Sing!

The older get...the smarter I get.  Actually, my perspective about many things has always been not necessarily in the 'norm'.  I am grateful that I can think for myself without trying to follow the mainstream patterns.  What am I talking about?
I sing. It is probably what most of my students remember and their parents, too. The song, "High Hopes" by Frank Sinatra was one that I easily referenced when kids thought they couldn't accomplish something.  I would play it for them from my CD of favorite tunes.  They would learn it and sometimes all I had to answer them with was...
"Just what makes that little old ant... think he can move that rubber tree plant?  Everyone knows an ant can't...move a rubber tree plant!!  But he has 'High Hopes!!"
Imagine my surprise when at my last assembly before retirement, with all of the kids from all three grades along with a bunch of their parents in attendance...heard the principal ask me to lead everyone in song one last time with "High Hopes".  I thought, 'Really?'
I agreed to lead it as long as my kids joined me in singing it along with anyone in the audience who knew it, too.
It was refreshing to hear how many were singing along.  There was safety in numbers, and the event was priceless.  It was a good time.
So, what exactly is my point?
Ask people to sing and they will tell you they can't sing.  To which I reply that everyone can sing...if the focus is not on whether they sound like a professional singer.  Singing is therapy and fun.
Have you ever sung along with Kate Smith belting out, "God Bless America" ?
Ask someone to draw or paint, and often they respond that it is not one of their strengths.  So??  
Why are there many people so hesitant to attempt to join in something because it won't be perfect...or good?  Media and/or culture has gotten the message out that we must be the same, wear the approved styles,  be the correct size,  etc., etc, etc
What do you think?  And ... do you sing?

PBS

Before I decided to call it a night, I channel-surfed my way upon a fascinating Public Broadcast Show that had to do with modern technology and its effects on/with the brain. It was 'Frontline'.Digital Nation. and it had to do with technology and how it has the potential to impact education, in both methods and supplies. For the people who refuse to become technologically open minded... they will be lost. I can empathize with their resistance because I was originally computer phobic. I am making progress.
Now it goes way beyond that with smart phones capable of doing so much with the APPS available for downloading. The Kindle might take a huge bite out of the publishing industry, and it stands to save trees and reduce back pressure from students not lugging heavy books in your backpack.
My, oh my, I don't think we are in Kansas anymore. And the wizard...probably on sabbatical.