Finding GREAT books for YOUNG children

There are SOOO many children’s books out there.  Some are beautiful, some are based on familiar characters, some have sequenced stories, some are very open ended.  What makes a book GREAT for a toddler, or a preschooler?   The main goal is to find books that:

·        Engage the child’s interest

·        Promote interaction between the book, the reader, and the child

·        Promote confidence in the child as a “reader” (WAY before they can read)

·        Offer ways to develop the pre-reading and reading skills a child needs

·        Develop, in the child, a LOVE of BOOKS, and what they can offer

 

Before buying a lot of books for your child, consider these “qualities” as you look through your own library, and as you make regular trips to the city library.  You’ll get a much better idea of books that you will want to check out for a few weeks versus books that you will want to ADD to their own library. 

 

 

Look for books with large, colorful illustrations.  Young children thrive on getting the story through the pictures, so look for illustrations that are clearly representing the characters and what is happening in the story.  There are some books in which the story is evident even without words.  These are wonderful, as the story can be told in so many different ways.  Even with text, it is not always required to read the words exactly.   And really good books have the illustrations depict even MORE of a story than the words identify.  Asking the child about more of the story based on the picture is a great way for children to add to the story line.  It is also wonderful to find illustrations that include a small character that is located on each page in different places, such as the cricket and spider in the Little Critter series.  This series of books EXCEL in having the pictures tell MORE of a story than the words.

 

For Toddlers, look for sturdy books in which each page can have its own focus – that it can be, but does not need to be read in any particular order.  A character may be doing a variety of things centered on a theme.  Toddlers like to turn the pages themselves and will stop on a page that captures their attention.  That is the time to focus on whatever is on that page.  Have them point to one of the pictures that is prominent on the page, and try to connect it with something they are familiar with in their own life.  If it is an animal, talk about what it is, what it sounds like, and refer to an animal they might know.  If it is a character doing an activity – talk about the activity and when it might happen in their own life.  This type of interaction helps them feel confident in their ability to “use” books, and helps them see what are in books relates to things outside of books.

 

Choose topics that relate to real life, esp. for children 2 years or younger, even if it is funny animal characters that are doing human things.  Imaginary creatures and activities, like magic, are abstract and more difficult to keep straight in their heads as to what is real and what is not real.  Concrete activities that reflect more of what is real in their life, and in the world around them helps develop a more full sense of who they are and where they live.  Although this age child likes pretend play – mostly it is about real life things.  Encourage a concrete understanding of this world before delving into fiction and non-reality.  Once a child is “around” 3 years old, their imagination takes off, and then it is fine to begin introducing a few books with more imaginary topics, as long as there is good discussion about the difference between what is real or not, and that there is a good balance of books which are presented.

 

When considering the words, choose books that encourage fun expressive reading.  Read the book aloud to listen to the sounds.  Reading aloud with an expressive voice more actively engages a child’s interest, and promotes good language skills.  Although not all of the following things will be found in a single book, these are things to look for:

• It is fun to read phrases that rhyme.  This helps develop phoneme awareness in children, which is an important pre-reading skill.  Dr. Suess books were designed specifically with this purpose.  “One Shoe, Two Shoes, Red Shoes, Blue Shoes”.  After a few readings, the child may be able to fill in the second part of the rhyme. 
• When the words promote a strong rhythm it helps the child feel the cadence of speech, and a feel for how phrasing can aid in the understanding of the meaning of words.  Encourage the child to keep a steady beat while you are reading by clapping. 
• Find books with interesting characters that encourage fun vocal changes – high female voices, slow tedious and low voices, voices of all sorts?  I especially enjoyed reading the Winnie the Pooh books to my children because of the fun unique voices and accents of each of the characters (Tigger & Eeyore are my favorite voices!).  Listening to various voices helps children feel more comfortable around new people they meet who speak differently. 
• Especially enjoyable are repetitive phrases featured regularly or at the end of each page. Children LOVE being the “reader” of this type of repetitive phrase, especially if you can encourage some type of activity with it, like clapping, or “chugging” the arms, etc.  MANY of the Kindermusik books features this types of phrase.  One of the Kindermusik favorites is “Choo-choo, Choo-choo! Dinah, Dinah, Dinah Dinah.  Shoo! Shoo! Shoo! Shoo! Shine-a, Shine-a, shine-a .” from the book, “Shiny Dinah” in the Our Time AWAY WE GO semester.  For each part the children “pull the whistle”, clap their hands, swish their hands, the rub their hands in circles to shine the train.
• Books that have a PART that can be sung can really capture a child’s attention, and can connect in a more emotional way.  One of my favorites is “Love you Forever” by Robert Munsch.  (Although it took me a long time to read that all the way through without crying.) 
• Repetitiveness can also be a springboard for sequencing.  Stories that reuse phrases, continuing to add another phrase on top of each other, such as “The Green Grass Grew All Around”,  “with the branch on the tree, and the tree in the hole, and the hole in the ground… “ help build neural connections toward spatial relationships and sequential ordering.  PLUS, they’re FUN !  My son’s favorite is an old book called “Drummer Hoff” = “And Drummer Hoff FIRED it OFF!”

 

When choosing a book with a story line, choose stories that make sense and are meaningful to your child.   Young children respond only to books that tell stories that feel “real”, feel complete, and feel satisfying.  Strongly consider what your child is interested in, and what they know already.  Try to choose books that give them a little more information or understanding about their object(s) of interest, or character(s) they find fascinating.  Ask all sorts of open ended questions to spark conversations that will help them explore the ideas presented in the book, helping them connect with ideas they know and “discover” new bits of information.  Children learn best by discovering for themselves rather than being told.

 

To me, great books for young children fit into three categories:

a.     Activity books – Books that encourage people to make noise and move, and act out what is occurring on the pages and in the story.  These books encourage personal involvement in reading materials.  They strengthen language articulation skills, as well as give opportunities for large and small motor development.  These may also be alphabet books which help them make the sounds of the alphabet and relate these sounds to what they know.  This could include tracing the letters with their fingers, and exploring other objects with those sounds.  Activity books are a springboard for more action!

b.     Bedtime books – Books that have a lulling rhythm as you read them aloud.  Their story is comforting and without a crisis or scary moment.  These books reassure loving feelings and safety, and welcome the night as a peaceful companion.

c.     Story books – Books that encourage discussion, conversations about the characters and what they are doing.  These books build vocabulary and understanding.  They might have a crisis, or problem that will be resolved somehow, hopefully in a way that sparks children to discuss and solve their own problems, or at least understand others that experience them.

 

A Great book is made so much better by a good interactive reader. 

• Allow the child to hold the book and turn the pages.  It’s OK if they do not go in order, or if they turn the page before you finish reading.  Later on, you may try this “trick” I started with my daughter as she got to the right developmental stage (she was 2 years old, but it may vary with your child).  I would say “BEEP” when I finished reading the words on the page, so she would know it was time to turn the page.  This also set her up to use the audio books that we could get from the library.
• Ask questions that identify or spark interest. 
• Read expressively, using your voice to enliven, or soothe, or build intensity for a story line. 
• Offer the child the opportunity to “tell” the story , or parts of the story, based solely on the pictures, or by what they can remember. 
• After a few readings, start a sentence, then encourage the child finish the thought.  Show enthusiasm for their version, and do NOT correct them if they say the words differently.    

 

These are ways to engage the child and build their confidence in books as a source of enjoyment, and in their ability to be a significant part of the reading process.

Review the current research on the benefits of Music and Literature on a child’s development.

Books are an important part of each Kindermusik program, as there are at least one or two children’s literature books that are included in the home materials.  Each of these books meet several of the above criteria for being a GREAT book.  The Creative Team at Kindermusik International recognizes the benefits of good books for young children, and therefore integrate their books with the themes of the curriculum. 

 

There is even a WONDERFUL summary of research they have developed that will help parents understand how music benefits a child’s development of the reading process.  PLEASE check out the following links at www.kindermusik.com/benefits .  It talks about the critical aspects of developing the skills of Active Listening, building vocabulary, developing phonological awareness, Print Awareness, and promoting Comprehension.

 

There are resources available for each age group; Our Time (1 ½ – 3 ½ years)  and  Imagine That (3-5 years), so that the materials is specifically focused on what to expect from, and what is developing in a child at each of these ages, and has some great ideas for what you can do at home based on current research in this field.  It is well worth your time to read it.  It easily explains the research, and if you are interested further, the actual research documents are also available for your curious mind.

 

In this blog, “Music Connections Recommends…” , I suggest many books that I believe fit the above criteria.  Some are Kindermusik books (or Do-Re-Me & You – which are developed by Kindermusik International), but MOST are other books I have found along the way – through teaching, and especially through experiences with my two children.  They are usually presented based on a particular theme.  Please feel free to add your comments to these postings with list with books you have found to be GREAT, so that we can all find GREAT books that will OPEN up the world to our children.

 

Or if you have other ideas on what makes a book GREAT for young children, please add your comments.  I would LOVE to hear them.

 

READING is MAGICAL. 

Read it, feel it, live it, and love it. 

Then, your child will too.

Children’s Music and Games for Valentines Day

Valentine’s Pencils are an excellent alternative gift for this special holiday.  If your child got some, perhaps, instead of sharpening them, you might want to be creative, and make them into instruments.  Last year, my students enjoyed this challenge, and I posted a slide show of their creative works of art and music:  Homemade Instruments Made from Pencils.

I’ve posted a fun Animal Valentine video, as well as two other fun videos on my other blog:  Kids Love Animals.  Share the love and the learning.

It doesn’t take long online to find some excellent Valentine’s Game and Activities for children, but my daughter’s favorite is on The Kidzpage .  It has puzzles, and coloring pages to print, and fun online games.

SONGS FOR TEACHING is an excellent site that has the lyrics to wonderful songs for children, and it has a page full of Valentines Songs.  You can even listen to someone singing it, and if you like it, you can download it for a small fee.

Kindermusik families may remember some of their favorite songs from their Home CDs that are perfect for this day of family love.  Many of these are folk songs, so you may know them as well.  I am trying to include enough of the songs to help you remember how to sing it.

Skinnamarink a-dink-a-dink, Skinnamarink a-do, I LOVE YOU!   – Village: Dream Pillow

Love Somebody – Yes, I do… (3 times while pretending to look around for someone to love, then)… I Love Somebody and it’s YOU, YOU, YOU!

You are My Sunshine, my only sunshine.  You make me happy when skies are grey.  You’ll never know dear, how much I love you.  Please don’t take my sunshine away.

Mama loves, and Daddy Loves, and Everybody Loves a little Baby.    – Village: Dream Pillow

I love my Family, my family, my family, my family, take a look and you will see…  They’re OK with me.   on Family Time:  Our Kind of Day

Tell Me Why the stars do shine,  Tell me why the ivy twines,  Tell Me Why the skies are blue, And I will tell you just why I love you.      on Village:  Do-Si-Do

Shady Grove, my little love, Shady Grove I know, Shady Grove, my little love, bound for the Shady Grove.     on Village:  Cock-a-Doodle Moo

Cuddle Up A Little Closer Baby Mine, Cuddle up and be my little Valentine

Let Me Call You Sweet Heart, I’m in love with you.

Wiggle (4 x), Giggle (4 x)… Little Sack of Sugar, gonna eat you up   on Family Time: Our Kind of Day

Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland   - on Village: Dream Pillow

Find out more about Kindermusik at www.kindermusik.com !

Enjoy singing and playing with your family this Valentine’s Day !!!  LOVE, Ms. Debbie

Toys I Make, Trips I Take – Resources

The semester of Toys I Make, Trips I Take, of the Kindermusik Imagine That! program is so CHOCK full of themes, it is an interesting challenge to collect and present the information. 

First, there is the theme of the toymaker making toys for his toy shop.  AND the aspect of each of the classic toys to enjoy, ie. the Jack In the Box, the drum, the spinning top, etc.  I’ve got lots of songs, and other resources, as you will see, but not so many books about the classic toys or the toymaker. 

I am open to someone sharing books or resources they love on this subject, by making a comment on this blog.   I have found a few online, and ordered them, but cannot yet recommend them.  Maybe you’ll see some new entries soon.  Only if they’re the best!

I must first recommend a fabulous classical music piece,  The Toy Symphony by Leopold Mozart.    You can find a great recording of this symphony on the CD set described in this posting:  Classics for Children – Great set of classical music 

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Within the semester, we have the opportunity to help the toymaker build a boat, and a train, and to explore adventures that we might have in our imaginations.  The following blog posting include resources for these themes.

 

Traveling with Trains by books, music, and more.  (NEW)

Travel by boat – in a book or two  (book resources and ideas)

Children, Children, build me a boat  (activity idea and slide show)

 

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During our train travels, the children are encouraged to explore map reading and map making skills.  I have recently found a wonderful book that introduces map skills to young children.

Treasure Map  by Stuart J. Murphy, Harper Collins

A group of children on Elm Street find a treasure map, and learn some important mapping skills on the way to finding a wonderful “treasure” under the X.  Readers will be intrigued by the treasure, and may want to start their own tradition.

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Mighty Maddie by Stuart J. Murphy,  , Harper Collins, Inc.  Maddie has toys ALL over the house, big heavy ones, and very light ones, and needs to have them all cleaned up before her friends start arriving for her birthday party.  She decides to become MIGHTY MADDIE, and does an amazing job with things both heavy and light.

The previous two books are part of the MathStart series. Cora (4) and I have just discovered the MathStart series through our local library, and we are loving them.  Each book is a wonderfully interesting story that introduces a basic math concept.  Check out more information on these books, and fun math activities on the author’s website, www.stuartmurphy.com .

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During the last part of the semester, we focus on the enjoyment of stuffed animals as friends, confidants, and playmates.  Along that line, I do recommend:

 

 

Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear  – Ill. by Michael Hague;  Scholastic, 1993 .  It is the classic rhyme that encourages specific movements, and the illustrations are classic and delightful.  Try to make each of the positions that you see the little bear doing, even along the borders of the pages.

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Fabulous videos about Toys: 

Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer and the Island of Misfit Toys – GoodTimes Entertainment, 2001 – This is an excellent follow up, with top notch voices, for Rudolph to join with an elf that would rather be a dentist than make toys.  Feeling like they don’t fit in, they find more misfits – toys that are made incorrectly – and end up saving Christmas by foiling the plans of the Toy Taker. 

The Tangerine Bear – Feature Films for Families , 2005  – A toy bear that no one wants longs to find a home.  When no one buys him, he ends up in a story specializing in damaged merchandise.  He meets new friends, including a Jack in the Box, and eventually discovers his true home.   

I would highly recommend ANY of the films from this company; they are all fully designed to “strengthen traditional values through entertainment”.  And they do.  Check them out at www.familyfilms.com .  We personally have more than 30 of the films by this company and both the children and grown ups enjoy them.  See my blog posting: Feature Films for Families .

 

Travel by boat – in a book or two

In the Kindermusik Imagine That! Toys I Make, Trips I Take semester, we have FUN exploring boats.  We use a fun song, and our imaginations to build a boat in class.  Then one of their homework assignments is to build a boat – any kind they want, with just a bit of parent support.  Wow, what imaginations we have.  Check out the slide show on my business blog: 

Children, Children, build me a boat

One of the books that comes with the home materials is called “In My Big Blue Boat”, in which a girl imagines what her day would be like if she sailed away in a big blue boat.  Beautiful illustrations, rhyming text, and full of sound words to explore sounds and movements while adventuring through the book.

Another assignment is to read this book and another book that focuses on some sort of adventure in a boat.  The object is to ask general questions that help children compare the boat, the characters, and the adventure.   This type of activity is so wonderful for developing reading comprehension and analytical thinking.

I definitely have a few favorites that I’d like to recommend:

The Sailor Dog 

A Golden book by Margaret Wise Brown, Ill. by Garth Williams

Ms. Brown most definitely shows her talent in this wonderful book of displacement, and finding, again, your place in the world.  There is even a song at the end that can be sung to the Popeye tune.

Row, Row, Row Your Boat  

A Scholastic book, as told and ill. by Iza Trapani.

Another fabulous author takes a classic song, and expands it into a wonderful adventure featuring a family of bears and their pet dog, as they have a wonderful day on the river.  SING every verse, it is so fun!

Theodore Mouse Goes to Sea

A Little Golden Book by Muntean

A shorebound mouse has enough of just watching the sea.  He pulls his bed to the shore and sets sail with his sheet.  He visits exotic places and defends himself against pirate cats, and more.  My daughter loves this book.

The Harbor and the Sea – by Lucille Wood  (1971)

This book is out of print, and I only found ONE copy available on ebay.  But there are a group of children that form a tugboat out of boxes.  They tell us the story of their adventures of the day, including songs and movements that are elicited by their imaginative activities.   When they pretend to pass a lighthouse, they move and sing, ”Round and Round I’m turning sending out my light, Round and Round I’m turning, guiding ships at night.”

Jack Hartmann – Loving to learn through music

 I am a big fan of Jack Hartmann!  He uses a variety of styles in his music, and has something for everyone.  Children find it very fun to watch this guy delve into hip-hop, rock, blues, etc., and end up having fun learning their multiplication tables, or test taking skills.  For the little ones, there are songs about taking turns and being friends. 

LOOK on his website for more information:  www.jackhartmann.com 

On the website, LISTEN & WATCH takes to you to some of his songs on little video clips.  Make sure to catch the BOP STOP!

WATCH the CHILDREN’S CONCERT section for one of his concerts to come nearby.  You have to register EARLY, as most of his shows are SOLD OUT about a month in advance.  Download his Registration Form, or call 1-888-219-2646 to purchase a ticket.  The group discount is 1 free ticket for every 20 that is purchased.  He is based out of Tampa, so most of his concerts are in Central Florida.

Check out his CD Recordings under PRODUCTS, and you will be AMAZED at the focus of each of the 22 CDs.  There are entire albums dedicated to MATH or READING, or PEACE.

MY favorite is It Starts in the Heart, which he completed in coordination with Becky Bailey!  This album is all about connections between yourself and other people!

 

So, I hope you get to connect with Jack Hartmann sometime soon, and enjoy a bit of musical learning - in such a FUN WAY!

Children’s media resources for vehicles and travel

Many Kindermusik semesters have themes that have a lot to do with things that GO!  See blog posting, Kindermusik Programs with themes of travel & vehicles for that list of semesters. 

I thought you might enjoy my list of favorite books, recordings, videos, and other resources that help this world of travel come alive for children.  You might keep checking back, as I plan to continue adding more.  PLEASE feel free to add your own recommendations in the comment section.  Thanks!

Online Resources

Riding around on my JCB      www.jcbsong.co.uk/jcbvideo.asp    This is a very cool little short website music video about Luke riding around with his dad on a JCB (a big constructions vehicle).  The pencil on paper animated drawings are adorable, and the song is soooo catchy.  One of my Kindermusik moms sent me this link in an emai over a year ago.  Our whole family fell in love with it, and both Grammy and my son have it in their favorites section and go back to watch it frequently.  My 12 year old son has it memorized.

These are Blog Postings on my blogs that include resources for things that Go!:

The Wheels on the Bus  You and your children will enjoy watching these two videos together.  You’ll probably end up watching them repeatedly.  Move the computer chair and get ready to dance.

Travel by boat – in a book or two  Comparing books with similar themes, like boating adventures, helps children develop analytical thinking.  Best boat books recommended.

There is a separate blog posting on TRAIN resources at: 

The following resources are wonderful ways to enjoy expanding a child’s interest in OTHER types of things that go, and some resources here include a variety of ways to travel.

Books  (many can be found at your local library)                                      

Sheep In A Jeep       Houghton Mifflin Co.   by Nancy Shaw: Ill. by Margot Apple.    Hilariously funny adventures of sheep, in a jeep, in all kinds of rhyming ways.  A FAVORITE!  There are more fun books with these funny sheep, including Sheep on a Ship.

How Many Trucks Can a Tow Truck Tow?   Random House   by Charlotte Pomerantz; Ill by R.W. Alley.    How many times must a person read this book without tripping over these wonderful tongue twisters in the guise of creative story about a bad day for tow truck drivers.

The Sailor Dog    Golden Book   by Margaret Wise Brown;  Ill. by Garth Williams  – This book is just as much as a classic as “Goodnight Moon”.  Scuppers was born at sea, but then raised on land, and has to find his way back, exploring all kind of vehicles.  Finally, he is able to set out on his boat and get into a routine, only to find life on the sea is not always calm.

The Wind in the Willows   Courage Books    by Kenneth Grahame; Retold by G.C. Barrett; Ill. by Don Daily.    This classic tale comes in many books, the whole story being a bit too wordy and vocabulary rich for the youngest listeners (but GREAT for older kids).  This version has beautiful illustrations and the story starts with the shy Mole learning to enjoy boating on the river with Rat.  And then takes us on the wild and crazy escapades of Toady and his passion of all things that go.

Glow in the Dark – Trip to the Planets.  by Lucille Hammond, Ill. by Laurie Jordan;  A Golden Glow in the Dark Book.   This is one of our family favorites.  Cora really relates to Katie, who blasts off in her rocket into outer space to visit the moon, Mars, and beyond.  But will her rocket ship make it back in one piece.  I love the sweet surprise ending.  I also love that it is a fiction book, with lots of non-fiction facts, making it easy to understand our solar system.   This book is no longer in print, but there are many copies on Amazon for amazingly cheap prices. 

 

Video Resources    rent these if possible or find at a library.    Buy Imaginaria if you can!

Winnie the Pooh – Cowboy Pooh      Disney’s Playtime Video Series.    Take a trip to the Old West in “The Good, the Bad, and the Tigger”, as Tigger hijacks Christopher Robbin’s electric train, and their imagination concocts a wonderfully western tale.  The following video ”Rabbit Marks the Spot” has the Pooh Pirates (complete with sailing ship) following maps and digging for buried treasure.”

Muppets:  Jim Henson Video Series  -

1. Muppet Treasure Island – Examine the life of the sailor and pirates aboard a ship.
2. Things that Fly – Muppet Sing Along Series:  Watch as the muppets try to find a flying vehicle that will take a baby alien back home
3. Muppets on Wheels -  Muppet Sing Along Series:  Explore different types of transportation on wheels through action and songs. 

Imagin-It and Imaginaria: Imagination Videos  Each video contains a collection of original songs with creative computer graphics that dazzle the eyes and ears.  This was an absolute favorite of ours – the graphics and the imagination, as well as the wonderful songs and music really helped us travel different ways through our imaginations!!!  HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.  I have so far only been able to find Imaginaria at www.Amazon.com through the search engine.  It is no longer in print, and is only offered in VHS, but it is SOOO worth having it in your library – everyone – all ages – will like it. 

BUY these if you can.

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Television Shows

Little Einsteins                    Disney Channel

“We’re going on a trip with our favorite rocket ship, zooming through the skies…”  Two girls, and two boys, with very different talents go on missions to solve problems, using explorations through classic fine art, and through the use of classical pieces of music.  We don’t watch much TV, but this one is worth it.

Froggy Fun

Books, chants, songs, and stories that include songs from Frogs

Ga-goon – I learned this song aurally from a neighbor friend when James was young.  I have not yet found a website that allows you to hear the melody of the song.  But children have a great time making the “Ga-goon” from the back of their throat, and the final blinks

 

Ga-goon went the little green frog one day.

Ga-goon went the little green frog.

Ga-goon went the little green frog one day.

And his eyes went blink, blink, blink.

 “Peter’s Song” book by Carol P. Saul

A little pig makes up a new song, and can’t find anyone to share it with, until he meets a frog who likes to sing and make up songs too.   The text and the illustrations are absolutely magical, and encourage children to be themselves, and to find friends who appreciate them for who they are.  Frank is the friend he meets, and has a song of his own that he made up.

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“The Frog Prince” Grimm’s Fairy Tale – found in a variety of sources

A classic tale of a prince turned into a frog, but saved by the kiss of a young princess.

Frog Kiss   by Cindy Bousman (part of the Kindermusik Creative Team)

Frog kiss, frog kiss, such a special thing.For when you kiss a froggy’s noseThe frog will start to sing.Ribbit, ribbit, Croak, croak, Kou-ack-ack-ack.

Take turns kissing each other’s nose, and start to sing a froggy song of your own.

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Tiddilick – is an aboriginal folk tale from Australia about a huge frog who drinks all the water in the world, and how the other animals are able to get the water back.

The story of Tiddalick was inspired by an Australian Aboriginal dreamtime legend.  Dreamtime stories originated from the Aboriginal people’s tradition of the Dreaming, their rules for living.  Tiddalik reminds people of the importance of water conservation.

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SET UP for this activity by determining how to make a BIG FROGGY SOUND.  It could be using the voice to make a variety of froggy sounds.  OR homemade instruments can be used by taking an empty open water bottle, and rubbing a pencil up and down the sides to make a Ribbit, or a Croak sound.  The following version was adapted by Ms. Debbie to be a bit shorter, and allow the children to make a BIG FROGGY SOUND at regular intervals during the storytelling.  I hope you enjoy it.  (Just copy the story and paste to a Word document, so you can print it out.)

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“Tiddalik was the largest frog in the world and he make a big frog sound.  One day he woke up and he was soooo thirsty.  He started to drink the water and he drank and drank and drank until he drank up all the water in the whole world!  Then he made a big frog sound.The animals were very upset that there was no water.  They were thirsty and there was nothing to drink. 

All the animals gathered together.  They decided that if they could make Tiddalik laugh all the water inside of him would come out of his mouth and they would have water to drink.  The kookaburra bird flapped his wings and told the funniest story.  Did Tiddalik laugh? No.  He just made a big frog sound.The kangaroo jumped very very high. Did Tiddalik laugh? No.  He just made a big frog sound.The lizard did a silly walk and even made his stomach stick out. Did Tiddalik laugh? No.  He just made a big frog sound.

Finally, the eel, who looks a lot like a big fat worm, slithered up.  He began to dance on the ground, slowly at first then faster and faster, and he wriggled and twisted and looked so funny that Tiddalik started with a little giggle, then it grew into a chuckle.  Finally, he burst out laughing with the biggest frog laugh that you have ever heard.

Tiddalick laughed so hard that all the water gushed out of his mouth and there was water again for everyone to drink.  Everyone was happy, especially the eel.

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I found a great website, http://www.suetrainor.com/gamemain.html , by Sue Trainor, where you can hear a great storyteller re-tell the Tiddilick story, adding sound effects, including the digideroo in the background, and a song at the end.  She also includes a game for the children to play, helping Tiddilick catch flies, while they are listening to the story.

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Five Frogs – by Anna Moo

The album “Anna Moo Crackers” also has Alligator Stomp.  You can HEAR Anna Moo sing these songs on her website http://www.annamoo.com/hear_anna_moo_sing.htm.  But I HIGHLY recommend buying the “Crackers” album, and GO SEE HER IN CONCERT, if you ever have the chance.) 

Five frogs hoppin’ on a log,          One jumped off into the bog,         

And a big alligator came swimmin’ along,       He went CHOMP, mmm-mm, and he’s gone.

• Use hand motions and show # with fingers.

•  Use five stuffed toys to hop then disappear.

• Use five green M&Ms, & sing till their gone.

• Talk more about what frogs & alligators eat.

• Find a place to eat fried frog’s legs.  “He went CHOMP, mmm-hmm, and he’s gone.”

Other Hopp-ening ideas: (or up-LEAP-ting ideas J) 

• Hop (or leap) from the squatting position 

• Have a hopping race to a finish line 

• Play hopping tag 

• Hop to go brush teeth 

• Place objects on the floor and see how many you can hop over in one hop; -in one leap; –in a row without falling; -stacked high . . . 

• Place carpet pieces, or hoops, on the floor and hop on top or in them, not touching the floor

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What is the difference between a hop & a leap?“    A leap is an exaggerated run.  The upward and forward direction is increased, the suspension in the air is longer, the knee and ankle action is increased on take-off and landing.”  - Creative Dance for All Ages by Anne Green Gilbert

 

Have a Hopping Good Time !!!

Frog and Bird Sounds

It is utterly amazing to me, when I play an animal sound in the Kindermusik class, how all the children are FASCINATED, and listen so intently.  It is fun to start a bit of fun vocal play based on the songs we hear.  Recently, in the Our Time program, we have focused on the sounds of frogs, recognizing that frogs from different places can make such different sounds.  Several of the songs on the CD are folk songs from other countries that use “their” frog sounds, like the lullaby “Co-qui” (Mexico);  “Ku-ack-ack-ack” (Sweden), and even this cool frog saying Kvaak (Finland).

I have found a website. by Lang Elliott, NatureSound Studio , that shows the pictures of different frogs, and plays the sound they make, as well as a short description that often helps us know how to replicate the sounds.  It is fun to take a few moments with your child, and check out http://www.naturesound.com/frogs/frogs.html - have them choose a frog, listen intently to their sound, then try to imitate the sounds. 

Ribbit, Ribbit, CROAK, Coqui, Ku-ack-ack-ack-ack, kvaak, etc.

In the Imagine That! program, as well as the Kindermusik for the Young Child program, the students have been listening to bird sounds, matching them with the pictures, and imitating their sounds.  http://www.naturesound.com/birds/birds.html is a different section of the same website that has the pictures, comments, and sounds of different song birds.

Cheerio, Cuckoo, Chick-a-dee-dee-dee, tweet tweet tweedle-eedle-eet…

Lang Elliot also has produced CDs you can purchase that will help you and your children recognize specific species of birds, or frogs, by their sound.  EXCELLENT listening discrimination activities for the older students!

This type of listening and vocal play really helps them to be more aware of their environment, and plays a crucial part of their abilities as musical people to really hear and replicate the sounds they hear – both vocally and on instruments.  

Brain Smart information:  This type of listening and imitation also accesses the frontal lobe sections of the brain which makes it easier for them to hear and respond to the sounds around them. 

It can be very useful in a situation where they a child is very upset (when they are operating in the “survival” centers of the brain).  Do your best to observe any type of natural sounds around them (including animal, plants, or even people or vehicles), and ask them if they can hear that sound and help you determine what is making that sound.   It can jumpstart the process of bringing thoughts to the proper parts of the brain that allow them to think and reason.  Be sure to support that processing long enough to help them calm down before trying to solve whatever problem might have caused the upset.

Pumpkin, Pumpkin Fun

I love pumpkins, a fun symbol of Fall

and all it’s warmth (pumpkin pie) 

and humor (jack-o-lanterns).

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My favorite Fall pumpkin chant with young children is a lap bounce:

Pumpkin, Pumpkin, on the wall      (bounce child on lap)

Pumpkin, Pumpkin, tip and fall,      (bounce, then gently let them tip over and fall onto floor)

Pumpkin, Pumpkin, rolling down the street,  (Roll hands, or roll on floor)

Pumpkin, Pumpkin… Trick or Treat!           ( Hide face with hands, then pop out!)

Carving a pumpkin SIMULATER – computer program. 

You should really try this OUT!

Recently a customer shared an online site where children can carve their own pumpkin – without the mess.  (Although I think the real mess is part of the fun.)  Maybe the best thing is that the online “knife” can’t hurt anyone, and children get to design it any way they want, then watch it glow.

Click here http://www.cubpack81.com/images/carve_pumpkin.swf

A Little Monkey Music

In celebration of our new Kindermusik Family Time semester “Movin’ & Groovin’“, (which features Rascal the Monkey, from the Jelly Bean Band)  a website has been identified (hat tip to Debbie Long)  that includes a bit of it’s own Monkey Music that your little one will truly enjoy.

 

www.mothergoose.com

This site is PACKED with FUN activities for young children, AND a bit of Mother Goose history, you’ll find the little Monkey Music activity in the FREE Activities section (top middle tab).  My daughter and I had a lot of fun moving the mouse/monkey around to hear all the cool sounds, and even tried to imitate the monkey’s movements and sounds.   OOoo-ooo !