My name is Maureen Connolly. I teach a full-day kindergarten program at the L. M. Jacobs Elementary School in Hull, MA. I have been teaching in early childhood environments for over twenty years. I received my B.S. in Ed. in 1981 from Bridgewater State College. My major was Early Childhood Education. My minors were psychology and history. In 1982, I attended the New England Montessori Teacher Education Center in Boston and received my Primary Credential from the American Montessori Society. In 1992, I received my M.Ed in Reading and my license as a Consulting Teacher of Reading K-12 from Bridgewater State College. Upon completion of my C. A. G. S. in Reading at Bridgewater in 2004, I plan to continue my education in literacy and the arts.

In the classroom, literacy is enhanced through the arts. The children are introduced to reading and writing using art and music. I have a collection of musical instruments from around the world, with a strong emphasis on African instruments.

In the winter of 2002, I introduced an African hand drum program to the after school program at the Jacobs Elementary School along with Irene Baird, an African hand drum teacher from Hull. The children are introduced to the djembe drum and other percussion instruments from Africa. Various African rhythms such as Fanga-a song of welcome, are taught. The program is available to children in kindergarten to grade 5.

On djembe drums & xylophone

with Irene Baird & Kaliani

Music is an important part of my life. In addition to African hand drums, I also play the organ. I have been studying organ for 10 years. I have been a student of Dr. G. Fredrick Guzasky in Cohasset for 3 years. Dr. Guzasky is an Adjunct Professor at B. S. C and an Affiliate Artist at M. I. T. Additional information about Dr. Guzasky can be found at www.fredrickguzasky.com. In 1999, I began as the Organist/Choir Director at St. Nicholas United Methodist Church in Hull, MA. I  teach first year organ students.

I am also a private reading tutor. I work with children in kindergarten to grade six. Some of the children are seen for extra help, others are seen for enrichment. 

My summers are devoted to teaching swimming. I teach children ages 5- 15 American Red Cross swimming. I have been involved in swimming since 1984. I also teach an adult water safety & swimming program.

At the organ at St. Nicholas

United Methodist Church-Hull, MA

Home

Back

Professional Memberships

Professional Development and Training

Literacy Paradigm

Music/Literacy Connection

Literacy Beliefs Power Point Presentation