We had a fabulous time with Vicki and her
Little Songs in my second grade classroom at Mound School. My students were totally engaged and learned a lot about creating songs and singing. I feel that her presentation was perfect for my grade level. The children wanted her to return as soon as possible because they enjoyed her music so much. I hope to see Vicki again next year and hope that she can stay longer.
Sharon
Second Grade Teacher
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Needless to say, the kids loved
Little Songs. “My Little Dog” seems to be their favorite – they could really identify with it, and it was really sweet to see them smile as they looked at the pictures. They wanted to hear it again and again and said they couldn't stop singing it. They liked the other songs too. Your voice has such a calming effect on the kids – some of my very active ones were mesmerized by listening to you sing.
Bonnie
First Grade Teacher
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You were FABULOUS! Everyone loved your presentation. I've heard so many positive comments from teachers and parents. And the CD/DVDs are outrageously popular.
JoAnn
Manager, Pre-School Special Education
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I felt the program was great. The students loved to be able to listen to you, play the guitar and sing along. The CD/DVDs were awesome. The students were excited to be able to take the gift of music home to share with their families.
Mary
Kindergarten Teacher
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My students just LOVED your visit and have requested “My Little Dog” at least 20 times this morning! I will be listening to your CDs this summer so I can create lesson plans to accompany the music. I am looking forward to introducing “Little Songs” to next year’s group of kids.
Vicki
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
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The interactive piece of your presentation kept the kids both engaged and happy! You helped them generalize skills such as appropriate waiting, social interactions, and turn taking. I would definitely recommend this to parents/other teachers and would love to see you back in our classroom.
Thank you so much for coming! The kids all loved it and continue to request the DVD/CD! It was great to see them engaged and eager to participate. I would absolutely recommend it to others. I loved the way you followed the lead of the kids and worked them into the music!
Becky
Senior Behavior Therapist
Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism
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The kids loved trying out the guitar and doing motions to the song. One little girl and boy quickly learned the words and sang along. Very cute! Vicki was great with the kids! I think it was a really wonderful way for the kids to spend some time. We'd love to have her back!
Meghan
Behavioral Therapist
Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism
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The students like the rhythm and the teachers like the lyrics. It reinforces skills taught in the classroom about family and what they would like to be when they grow up. Also about different animals. One of the parents made a comment – “
Little Songs Earth describes the environment, which is good for science.” The vocabulary is great - desert, cactus, coyote, and rhyming words. I would recommend it to parents and friends.
Chicago Public Schools
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I was early for an appointment at Mound Elementary School and I peeked into the kindergarten classroom where Vicki was teaching. Mound is a K-8 school without a music curriculum. The class had no prior choir experience, but Vicki had the rapt attention of the typically rowdy class. The students were smiling and enjoying themselves as Ms. Vicki taught the words and movements to "My Little Dog", a song about hiking with your dog. The little ones were so into it that I could practically see their dogs, and I think they could too. Besides being fun, the students were learning about music, singing together, teamwork, focus, discipline, art and culture. I would love to see Little Songs as part of every school's programs.
Jenita
Teaching Artist, Educational Outreach Administrator in the Arts, Co-Program Director - Neighborhood Players
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The kids are still singing your songs!! We had a talent show in the auditorium, and the first grade class got on stage and sang My Little Dog with the CD playing in the background. They memorized the lyrics by heart... it truly brought tears to my eyes. The gift of music touches the lives of these young children.
Jocelyn
Educator
Sunbeam School, a Cleveland Municipal School for medically fragile children
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Everyone who has listened to the CD here loves it. I had everyone jamming. I am so glad to hear about the results. It is amazing how music can make a difference.
India
Program Director, The Cleveland Foundation
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Moms and dads who enjoy indie female vocalists will love McCrone’s contemporary style. It’s the type of music you’ll listen to in the car without a hint of embarrassment, even when your kids aren’t around.
Jennifer
CoolCleveland.com
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My five year old nephews would listen to the CD in my car when I picked them up from school. They would be talking until the music came on, and then they would listen. Their favorites were "Bird" and "Black Cat." They like the repetition of the melody.
Barb
Aunt and College Education Consultant
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All the children at my sons' school LOVE the Animals and Earth Little Songs. They are mesmerized by the visuals and they can quickly learn the lyrics and sing along. We love it!
Patricia
Teacher and Mom
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Vicki's program is a hit. Her music gets people excited and participating (children and adults alike). Her songs are charming, and her lyrics/music will hook you.
Lisa
Services Director
Cuyahoga Valley National Park Association
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I play the CD during snack time in my classroom. The music leads to a sense of calm. Some of the students move with the beat of the music in the songs as they eat. The songs have also led to some interesting discussions with the students asking questions about inference – a high level skill for first graders, but one easily understood as we listen to and discuss the words in the songs.
Pat
Special Education/First Grade Teacher
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I have known Vicki for a number of years. She became initially involved in our program for very young children (birth - 5 years of age) with behavioral/emotional difficulties as a volunteer with her wonderful therapy dog. Vicki and her dog periodically visited our program. It became clear that Vicki has gifts and skills in motivating and developing relationships with hard to reach children.
After her therapy dog “retired,” Vicki maintained contact with us. She has volunteered to bring us her music program, to all our age groups. Vicki has developed a DVD with songs and visuals that our children find fascinating and engaging.
Here is a sample observation:
“...the 7 month old was fussing and carrying on, and Vicki popped in the DVD and the girl oriented to the sound and got a big smile on her face and relaxed for quite a while. The 4 year old loved it too.”
Comments from staff:
“I loved her and I would love to have her come to our class again.”
“Enjoyed having her. I think she is a fabulous musician. She combines visuals via books and video to accompany her original songs. The kids were very engaged, and they actively participated. Any day she can come back would be wonderful.”
I would highly recommend Vicki in any setting that is looking for an engaging, quality music experience for children.
Laurie
Program Coordinator
Positive Education Program
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I have used the CDs with both second and third graders. The students enjoy the soothing songs such as “Grow Up If I Try.” They also want to listen to many songs, such as “Black Cat,” repeatedlly!! I enjoy using the music and lyrics to help students make connections in their writing. For example, many students wrote about what their pets mean to them after listening to the songs on the
Animal CD. It is a great resource to have in the classroom!
Mary Beth
Second grade teacher