wisconsin, and iowa. Charles Schulz was born in Minneaplis, MN on November 22, 1922. I was pulling out my books for the week and reread Happiness is a Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown by Charles Schulz. As I read the story, I couldn't help but to think of my own childhood and my blanket.
The slideshow above, shows images from my childhood. I carried around a blanket and my "tickle pooies". As I got older, my dad got tired of me always having that big blanket and he cut it up onto smaller pieces. I still have my "tickle pooey" and one piece of my blanket. A couple years ago at Christmas, the cutting of the blanket somehow came up with my dad and our daughter. She was appalled (coming from a kid who loved her blankets). She loves her Papa, but still gives him grief about this choice. Today, I brought my blanket square and "tickle pooey" in as artifacts to share with my kids. I told them the story of my blankets and my "tickle pooeys." As I read Happiness Is A Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown, I chuckled as Linus' grandmother threatened to do the same with his blanket. He outwitted his grandma. As with most of my research, my curiosity starts with a book (and memories in this case). I started exploring Charles Schulz online and discovered the amazing museum located in Santa Rosa, California. As an educator, I truly appreciate when a museum has a strong online component so that I can bring the information into my classroom. The Charles M. Schulz Museum does not disappoint! The timeline gives excellent visual detail to his life, so much so, that I will use it as a further teaching tool for artifacts and primary sources. The museum website also gives in incredible insight into the background of the characters from the Peanuts gang. |
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August 2017
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