Tag Archives: German

Astonishing

Posted on May 27, 2022 by maryannniemczura

Singing for funerals is part of my music ministry. It may sound morbid, but it comforts the bereaved. As long as I focus on the music and avoid eye contact, I am fine. This music ministry began when I was … Continue reading →

Posted in funerals, music for funerals, Music Ministry | Tagged choir members, German, processional | 10 Comments

Our Multi-generational Neighborhood

Posted on August 21, 2020 by maryannniemczura

Inviting, relaxing, and comfortable to the lower back, we enjoy sitting in rocking chairs inside and out. We are in the Autumn of our lives now and want to savor these moments. From our perch on the front porch, we … Continue reading →

Posted in adopted grandparents, multi-generational neighborhood, rocking chairs, sport equipment, sunset | Tagged foreign languages, French, German, life cycles, Polish, Spanish, teachers | 14 Comments

Music Colors My Life!

Posted on December 28, 2018 by maryannniemczura

Musical notes, beats, rests, keys, sharps, flats, major, minor, staff, treble clef, bass clef, rhythms, voices, moods, time signatures, adagio, allegro, forte, chant, chamber, carols, classical, dynamics, fermata, leitmotifs, sonata, staff, concerto, tones, voices – all this and more characterize … Continue reading →

Posted in Berkshire Choral International, classical music, Happy New Year 2019, music composer, Symphoria, Syracuse Chorale, Syracuse Pops Chorus, Teaching, teaching German | Tagged food for the soul, German, international language, musical forms, teaching | 14 Comments

Mr. Widget’s Factory in History Class!

Posted on August 3, 2018 by maryannniemczura

Once upon a time, I received a request to teach US History from the Civil War to the 1960s. The class was to be taught in summer school to those 8th graders who had failed the subject and needed it … Continue reading →

Posted in A different approach to teach 8th grade US History, Civil War to present day US History, guest speaker from Czechoslovakia, index cards, Teaching US History, teaching US History in costume | Tagged assembly line, bustle;, Caechoslovakia, do your best, factory owner, French, German, individual craftsman, making widgets, Mr. Widget, parasol, poodle skirt, saddle shoes, work hard | 12 Comments

Celebrations

Posted on April 15, 2016 by maryannniemczura

After a long wait, spring weather pounced on us yesterday and beckoned me today for a walk in the park. It seems all the creatures, ducks, swans, birds and dogs along the trail were happy for sun and warmth. I … Continue reading →

Posted in celebrations, spring, graduation, commencements, speeches, teaching German, Colgate, Princeton,, German-American Society of Central New York | Tagged Boulder, Colgate University, colleges, Colorado, ducks, Fulbright Awards, German, high school, lake, nature walks, Princeton, spring, study abroad programs, swans, Syracuse University | 14 Comments

My Legacy

Posted on October 24, 2015 by maryannniemczura

Our legacies are passed down from one generation to another. The world is connected by stories, memories, traditions, dreams and hopes. Waxing philosophical I reflect on the legacies of my parents, grandparents, and other family members. What have I learned … Continue reading →

Posted in family, Goethe, languages, legacy, letters, memoir: A Past Worth Telling, music, teaching German | Tagged community, famiy, German, gift of music, Goethe, history, legacy, memories, teaching, traditions, video conferences, writing a memoir | 16 Comments

Wir Lieben Deutsch!

Posted on June 13, 2015 by maryannniemczura

Blessed with the best profession in the world as a German teacher, I bid my students goodbye as they embark on life’s adventures. It is my custom with the seniors to offer them a handshake or a hug as they … Continue reading →

Posted in bidding goodbye, German, memories, rewarding profession, students, Teaching | Tagged bittersweet time, college, German, hugs, rewarding profession, saying goodbywe, seniors, students, teaching | 2 Comments

Auf Wiedersehen, Until Next Time

Posted on May 30, 2015 by maryannniemczura

The German expression auf Wiedersehen seems less final than goodbye in English which implies forever or farewell. The German appears hopeful and means until we see one another again. At the conclusion of both Fulbright experiences in Germany, the Director … Continue reading →

Posted in auf Wiedersehen, education, educator, faith, German, life lessons, saying goodbyes, students, study abroad | Tagged anticipation, auf Wiedersehen, bittersweet moments, college, education, faith, German, Germany, going abroad, life's journey, nostalgia, remembering, saying goodbyes, students, study | 2 Comments

Celebrations and World Languages

Posted on February 28, 2015 by maryannniemczura

Except for our July baby, most of our family celebrations fall during January and February. We take time to honor one another and express our love with gestures such as cards, flowers, a cake or pie and dinner with family … Continue reading →

Posted in 6th grade registration for world languages, birthday celebration, birthday celebrations at school, customs in Germany, education, family, family tradition, friends, German culture, German customs, German language, global citizens, interdisciplinary projects, languages, love, pen pal letter exchanges, preparing world leaders, Teacher, Teaching, video conferences, video conferences between US & German schools | Tagged birthday celebrations, birthday songs, family, German, teaching, tolerance, traditions, video conferences, world languages, world peace | Leave a comment

The Power of Music

Posted on December 27, 2014 by maryannniemczura

Posted in education, food for the soul, German-American Society of Central New York, interdisciplinary projects, Music composers, music director, piano, power of music, singing, Teaching, Teaching in Germany, video conferences | Tagged award ceremonies, Colorado, family, food for the soul, friends, German, Germany, Massachusetts, musical forms, praying, role models. international language, teaching, video conferences | 8 Comments