Freedom to Read and Sing!
We just finished celebrating Independence Day.
This holiday is all about FREEDOM.
What does freedom mean to you?
For me, freedom is not necessarily doing everything we want to, all the time.
(Let’s face it, nobody gets to do everything we want all the time. We all do the dishes and the laundry - even when we don’t want to.)
For me, freedom is all about having CHOICES.
I value choice and freedom.
That’s why as a teacher, and also as a parent, I offer choices whenever possible.
I give my students a sense of ownership over our classes, and I give my kids a sense of autonomy over their own lives.
Whenever possible.
Be free!
Keep singing,
Risa
'Cause I'm Free
by Risa Cohen
I’ll do what I want to do
And I’ll say what I want to say
And I’ll be what I want to be
‘Cause I’m free
I’ll do what is good for you
And I’ll say what is good for us
And I’ll be what is good for me
‘Cause I’m free
I’m kind! I am kind to you.
And I’ll give! I am generous.
And I’ll help! I will help the world and me
‘Cause I’m free
I’ll do what I want to do
And I’ll say what I want to say
And I’ll be what I want to be
‘Cause I’m free
Author
Risa Beth Cohen, M.S.Ed.
Author
Risa Beth Cohen, M.S.Ed. is an educator, singer/songwriter, and storyteller. She works with people of all ages and abilities, leading music circles and storytelling workshops. As the Founder and Creative Director of Sing into Reading, Risa is passionate about teaching literacy through music and movement. Risa holds a B.F.A. in acting from Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, and an M.S.Ed. in Early Childhood/Elementary Education from Bank Street College. In 2014, she was the Featured Teller at “Tellebration” in Toledo, Ohio. Students of all ages and abilities enjoy her music circles and storytelling workshops. In addition to teaching children, Risa is a sought-after speaker at edu-events of all sorts. Risa is an approved CKC (Core Knowledge & Competencies) Instructor, and Sing into Reading is an approved training organization recognized by the Ohio Professional Registry of the Ohio Child Care Resource and Referral Association (OCCRRA). She has two OCCRRA-approved workshops, “Teaching Literacy Through Music and Movement,” and “Songs for a Peaceful Learning Environment.” She has taught educators and families at schools, and has spoken at conferences in many countries, including Egypt, Australia, England, and South Korea. Risa and her program, Sing into Reading, have been featured on WTOL Channel 11, NBC channel 24, 13abc, and the Toledo Blade. Risa has been called a literacy teacher “in disguise.” Her students think they just make music and have fun – and they do!
