PBJamz!
Logo by Allison Strick
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Jany Campana, you are the lucky winner of a free download of "Travel Time" from Patrick Adams Books! Thanks for reading, commenting and joining in! I hope you enjoy the music and Patrick's other books as songs! And Patrick, thank you for a great interview and a wonderful prize! Y'all check out Patrick's interview from last week if you missed it, and below a great episode with Melanie Ellsworth and her new book CLARINET & TRUMPET! Interview with Melanie Ellsworth, author of CLARINET & TRUMPETJoin Melanie Ellsworth and me as we chat about her brand new book CLARINET AND TRUMPET, along with tons of writing tips, teaching tips, ideas for music teachers, inspiration, connections, and general chat about books, writing, teaching and more! PB (Picture Book Tasting) -- CLARINET & TRUMPET by Melanie Ellsworth What a delightful book! Part story, part music lesson, part musical instrument, part case study of friendship, with a full dose of wordplay, puns, and loads of fun! This book has more layers than a pan of lasagna -- and it's just as cheesy (in a good way), and full of flavor! The musical connections are (almost) endless, so be sure to share this post with a music teacher, and check out the teaching tips and the links for so many wonderful ways to use this book as a teaching tool in a music classroom (or a regular classroom or a homeschool environment or anywhere you have kids and a copy of this book together in one place. I must admit to a certain fondness for this book, since I play trumpet and my husband plays clarinet :-). Beautifully illustrated by John Herzog and published by Houghton Mifflin/Harcourt, it's a book worth shaking (literally) and reading time and again! Be sure to check it out (or request it) from your library, order yourself a copy, write a review, recommend it to a friend, buy it as a gift for a kid or a music teacher you know. A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind) -- Friend Like Me (from Aladdin)When I read this book, the friendship was one of the key elements. Clarinet and Trumpet are the best of friends and they offer each other a special friendship. They're pretty different, but they find a fab friendship in their differences. It reminded me of this song. Musically there is so much you can do with just this song - -whether you're in a music classroom, teaching preschool or doing a story time. However, music teachers, do NOT miss the YouTube playlist in the links section because there are a TON of other ways you can use this book if you don't want to go this route! The layers, I'm just sayin'! Teacher Tips/Curriculum Tie-insThere is so much to love in this book, and lots of jumping-off points for teachers! Topics: Friendship Music (specifically Instrument classification) Functioning as a group Recognizing likenesses and differences (Venn diagram possibility) Teachable moments: Onomatopoeia Alliteration Idioms and puns This book is full of all three of those literary devices and you could easily pull out one or focus on all three in whatever way your students are ready for. There is also lots of musical vocabulary, and there are quite a few compliments and insults hurled in the book. If you piggyback that with the friendship theme, you could easily have them write compliments to other members of the classroom family. In SEL terms, not only is this a book about friendship, but also about jealousy and handling conflict, and being part of a group Also, check out the resources page on Melanie's website for teacher resources: https://melanieellsworth.com/resources/ Tips and Topics for Music TeachersFull of musical vocabulary! (flute, crescendo, woodwind, brass, spit valve, bassoon, trumpet, clarinet, tubA, cleaning rag, oboe, trombone, saxophone, band, etc.) Distinguishing instruments (classifying according to type): specifically woodwind and brass Great opportunity to talk about the saxophone and how/why it was invented. (Music history) The book itself has a rainstick embedded in its spine. You could certainly have students create their own rainstick or have students take turns shaking the book, discuss how a book can be a story and a musical instrument (what other ways can books make music. . . link to found sound. . . Lots of onomatopoeia -- especially musical ones! You could build a music lesson on that alone. Be sure to check out the Pinterest board and the YouTube playlist in the links section, as there are LOTS more ways to use this book: clarinet/trumpet duets highlight woodwinds highlight brass and much much more! Writing Prompts/Author TipsWriting Prompts from Tonnye:
Author tips from Melanie:
Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!YouTube playlist has SO. MANY. COOL. RESOURCES.!! Pinterest board with lots of teaching activities. Melanie's resources page! PBJamz Snack -- PBJ Kabobs Here's a link over at Happiness is Homemade for a super-fun take on PBJ that's perfect for a group of friends -- little PBJ kabobs. You could serve them at a party for friends or as an after school snack for a couple of best buds like Clarinet & Trumpet. Guest Links and GiveawaysMelanie's website
Melanie's FB Melanie's Instagram Melanie's Twitter Purchasing info for Melanie's books John Herzog's website Melanie has graciously agreed to donate a signed copy of CLARINET & TRUMPET to the chosen winner! To be eligible, comment on this blogpost by 11:59 PM on 5/25/22. All commenters will be entered into a random drawing to determine the winner after midnight on 5/26/22. Stay tuned to next week's post to find out the winner!
6 Comments
Jolene Gutierrez, You are the winner of a 30 -minute Zoom session with Annette Bay Pimentel! I'll connect the two of you via email to make arrangements! I hope you enjoy your zoom session with Annette as much as I did mine :-). Thanks for supporting PBJamz! :-) And thanks, everyone for reading, listening, and watching! Check out Patrick's giveaway for free music at the bottom of this post! Interview with Patrick Adams of Patrick Adams Books, LLC & Kindie Rock Stars podcast!Patrick is a multi-tasker who obviously likes to juggle (figuratively, anyway). As an author, musician, and dad he creates content that he feels like will entertain and educate kids. He also offers help for others navigating self-publishing, and has a few more plates in the air as well. Check out the interview to learn more! And then, check out his podcast, books, and music! His links are posted in the Guest links and giveaway section! PB (Picture Book Tasting) -- LISA GOES TO BRAZIL A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind) "Travel Time" by Patrick AdamsElectro-beats! Synths! Lots of cool info about traveling and ways to travel! Teacher Tips/Curriculum Tie-insLots of social studies integration here:
Tips and Topics for Music Teachers
Writing Prompts/Author TipsWriting Prompts from Tonnye:
Writing/Songwriting Tips from Patrick: Writing - Know your audience for children's books. It's pictures that are the draw (no pun intended!). The text should be an appropriate complement based on the targeted age range. - Use appropriate font for children's books. I like ABeeZee and Comic Sans, but there are othergood ones. Songwriting - Don't overwrite - sometimes spacing can allow for the music to shine as well as the lyrics - Catchy, memorable choruses are a great feature for children's songs. I tend to think of the chorus first as I'm writing a song. Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!Pinterest Board with lots of tips for teaching about Brazil: geography, culture (including music), and more! YouTube playlist with Brazilian music and dance (Samba, Carnival, etc.), fact videos about Brazil: animals, culture, geography, etc., and more! PBJamz Snack -- Paçoca (Brazilian Peanut Candy) OK, I'm fudging just a little here (Pun intended ;-). There's no jelly in this one. But I wanted to be true to the culture we are exploring today, and this is a traditional Brazilian candy made from peanuts. I haven't tried this one yet, but I'm quite sure my husband will be ready as soon as we carve out just a bit of time. If you make it before me, shoot me a line below and let me know how it went! It sounds really yummy! Here's the recipe if you want to give it a try. Guest Links and GiveawaysHuge congratulations to our winners from last week's episode!! Thanks so much to both of you for tuning in and stopping by to share your thoughts! Laura Roettiger, You are the winner of the jump drive from Annie Lynn! I know your third grade students will enjoy the music -- and I hope you'll share Annie's expertise and wonderful music with the teachers you're connected with as well! Jany Campana, You are the winner of your choice from Jolene Gutierrez -- a zoom call, a copy of MAC AND CHEESE AND THE PERSONAL SPACE INVADER, or a PB Critique of a mss (less than 800 words). I'll pass. your emails along to Jolene and Annie for prize distribution :-). Congratulations! Video interview with Annette Pimentel, author of BEFORE MUSICJoin Annette and me as we talk music, inspiration, layers, writing nonfiction picture books, instrument classification systems, the importance of Arts in the schools, and much, much more. PB (Picture Book Tasting) -- BEFORE MUSIC This is a longer NF picture book, with a running lyrical text throughout the book to provide some structure, and that younger kids will absolutely enjoy as a read aloud. But there are amazing sections throughout the book that highlight various ways of classifying instruments (organology), craft pages that show you how to create your own hand-made instrument, pages that introduce innovators in music, and A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)There are lots of other great jams on the YouTube playlist here This one is a fun one involving movement and several different types of instruments. Not only can you dance and move, you could classify these instruments in some different ways, sing along, practice spelling these instruments, practice syllabication, make up their own moves, add in more instruments , etc. Have fun boogying with this one and check out the playlist for more jamz! Teacher Tips/Curriculum Tie-insSince this book runs to the upper end of picture book range: 2nd - 5th grades, you can use it in multitudinous ways to support instruction for those grade levels:
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| Here are the photos of my attempt. This one was gluten free (made with a GF yellow cake mix. Rather than make an extra frosting , I just swirled the rest of the peanut butter and jelly over the top. It was delicious! I used homemade plum jelly that I had on hand, too. It was yummy and didn't need the frosting, but we do plan to try it again with the frosting. |  |
Guest Links and Giveaways
Annette's info:
Twitter
Website
Annette is giving away a 30 minute Zoom call! Teachers, homeschool parents, etc. may choose to use the zoom call for an author visit, or authors may choose to use the 30 minutes to chat about books, publishing, etc.
To be eligible, simply leave a comment below on this blog post, and thanks so much for stopping by!
Website
Annette is giving away a 30 minute Zoom call! Teachers, homeschool parents, etc. may choose to use the zoom call for an author visit, or authors may choose to use the 30 minutes to chat about books, publishing, etc.
To be eligible, simply leave a comment below on this blog post, and thanks so much for stopping by!
K Yin, congratulations!!! You were winner #1!!! You have won a copy of FIRST NOTES OF SPRING by Jessica Kulekjian!!
Gennie Gorback, congratulations!!! You were winner #2!!! You have won a copy of A HOME NAMED WALTER
Thanks again to Tara Trudel for the generous prizes and a fabulous interview!
Gennie Gorback, congratulations!!! You were winner #2!!! You have won a copy of A HOME NAMED WALTER
Thanks again to Tara Trudel for the generous prizes and a fabulous interview!
Video interview with Annie Lynn and Jolene Gutierrez
I hope you'll join us for a conversation that encompasses so much -- music, guinea pigs, SEL, teaching, writing songs, singing, integration, the power of the arts, and other stuff, too ;-). These two ladies have become more than writing colleagues, and Kidlit pals. They have become friends. Come hang with us for a while. You might learn something new, or you might not, but you're bound to have fun! We sure did!
PB (Picture Book Tasting)
MAC & CHEESE & THE PERSONAL SPACE INVADER
Mac and Cheese are delightful secondary characters that are sure to steal your heart, as they did Oliver's! He wants to learn to be a good friend, and who better to serve as models than Mac and Cheese! They're BFFs for sure! Unfortunately, when Oliver applies his scientific observations on the friendship of guinea pigs to his own budding friendships, things don't go quite so well. A book of friendship, being an action scientist, SEL strategies, honoring personal space, and more! There's a bit of Spanish, a lot of guinea pig love, and a lesson to learn with a hula hoop! Check out the teaching tips below and the links section for so many amazing ways to use this book in the classroom, the music classroom, your family read-aloud time, or your homeschool.
MAC AND CHEESE AND THE PERSONAL SPACE INVADER
written by Jolene Gutierrez
illustrated by Heather Bell
published by Spork publishing
MAC AND CHEESE AND THE PERSONAL SPACE INVADER
written by Jolene Gutierrez
illustrated by Heather Bell
published by Spork publishing
A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)
Space Creator (an SEL song)
Using bubbles to create space, being a friend, what it means to have, honor, and maintain personal space! This song is full of great tips, fun motions, call and response which makes it easy for kids to join in right away so they can learn and internalize what it means to be a "Space Creator"!
Teacher Tips/Curriculum Tie-ins
- Jolene has a great teaching guide and other resources for teachers here!
- Integrate SEL -- Personal space/friendship strategies
- Friendship unit
- Integrate Science -- Guinea pigs
- Life cycle
- Pet care
- Classification
- Bring in guinea pigs for observation (if allowed by your district)
- Compare and contrast with Mac and Cheese
- Venn diagram
- 2-column chart
- writing activity
- Compare and contrast with Mac and Cheese
- Integrate Science -- Scientific observation/notetaking
- Integrate PE
- Hula hoop activities
Tips and Topics for Music Teachers
- Use the song "Be a Space Creator" (linked above).
- Sing along
- Add movements
- Add instruments
- Other personal space songs (see the YouTube playlist in the links section)
- Friendship songs (see the YouTube playlist)
- Guinea pig songs
- Hula Hoop songs/acitivites (see the YouTube playlist)
Writing Prompts/Author Tips
Writing Prompts from Tonnye:
Writing Prompts from Jolene:
Writing Advice from Jolene for those of us trying to get published:
Immerse yourself in books! Visit your favorite independent bookstore or go to your library and find recent books in the genres you write. I read these books to myself, I read them aloud to kids, and I type up the text of my favorite mentor books to get a feel for rhythm, language, and page turns.
Immerse yourself in the KidLit community! The KidLit community is active in a variety of places across social media, around the Internet, and locally, if you’re lucky. Look for critique groups, join SCBWI, find KidLit contests, etc. These are all amazing ways to connect, learn, and grow!
Give yourself grace. The world is tough enough, so don’t be tough on yourself. You may not be able to write every day. That’s OK. You’re a rockstar for following your dreams!
Reject the idea of writer’s block. If you feel stuck in your writing, consider trying to write a different genre, level, or topic. Or do other work, like creating your author website, researching a new idea, or critiquing someone else’s writing.
Songwriting Advice from AnnieLynn:
Annie asked me to repost Tara's excellent songwriting tips, and states that she totally concurs with Tara's suggestions. Annie shares a couple of addendums at the bottom of Tara's tips:
A Simple 6 Step Songwriting Method from Tara Trudel:
1. Find the Hook - I like to start with a title. Song titles can create a strong feeling, express an opinion, establish a time/place/memory, or just be fun to say. A great title immediately gives your song a topic and a short, punchy lyrical phrase to build your chorus around.
2. Brainstorm - Once I choose a title, I create a word bank where I write a list of words or short phrases related to my title. When I have a lot of options, I go back through this list and look for possible rhymes to play with in the lyrics.
3. Write the Chorus - A simple chorus can be really effective. Repetition is a powerful songwriting tool, especially in the chorus. (Just think about how many times you've had "We Don't Talk About Bruno, no no no/We Don't Talk About Bruno" stuck in your head!)
4. Keep the Verses Consistent - If you're new to songwriting, it's best to write verses in groups of four lines. Verses typically have the same rhyme scheme and a similar line length in each repetition.
5. Break It Up With The Bridge - The bridge is a section where you can switch up your rhyme scheme and melody and experiment with something new. This shift in the lyrics and melody helps drive the song home to its final chorus.
6. Collaborate - Songwriting is often a collaborative art form. If you don't have a music background, you can always work with a musician to set your lyrics to music. I've also had a lot of success following the above formula to write group songs with students in the classroom.
Addendums by Annie Lynn:
3. Write the Chorus - A simple chorus can be really effective. Repetition is a powerful songwriting tool, especially in the chorus. (Just think about how many times you've had "We Don't Talk About Bruno, no no no/We Don't Talk About Bruno" stuck in your head!) Annie adds: The chorus is also a great place to put the takeaway message since it is repeated often. 4. Keep the Verses Consistent - If you're new to songwriting, it's best to write verses in groups of four lines. Verses typically have the same rhyme scheme and a similar line length in each repetition. Annie adds: I recently found that writing verses for non-fiction requires a minimum of 8 lines (probably for 2nd grade & up). I ran into the same problem that NF writers have…too much “important” info is “needed” to tell the story! Is there such a thing as Musical Back Matter? Actually yes….and Front Matter too. I like to encourage Students to write a spoken dialogue in the beginning of the song, to set up the scene & use any info still needed that didn’t make it into the musical part of the song. This can also be done at the end of the song. This is where humor works great. A funny parting line will all but ensure that they remember the song and its contents. Sometimes this process leads to writing a mini musical. There are kids who would love to take that concept and work on it with other Student collaborators (I was one of them as a kid) including writers & artists that enjoy set design and costume making. You’ve got magic to make! You can do it!
- How to Be a Friend
- Why is personal space important?
- (non-fiction) Guinea Pigs
- If you could rename Mac and Cheese, what would you call them and why?
- Would you be friends with Oliver? Why or why not?
- How to Hula Hoop
- Write about a special friend.
- Write about a time you had difficulty with friendship
- Write about a time you didn't honor personal space or someone didn't honor yours.
- Write about why you think the hula hoop helps with personal space.
- Title: THE GREAT HULA HOOP MISADVENTURE
- Title: THE CLASS PETS
Writing Prompts from Jolene:
- · Write about a friendship mistake you’ve made.
- · “How to” be a good friend.
- · “How to” practice respect for others’ personal space.
- · If you have access to animals, observe them. How is their personal space bubble different or the same to yours?
- · Write about a time when a teacher gave you advice.
- · Write about your favorite animal.
- · Create your own Spanish dictionary with words from the book or other words you know.
- · Write a letter to Oliver or to Mac and Cheese.
- · Create a recipe for a snack that Mac and Cheese would like.
- · Write your own personal space song.
Writing Advice from Jolene for those of us trying to get published:
Immerse yourself in books! Visit your favorite independent bookstore or go to your library and find recent books in the genres you write. I read these books to myself, I read them aloud to kids, and I type up the text of my favorite mentor books to get a feel for rhythm, language, and page turns.
Immerse yourself in the KidLit community! The KidLit community is active in a variety of places across social media, around the Internet, and locally, if you’re lucky. Look for critique groups, join SCBWI, find KidLit contests, etc. These are all amazing ways to connect, learn, and grow!
Give yourself grace. The world is tough enough, so don’t be tough on yourself. You may not be able to write every day. That’s OK. You’re a rockstar for following your dreams!
Reject the idea of writer’s block. If you feel stuck in your writing, consider trying to write a different genre, level, or topic. Or do other work, like creating your author website, researching a new idea, or critiquing someone else’s writing.
Songwriting Advice from AnnieLynn:
Annie asked me to repost Tara's excellent songwriting tips, and states that she totally concurs with Tara's suggestions. Annie shares a couple of addendums at the bottom of Tara's tips:
A Simple 6 Step Songwriting Method from Tara Trudel:
1. Find the Hook - I like to start with a title. Song titles can create a strong feeling, express an opinion, establish a time/place/memory, or just be fun to say. A great title immediately gives your song a topic and a short, punchy lyrical phrase to build your chorus around.
2. Brainstorm - Once I choose a title, I create a word bank where I write a list of words or short phrases related to my title. When I have a lot of options, I go back through this list and look for possible rhymes to play with in the lyrics.
3. Write the Chorus - A simple chorus can be really effective. Repetition is a powerful songwriting tool, especially in the chorus. (Just think about how many times you've had "We Don't Talk About Bruno, no no no/We Don't Talk About Bruno" stuck in your head!)
4. Keep the Verses Consistent - If you're new to songwriting, it's best to write verses in groups of four lines. Verses typically have the same rhyme scheme and a similar line length in each repetition.
5. Break It Up With The Bridge - The bridge is a section where you can switch up your rhyme scheme and melody and experiment with something new. This shift in the lyrics and melody helps drive the song home to its final chorus.
6. Collaborate - Songwriting is often a collaborative art form. If you don't have a music background, you can always work with a musician to set your lyrics to music. I've also had a lot of success following the above formula to write group songs with students in the classroom.
Addendums by Annie Lynn:
3. Write the Chorus - A simple chorus can be really effective. Repetition is a powerful songwriting tool, especially in the chorus. (Just think about how many times you've had "We Don't Talk About Bruno, no no no/We Don't Talk About Bruno" stuck in your head!) Annie adds: The chorus is also a great place to put the takeaway message since it is repeated often. 4. Keep the Verses Consistent - If you're new to songwriting, it's best to write verses in groups of four lines. Verses typically have the same rhyme scheme and a similar line length in each repetition. Annie adds: I recently found that writing verses for non-fiction requires a minimum of 8 lines (probably for 2nd grade & up). I ran into the same problem that NF writers have…too much “important” info is “needed” to tell the story! Is there such a thing as Musical Back Matter? Actually yes….and Front Matter too. I like to encourage Students to write a spoken dialogue in the beginning of the song, to set up the scene & use any info still needed that didn’t make it into the musical part of the song. This can also be done at the end of the song. This is where humor works great. A funny parting line will all but ensure that they remember the song and its contents. Sometimes this process leads to writing a mini musical. There are kids who would love to take that concept and work on it with other Student collaborators (I was one of them as a kid) including writers & artists that enjoy set design and costume making. You’ve got magic to make! You can do it!
Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!
YouTube playlist with songs and activities related to MAC AND CHEESE AND THE PERSONAL SPACE INVADER (Hula hoop songs/activities, Personal space songs, guinea pig music, and friendship songs!)
Pinterest board full of more activities to teach, practice, and apply friendship strategies, personal space, guinea pigs, hula hoops and more!
Jolene's teaching guide/teacher resources
Pinterest board full of more activities to teach, practice, and apply friendship strategies, personal space, guinea pigs, hula hoops and more!
Jolene's teaching guide/teacher resources
PBJamz Snack -- Peanut Butter & Jelly Granola Bars (Make ahead for a perfect school morning breakfast!)
If you're heading off to school like Oliver, you need a delicious and nutritious breakfast. These healthy granola bars fit the bill perfectly! Make a batch ahead so they are ready to grab on the way out the door or pack up for a healthy snack in your little's lunch box. Better yet, make it a weekend cooking activity WITH your littles and then breakfast is done for the week, you've spent quality time, instilled a love of being in the kitchen and cooking healthy food, AND taught a bunch of skills in context (like measuring, small & large motor skills, mixing, pouring, etc. Oh, and vocabulary too! ;-). Way to multi-task! You rock at this parenting thing!
Recipe
Recipe
Guest Links and Giveaways
TWO Awesome Giveaways! TWO Lucky Winners!
To be eligible, comment below on this blog post. Winners will be drawn at random from comments. Please indicate in your comment if you are a teacher/homeschool teacher to be entered in Annie's giveaway.
From Jolene: Your choice of
a copy of MAC & CHEESE & THE PERSONAL SPACE INVADER or
a PB manuscript critique (less than 800 words)
or
Zoom call (class visit for a teacher or publishing chat with author)
From Annie Lynn: A jump drive with Space Creator song and lots of other amazing kids' songs that are perfect for use in the classroom or your homeschool!
To be eligible, comment below on this blog post. Winners will be drawn at random from comments. Please indicate in your comment if you are a teacher/homeschool teacher to be entered in Annie's giveaway.
From Jolene: Your choice of
a copy of MAC & CHEESE & THE PERSONAL SPACE INVADER or
a PB manuscript critique (less than 800 words)
or
Zoom call (class visit for a teacher or publishing chat with author)
From Annie Lynn: A jump drive with Space Creator song and lots of other amazing kids' songs that are perfect for use in the classroom or your homeschool!
Huge congratulations to Janet Smith! You have won a copy of HERE WE COME! from last week's episode of PBJamz! It's a lovely book, and we know you will enjoy it very much! Thanks for tuning in for PBJamz and sharing the great things happening here!
Video interview with Tara Trudel
I enjoyed chatting with Tara very much! She is not only a wonderful songwriter who's done work on a variety of music projects, but she's also an author in her own right. And, she taught music as well, so she has a wealth of information to offer! If you're not following her on social media, check out all of her links at the bottom of this post!
PB (Picture Book Tasting)
Walter is a lovely home and enjoys his family. When they move out, Walter's heart is broken and he shuts his doors on family and love and living. When a new family moves in, Walter has to decide if he will allow them to move into his heart or if he will encourage them to move on elsewhere. My husband and I live in an old Victorian farmhouse, built in 1882, and I'm sure our home felt a little forlorn as she was relegated to office space and then slated to be torn down if no one bought her to move. Thankfully, we fell in love with her, moved her out to my dad's farm and have been fixing her quirks for 30 years this November. I'm thankful Walter found someone to love him too! Don't miss this beautiful book by Chelsea Lin Wallace, illustrated by Ginnie Hsu, and published by McMillan Publishers.
A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)
And then there was a song. . . named Walter. . .written by Tara Trudel. Such a sweet anthem to go along with a very sweet book. The two together are a perfect pair whether you teach in a regular classroom, a music classroom, a daycare setting, or a homeschool. This book and song are also perfect to share at home to talk about all the things that make your home and family special. Keep reading below for so many tips and ways to use WALTER (the book and the song) to get kids excited and learning about their homes and others.
Teacher Tips/Curriculum Tie-ins
WALTER is full of great topics and tie-ins for teachers. Check these out, and if you have other ways you're using it, please comment below. Share the knowledge and share the love!
- What makes a house a home? (great tie-in for BOY as students and teachers are getting to know each other. Writing/discussion about each others' homes and families)
- Different kinds of houses/homes (wonderful social studies tie-in to talk about different types of houses/homes around the world.)
- Feelings/Emotions (excellent SEL tie-in) Talk about how to deal with feelings
- role-playing
- collaborate with school counselor
- integrate meditation
- Emojis!
- Emotional check-in in the mornings
- Mapping/reading maps -- have students create a map of their home after looking at lots of examples. (social studies tie-in with map reading, compass rose, etc.)
- STEM/STEAM activities -- building a house using various materials: popsicle sticks, cards, etc.
Tips and Topics for Music Teachers
There are a couple of options for music teachers wanting to use this book in the music classroom.
- One direction you could take is to focus on our personal homes and families. There are lots of songs about houses/homes and families that you could use to integrate. (Taras song above would work beautifully with this approach!)
- Another direction you could take is to take a global approach and talk about homes and families around the world and the different kinds of houses people live in.
- Thirdly, you could use videos like House of Sound and Melody Street and approach it from a musical house point-of-view. Talk about families of instruments.
- Another musical approach is a song in the YouTube playlist that focuses on the elements of music. So you could build a lesson using that.
- A different direction you might choose (and another direction where Tara's song is a perfect fit) is to go in an SEL direction and use Walter and the song as a jumping off point for discussing and singing about feelings and emotions.
- Still another way you could integrate this into a musical classroom is to use the book and Tara's song as a discussion of songwriting, in conjunction with her songwriting tips below (and maybe another book/song combo or two from her collection). Have students choose a favorite book and try to write a song based on their favorite book.
- Check out the YouTube playlist for songs/activities to get you started -- or the Pinterest board.
Writing Prompts/Author Tips
Writing Prompts:
1. My Dream House
2. If I Built a House. . .
3. What Makes a House a Home
4. A Time When I was ____________ (Choose an emotion)
5. A Time when I moved/had to try something new
6. I think the song named Walter and the house named Walter match or don't match well because. . . .
7.My Favorite Thing to do in my house. . .
8. If I had to leave the place I live now, I would really miss ________ because. . . .
Songwriting Tips from Tara:
A Simple 6 Step Songwriting Method:
1. Find the Hook - I like to start with a title. Song titles can create a strong feeling, express an opinion, establish a time/place/memory, or just be fun to say. A great title immediately gives your song a topic and a short, punchy lyrical phrase to build your chorus around.
2. Brainstorm - Once I choose a title, I create a word bank where I write a list of words or short phrases related to my title. When I have a lot of options, I go back through this list and look for possible rhymes to play with in the lyrics.
3. Write the Chorus - A simple chorus can be really effective. Repetition is a powerful songwriting tool, especially in the chorus. (Just think about how many times you've had "We Don't Talk About Bruno, no no no/We Don't Talk About Bruno" stuck in your head!)
4. Keep the Verses Consistent - If you're new to songwriting, it's best to write verses in groups of four lines. Verses typically have the same rhyme scheme and a similar line length in each repetition.
5. Break It Up With The Bridge - The bridge is a section where you can switch up your rhyme scheme and melody and experiment with something new. This shift in the lyrics and melody helps drive the song home to its final chorus.
6. Collaborate - Songwriting is often a collaborative art form. If you don't have a music background, you can always work with a musician to set your lyrics to music. I've also had a lot of success following the above formula to write group songs with students in the classroom.
1. My Dream House
2. If I Built a House. . .
3. What Makes a House a Home
4. A Time When I was ____________ (Choose an emotion)
5. A Time when I moved/had to try something new
6. I think the song named Walter and the house named Walter match or don't match well because. . . .
7.My Favorite Thing to do in my house. . .
8. If I had to leave the place I live now, I would really miss ________ because. . . .
Songwriting Tips from Tara:
A Simple 6 Step Songwriting Method:
1. Find the Hook - I like to start with a title. Song titles can create a strong feeling, express an opinion, establish a time/place/memory, or just be fun to say. A great title immediately gives your song a topic and a short, punchy lyrical phrase to build your chorus around.
2. Brainstorm - Once I choose a title, I create a word bank where I write a list of words or short phrases related to my title. When I have a lot of options, I go back through this list and look for possible rhymes to play with in the lyrics.
3. Write the Chorus - A simple chorus can be really effective. Repetition is a powerful songwriting tool, especially in the chorus. (Just think about how many times you've had "We Don't Talk About Bruno, no no no/We Don't Talk About Bruno" stuck in your head!)
4. Keep the Verses Consistent - If you're new to songwriting, it's best to write verses in groups of four lines. Verses typically have the same rhyme scheme and a similar line length in each repetition.
5. Break It Up With The Bridge - The bridge is a section where you can switch up your rhyme scheme and melody and experiment with something new. This shift in the lyrics and melody helps drive the song home to its final chorus.
6. Collaborate - Songwriting is often a collaborative art form. If you don't have a music background, you can always work with a musician to set your lyrics to music. I've also had a lot of success following the above formula to write group songs with students in the classroom.
Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!
- YouTube playlist with tons of great songs and activities
- **disclaimer Please check each component you put into your lessons to be sure it is appropriate for your age level and context. Some songs may be faith-based and perhaps not appropriate for public school setting. There is a wide range of ages/stages and purposes represented in each playlist. I've collected them here for your ease, but please preview and pull items that you think are best-suited for your classroom and purposes.
- A Pinterest board with lots of ideas and links!
PBJamz Snack (PBJ Waffles!)
Waffles are one of my specialties. Today, I'm sharing with you more of a technique than a recipe. Get your favorite waffle mix -- whatever kind you like. Mix up a batch of waffles per the directions. Now, swirl in a generous amount of peanut butter. Then dollop a few patches of your favorite jam/jelly. With a butter knife or narrow spatula, swirl the peanut butter and jam/jelly throughout your waffle batter. Then cook in your waffle iron according to the directions. Even if you like frozen waffles, you can smear them with peanut butter and spoon on a dollop of jam/jelly. Spread or swirl and enjoy with or without syrup!
If you want to make your PBJ waffles extra special, mix some of the same jam/jelly with pancake syrup in a small pot. Simmer, stirring until the two are blended and serve over hot waffles. For some beautiful plating, add a dollop of peanut butter and a few crushed peanuts on top before pouring the syrup mixture. You could even add a fresh strawberry, blueberry or apple slice, etc. -- to match the flavor of your jam/jelly.
Dig in and enjoy! I did! And they were delicious!
If you want to make your PBJ waffles extra special, mix some of the same jam/jelly with pancake syrup in a small pot. Simmer, stirring until the two are blended and serve over hot waffles. For some beautiful plating, add a dollop of peanut butter and a few crushed peanuts on top before pouring the syrup mixture. You could even add a fresh strawberry, blueberry or apple slice, etc. -- to match the flavor of your jam/jelly.
Dig in and enjoy! I did! And they were delicious!
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Guest Links and Giveaways
Tara Trudel:
Twitter
Website
SoundCloud
IMDb
GIVEAWAY INFO:
Tara has graciously offered 2 books. The first winner chosen will receive a copy of FIRST NOTES OF SPRING & the second winner will win a copy of A HOME Named Walter . To be entered into the drawing, comment below by 11:59 PM on Wednesday, April 27! All commenters will be entered into a random drawing to receive one of these lovely picture books!
Website
SoundCloud
IMDb
GIVEAWAY INFO:
Tara has graciously offered 2 books. The first winner chosen will receive a copy of FIRST NOTES OF SPRING & the second winner will win a copy of A HOME Named Walter . To be entered into the drawing, comment below by 11:59 PM on Wednesday, April 27! All commenters will be entered into a random drawing to receive one of these lovely picture books!
Congratulations Jennifer Cowan! You are the winner of the PB Manuscript critique from last week's episode (THE BUNNY HOP)! I'll be in touch and I look forward to reading your story!
Video interview with Janna Matthies, author of HERE WE COME!
PB (Picture Book Tasting)
This is an adorable book, full of whimsy and fun, music, kindness, and more! While it is probably MOST appropriate for the preschool and early elementary level, I believe children and adults of all ages can and should enjoy this precious book. It's a perfect bedtime read, but full of so many additional layers. For all ages you can use this book as a starting point for some music instruction, science study, or a rhyming mentor text. Younger children might enjoy sequencing activities, counting, and playing some of the instruments mentioned. Whatever the age or subject, this little book has something to offer everyone. With Hundred Acre wood vibes to the story and Mary Poppins feel to the song, it is bound to find many fans. Take a read and a listen to find out if one of them will be you.
| | Check out the book trailer with a little snippet of the song with accompaniment on guitar. |
A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)
Listen up for the tune for the book! Janna sings the book to demonstrate the melody for us. You can use the video with your children or students or simply use it to learn the melody and then sing it with your class or your children.
Teacher Tips/Curriculum Tie-ins
Preschool/Kindergarten
- Listen to the story
- Bedtime routines -- what do you do before bed.
- -um rhyming pattern -- other words; write sentences. . .
- Play simple instruments named/pictured
- Drum
- Ukulele
- Kazoo
- Fiddle/violin
- Recorder/ reed flute/ pennywhistle (wind instrument played vertically, not horizontally)
- Order/sequencing
- Simple rhymes
- Simple rhythms
- Call-and-response
- Discuss reality/fantasy
- Moon science on their level --
- What is the moon
- Why does it look different from time to time?
- Storms/rain science
- Safety
- Difference in rain and storm
- Difference in thunder and lightning
- Relate to other cumulative stories
- The House that Jack Built
- The Old Lady who Swallowed. . . .books
- The Napping House
- Read the story
- Participate in
- sequencing
- B/M/E,
- Order words: first, next, then, last
- Retelling in proper order
- Learn more about the science concepts:
- Moon science
- Phases of the moon
- Difference in sun, earth, moon, stars
- Interesting moon facts
- Read other moon books
- Moon myths
- Weather science
- Deeper dive into thunderstorms
- What causes them
- Difference in thunder/lightning
- Safety in storms
- Make a rainstick.
- Deeper dive into thunderstorms
- Birds
- What do different birds eat?
- Which ones are active at night?
- What should we put in a feeder for them?
- What else can we do to help birds?
- Characteristics of birds. . .
- Moon science
- Rhyming and word families
- Do the same for their rhyming lists.
- Sort the /-um/ words into word families. Discuss spelling patterns.
- Discuss how rhyming does not necessarily mean they belong to the same word family.
- Make lists of rhyming words
Tips and Topics for Music Teachers
So many fun musical mentions that could evolve into lots more:
- Marching
- Practice steady beat
- Introduce marching music
- Discuss the importance of the drum in marching
- Musical history of the drum and its role in marching and parades
- Parades
- Marching bands -- compare and contrast with the instruments in the story
- Difference in typical parades and this type parade
- Use EVERYONE LOVES A PARADE by Andrea Denish to compare/contrast different types of parades
- Songs about the topics in the book
- Rain/thunderstorms
- Bubble gum
- The moon
- Instruments
- Listen to examples of the instruments in the book
- recorder/reed flute/penny whistle
- kazoo
- fiddle/violin
- drum
- ukulele
- Categorize them according to :
- wind instruments
- String instruments
- percussion instruments
- Discuss fiddle vs. violin (same instrument; different names)
- Discuss ukulele vs. guitar (how are they the same/different)
- DIY instruments
- kazoo
- drum
- Listen to examples of the instruments in the book
- Sing along with Janna's tune (or make up your own)
- Add motions (use the ones Janna demonstrates in the video or come up with your own or have the kids create motions to match)
- Have older students (2nd - 5th) create a play version of the book and perform it for the younger students or some other creative way of sharing it with younger kids
- Perfect book for finding/creating sound effects to match a story or drama. . .
- Difference in environmental sounds and musical sounds
Writing Prompts/Author Tips
Writing prompts for the author in us all -- students, kids, adults, professionals. . .
Writing Advice from Janna for those of us trying to get published:
1) READ, READ, READ books in the genre you want to write--picture book, middle grade, poetry, YA. Use the ones you love as "mentor texts," studying them to learn how they do it successfully. Then write, revise, receive critiques...REPEAT!
2) Scour the most recent CHILDREN'S WRITER'S AND ILLUSTRATOR'S MARKET guide book, in print or digitally, to better understand the industry, your genre, the craft of writing, what editors and agents are looking for, how to find an agent, how to submit queries. It includes indexes by subject matter at the rear, full of publishing info.
3) Join the SCBWI (pro organization for the children's publishing industry). Read the website thoroughly and find a local critique group via your region's chapter. SCBWI conferences offer great learning and networking, chances to meet agents and editors and to register in advance for a paid critique.
4) Regarding finding an agent, check out manuscript wish lists on twitter at #MSWL as well as www.manuscriptwishlist.com, where editors and agents show what they want in general.
There are simply no shortcuts!
- Make a list of rhyming words. Write as many sentences as you can that END with this words. See how many you can connect in a story.
- Write about an unusual parade.
- Write about your favorite thing to do at night (when you're supposed to be sleeping).
- Write about a time you tried to stay up all night to do something fun.
- Write about your bedtime routine.
- Write about your favorite instrument (from the book?).
- "How to" blow a bubble.
- Write your own cumulative story.
- What do you like to do in a thunderstorm?
- Write about when/how you learned to . . .play an instrument, blow a bubble, make an instrument, keep a steady beat. . .
- Write about your favorite "midnight snack". If you wake up feeling hungry, what do you want?
- Write a story called THE MOONLIGHT PARADE.
- Write an invitation to a fun event. Make sure you have all the W details: what, where, when, and why. End your invitation with "Wanna come?"
Writing Advice from Janna for those of us trying to get published:
1) READ, READ, READ books in the genre you want to write--picture book, middle grade, poetry, YA. Use the ones you love as "mentor texts," studying them to learn how they do it successfully. Then write, revise, receive critiques...REPEAT!
2) Scour the most recent CHILDREN'S WRITER'S AND ILLUSTRATOR'S MARKET guide book, in print or digitally, to better understand the industry, your genre, the craft of writing, what editors and agents are looking for, how to find an agent, how to submit queries. It includes indexes by subject matter at the rear, full of publishing info.
3) Join the SCBWI (pro organization for the children's publishing industry). Read the website thoroughly and find a local critique group via your region's chapter. SCBWI conferences offer great learning and networking, chances to meet agents and editors and to register in advance for a paid critique.
4) Regarding finding an agent, check out manuscript wish lists on twitter at #MSWL as well as www.manuscriptwishlist.com, where editors and agents show what they want in general.
There are simply no shortcuts!
Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!
- Create a thunderstorm
- Pinterest board with lots of ideas!
- WEATHER Pinterest board
- YouTube playlist
- Coloring pages
PBJamz Snack
If you're looking for a yummy gluten free cookie for your moonlight tea party, I'm thinking this is it. After your moonlight parade, a couple of these with some hot tea or a glass of milk would be just the thing to wrap up a night of adventurous romps in your pajamas. Here's the link for the recipe if you'd like to try them next time you're out for a moonlight stroll with thumbs and strums and such.
Guest Links and Giveaways
To purchase HERE WE COME
Janna's website
Janna's Twitter
Janna's Instagram
Janna's FB
Christine's website
Janna has generously offered an autographed copy of the book as a giveaway for this week. Comment below to be entered into a random drawing for the book.
Janna's website
Janna's Twitter
Janna's Instagram
Janna's FB
Christine's website
Janna has generously offered an autographed copy of the book as a giveaway for this week. Comment below to be entered into a random drawing for the book.
The winner of a copy of ALONE TOGETHER ON DAN ST from last week's episode and giveaway is. . . .
Jessica Hinrichs!!!!
Congratulations!! I'll pass your name on to Erica and I hope you enjoy the book! Thanks for stopping by and commenting! Please share PBJamz with your teaching, musician, author, and homeschooling friends :-)
Jessica Hinrichs!!!!
Congratulations!! I'll pass your name on to Erica and I hope you enjoy the book! Thanks for stopping by and commenting! Please share PBJamz with your teaching, musician, author, and homeschooling friends :-)
Video -- Read aloud of THE BUNNY HOP
Something a little different this week. I decided to do a read aloud of the book for this week. It's a simple little chapter picture book. 3 very short little chapters, but there are lots of great tie-ins and curricular connections. Check out the sections below for teaching topics, and check out the YouTube playlists and Pinterest boards for tons of amazing ideas that would connect beautifully with this little book.
PB (Picture Book Tasting)
THE BUNNY HOP is a 1992 book written by Teddy Slater, illustrated by Larry DiFiori, and published by Scholastic. It is an easy reader book with three short chapters. It is a Hello Reader level 1 book, designated for preschool - grade 1. It follows a group of bunnies who need one more participant to dance The Bunny Hop. Then we're introduced to Buddy, who never learned to dance because of his large feet. But when Buddy hears the music, he quickly becomes the leader of this bunny-hopping conga-line, gaining self-confidence, and having lots of fun.
A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)
I'm sharing two this week. Same basic song. If you want to use it for students to see people doing the Bunny Hop historically and see the instruments, use the Ray Anthony one. The Disney one just has the song, but the steps are sung clearly. There are a couple variations. There's a great video on the YouTube list in the links section that gives wonderful directions if you want to do a conga line version. If you don't want students getting so "up close and personal", you can have them do the steps in their own personal space. There are lots of other songs and dances and music activities in the playlist that would go wonderfully with this little book.
Teacher Tips/Curriculum Tie-ins
Math
- Numbers to ten
- Number words
- Different representations
- Number lines
- Addition facts
- Story problems
- Higher math
- Story problems
- Number line
- Rabbit/bunny-related math activities
- Vocabulary
- Number words to ten
- Dance words (waltz, fox-trot, cha-cha-cha, bunny hop, jitterbug)
- bunny - bunnies (change y to i and add -es)
- Interjections (ow, yow, zouch, etc.)
- Onomatopoeia (thumpity-thump, bumpity-bump)
- Rhyming
- Problem/solution
- Character
- Beginning/ middle/end
- Fiction/nonfiction (could compare with a text like BUNNIES by Gail Gibbons)
- Do bunnies wear clothes? Organize dances? Talk with words? etc.
- How are they like.unlike real bunnies?
- Classification of bunnies/characteristics (mammals/rodents)
- Body parts
- Life cycle
Tips and Topics for Music Teachers
- Different types of dances
- Jitterbug
- Waltz
- Fox-trot
- Cha-cha-cha
- Bunny Hop
- Learn to do the bunny hop
- Counting beats
- Music history (Bunny Hop, 1950's song and dance )
Writing Prompts/Author Tips
- Write about how you learned to do something new.
- Write about something that is hard for you.
- Write about your favorite dance.
- (After having some chances to learn the steps) Write a "How to dance the Bunny Hop" paragraph.
Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!
- YouTube playlist with lots of great music activities and connections
- Pinterest board with tons of integrative activities involving rabbits/bunnies (mostly NON-Easter)
- Easter YouTube playlist -- Easter songs, dances, music activities, and more. . .
- Pinterest board specifically for teaching Easter -- lots of egg activities and some other things as well.
PBJamz Snack
Recipe for Peanut butter and jelly dip
If you're making this to go along with the theme, serve it up with Annie's Bunny Grahams and it's a perfect bunny hop snack! :-)
If you're making this to go along with the theme, serve it up with Annie's Bunny Grahams and it's a perfect bunny hop snack! :-)
Guest Links and Giveaways
Buy THE BUNNY HOP (only used copies available)
Teddy Slater
GIVEAWAY
I'm giving away a non-rhyming picture book critique (less than 1,000 words) To be eligible, leave me a comment below by midnight Wednesday, April 13. I'll draw a winner. I can't wait to read someone's story!
Teddy Slater
GIVEAWAY
I'm giving away a non-rhyming picture book critique (less than 1,000 words) To be eligible, leave me a comment below by midnight Wednesday, April 13. I'll draw a winner. I can't wait to read someone's story!
Video Interview with Erica Cohen Lyons, author of ALONE TOGETHER ON DAN STREET
PB (Picture Book Tasting) -- ALONE TOGETHER ON DAN STREET by Erica Cohen Lyons, illustrated by Jennifer Jamieson
A story that begins and ends with singing is a definite keeper in my opinion. This is not only a story of singing and Passover. It's a story of togetherness, loneliness, helping each other make it through challenging times, kindness, sharing, and so much more of what the world needs now. When Mira's family in Jerusalem is confined to home during the pandemic, Passover preparations are a little different. When Mira starts thinking about all the people around her who will have to celebrate Passover alone, she makes a plan to quell the loneliness and finds a way to bring everyone together for Passover! Interspersed with a lot of Passover culture and Jewish connections, this book is nonetheless perfect for every kid and every person. Mira encourages us all to think of others and invite the strangers in. It's a perfect book for Passover, and for any other time as well!
A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)
I have gone down the Dayenu rabbit hole! I adore this Passover song. I love this version because it's clear and easy to follow and I love how he speaks about the meaning of the song. Dayenu means enough, and the song talks about all the amazing things God did for the Jewish people, but even if He had only done ONE of those things, it would have been enough. A fun and beautiful song about gratitude! Be forewarned: If you are in a public school setting, he does talk about God in this song (It is, after all, a Passover song -- and Passover is a very religious holiday.). Use your discretion if you choose to use it. It is a lovely song, with incredible meaning for people of faith. If you'd like something Jewish to go along with this study, I can recommend this Israeli folksong (Zum Gali Gali Gali, Zum Gali Gali) It would be great in a music class or a regular classroom or anywhere you'd like a bit of Jewish folksong.
Teacher Tips/Curriculum Tie-ins
- Research/discuss Passover traditions. This is an inherently religious holiday, but a HUGE part of Israeli/Jewish culture. If you know practicing Jews, invite them in to your classroom to talk about Passover and the traditions!
- Social studies/Geography connections
- Country of Israel (geography, history, culture [music, food, dance, art, etc.])
- Hebrew language
- Connect with other texts (Check out the links section for a couple resources with even more connections!):
- WHAT IS PASSOVER
- PIPPA'S PASSOVER PLATE
Tips and Topics for Music Teachers
- Check the YouTube playlist for some specific pieces to use, but there are many, many more!
- Highlight the music of Israel
- Religious music
- Musical instruments
- Folksongs
- Folkdances
- Importance of music for Passover
- Learn the 4 Questions song or other Israeli folksong.
- Discuss singing alone vs. singing together
- vocabulary -- solo, chorus/choral, ensemble, etc.
- What skills are required to sing alone and how does that vary based on circumstances (ie singing in the shower vs. performing solo for a large crowd.)
- How does that change if you're singing together -- what skills are most important in an ensemble/choir/group singing environment.
Writing Prompts/Author Tips
Writing Prompts
Author Tips from Erica:
- Write about a time you felt lonely.
- What were some positive things you experienced during the Covid pandemic (or another challenging time)?
- Is it better to sing alone or together? Why?
- Write about a special Spring tradition in your house/family.
- Write about the last line of the book, "It was the year of singing with one another. No one was together, but no one was alone." What does that mean to you?
- Write about a time when togetherness was very important to you.
- If you celebrate Passover, write about what it means to you. What is your favorite part and why? Why is Passover important?
Author Tips from Erica:
- Tap into a writing community - virtual or in person. Writing can be lonely. Your local SCBWI is an incredible starting point - join contests, participate in twitter chats - other writers are your co-workers and not your competition
- Write the story that only you can write. You have expertise, lived experience, and knowledge that is unique to you. Use this. I gave the same advice to people when I ran a niche publication.
- READ - READ
- Learn about the industry. There are many ways to do this, but I’m podcast obsessed. Podcast Recs: Book of Life (Jewish KidLit). Book Friends Forever, MG Book Party, Litereticast, KidLit These Days. First Draft, Story of the Book, Picture Book Look, The Yarn. I listen at 2x speed on my morning walk. I walk for about 1.5-2 hours a day so that is 3-4 hours of listening time.
- Consider sending out PB manuscripts directly to publishers. This is how I got my first 2 contracts. There are lists online of publishers that take direct submissions. I’m most familiar with the Jewish publishers, but there are many others to look into and I know that I’ve seen them listed on Twitter.
Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!
- Picture books to prepare for/learn more about Passover
- More Passover books!
- YouTube playlist with lots of Jewish/Passover music and other video connections
- Pinterest board with lots of information and extension activities, including Passover crafts, etc.
- Art connection/visual observation skills: Find a spot you can look at carefully every day. Draw a picture or write what you see there every day for 2 weeks (or longer if you'd like). What changes? How is it different from day to day. Look carefully!
PBJamz Snack (Matzo PBJs)
Matzo (matzoh, matzah) is a very important food during Passover. There is some debate about whether or not Matzo PBJs are allowed (kosher) during this religious holiday. Many Jews do eat matzo PBJs, so if you'd like to experience a different kind of PBJ and a little Jewish culture, slather some peanut butter and jelly on some matzo and enjoy. If you are celebrating Passover, please check with your rabbi or someone more knowledgeable than me :-) about whether it is kosher before eating it on my recommendation :-). While not a recipe exactly, this article talks a bit about the matzo PBJ Passover question. It is interesting reading for sure! **I did see during my research that there are a couple of peanut butter brands and jelly/jam brands that are certified kosher.
Guest Links and Giveaways
- Find and follow Erica
- To buy ALONE TOGETHER ON DAN STREET
- AMAZON
- Erica's website with other purchase options
- Illustrator Jennifer Jamieson
Julie Bower, you are last week's winner of an autographed copy of FIRST NOTES OF SPRING by Jessica Kulekjian, illustrated by Jennifer Bower! CONGRATULATIONS! Thanks for jammin' with us! Check back in each Thursday for a new episode!
A FUN SURPRISE!
Allison Strick, the artist and designer of the PBJamz logo, was kind enough to provide the logo in the form of coloring sheets. Feel free to print these off and let the children color to their heart's content. If you'd like to take a snapshot of your child's coloring of the sheet, or designing their own PBJamz cover on the blank book, I'd love to feature some on the blog. Send the photos to me via Twitter (@tonnyef) or via email (tonnyefletcher@gmail.com) Enjoy! And thank you Allison!
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Video Interview with Annie Lynn, kids' musician and writer/composer of "Earth Hour" song
Check out this short video where Annie Lynn and I chat about Earth Hour -- an event everyone can engage in to help conserve energy and help our planet. This year, Earth Hour is taking place Saturday, March 26. You turn out all NONESSENTIAL lights and make a concerted effort to save energy during that hour. It's a small thing, but if we all work together, it can make a big difference!
PB (Picture Book Tasting) -- EARTH HOUR by Nanette Heffernan
EARTH HOUR is written by Nanette Heffernan and beautifully illustrated by Bao Luu. It not only tells about Earth Hour, it tours the entire earth, highlighting landmarks from all over the world. It begins by talking about energy -- what it is and how it's used, gives the reader a whirlwind tour of the world, then calls on each one of us to make our own little difference, and reminding us that we can certainly do more together to make our world a better place.
A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)
Annie's song is linked up here and such fun as a call and response song. Get your students involved! Sing, pledge, and make a difference!
Teacher Tips/Curriculum Tie-ins
- Contact National Theater for Children to find out if they will do energy-saving programs in your area. In our area, they partner with our energy provider to come into schools (live or virtually) to do a dramatic production that teaches kids about energy. Our energy provider will provide energy-saving kits to households that are customers to help conserve energy in our region. Check and see if they do something similar in your area. **See links session for the Google slides I did coordinating with this event. There are also a couple of YouTube playlists in that section you might find helpful.
- What is Earth Hour? How/Why do we celebrate? How does it help? What else can we do to help?
- Curricular tie-in with science
- Energy
- Saving energy
- Types of energy
- Light
- Electricity
- Curricular tie-in with social studies
- Interaction between humans and natural resources
- How we impact our planet
- Renewable resources
- Alternate forms of energy
- Ways we can reduce our footprint
- Geography/Social studies
- World landmarks
- Map connections
- Project possibilities (choose a landmark to learn more about -- create a model, do a report , etc.)
- Math connections
- Telling time (hour. . .) OR (for older students) discussion of time zone (Everyone celebrates Earth Hour at their LOCAL time.)
- How long is an hour -- units of time
- Set a timer throughout the day for 1 hour and discuss how long/short it felt, what could you do in an hour's time
Tips and Topics for Music Teachers
- Science
- Sound is energy-- talk about the fact that light is one kind of energy and that sound is another
- Discuss sound waves
- Talk about how energy powers many musical instruments/other items that help us enjoy music
- Amps/speakers, etc.
- What musical activities don't require power/electricity?
- "Earth Hour" song and other energy songs
- Telling time songs
- Check out the links below for a Google slides that you might find helpful, as well as a couple of YouTube playlists, and the Pinterest board. All of those have elements you could use in the music classroom.
Writing Prompts/Author Tips
- If you could visit any of the landmarks in the book, which one would you visit and why?
- Why do you think Earth Hour is important?
- Make a list of things you can do without lights at night.
- Write about a future with no electricity.
- Write about an hour that changed the world.
- What would be your favorite thing to do for one hour without stopping?
- Write about other ways we can positively impact our planet.
- How can we share the event and encourage others to participate?
Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!
Pinterest board full of Earth Hour resources, telling time, crafts, and things to do when the power is out. I'll be adding in some activities for world landmarks too, and other energy-saving activities.
YouTube playlist with a read aloud of EARTH HOUR, AnnieLynn's Earth Hour song, and other resources that could be used in conjunction with the book, song, and event.
Earth Day -- short YouTube playlist with a few songs that you could use for this or for Earth Day in April.
Google slides I did in conjunction with NTC when they did our energy-saving program. The beginning and end were seasonal, and not relative to energy. Feel free to make a copy and adjust for your needs or simply use it to pull the links for the videos.
YouTube playlist with a read aloud of EARTH HOUR, AnnieLynn's Earth Hour song, and other resources that could be used in conjunction with the book, song, and event.
Earth Day -- short YouTube playlist with a few songs that you could use for this or for Earth Day in April.
Google slides I did in conjunction with NTC when they did our energy-saving program. The beginning and end were seasonal, and not relative to energy. Feel free to make a copy and adjust for your needs or simply use it to pull the links for the videos.
PBJamz Snack 3x3 PBJ Sammies
Here's the link to the recipe pictured here.
Since I am trying to eat gluten free as much as possible, I'll do a variation on this recipe. I have gluten free bread (Canyon brand) and I plan to make 3 columns of various nutty spreads and on the other piece of bread, 2 jams/jellies and a stripe of marshmallow fluff. Each bite will be a variation! Another benefit is that this snack, lunch, supper. . . can be made without any power. Just some jars, some bread and a knife -- maybe a napkin or a plate. I haven't tried these yet, but I wonder what my favorite bite will be. If you try them, comment below and tell me your favorite combo!
Since I am trying to eat gluten free as much as possible, I'll do a variation on this recipe. I have gluten free bread (Canyon brand) and I plan to make 3 columns of various nutty spreads and on the other piece of bread, 2 jams/jellies and a stripe of marshmallow fluff. Each bite will be a variation! Another benefit is that this snack, lunch, supper. . . can be made without any power. Just some jars, some bread and a knife -- maybe a napkin or a plate. I haven't tried these yet, but I wonder what my favorite bite will be. If you try them, comment below and tell me your favorite combo!
Guest Links and Giveaways
Nanette is generously offering a copy of EARTH HOUR as a giveaway, and AnnieLynn has two jump drives with her excellent music going out to two lucky teachers! To be eligible for the book, leave a comment below. To be eligible for the jump drives, comment below with your school name and ages/subjects taught.
Nanette Heffernan's Links:
Website
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
Annie Lynn's Links:
Website
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
Nanette Heffernan's Links:
Website
Annie Lynn's Links:
Website
YouTube
Last week's winner: Darla Christie
Darla, You've won a Zoom call with Vivian Kirkfield!
Congratulations!
Darla, You've won a Zoom call with Vivian Kirkfield!
Congratulations!
Video Interview with Jessica Kulekjian, author of FIRST NOTES OF SPRING
With Spring knocking on our door, there is not a more perfect book to share today than this one by Jessica Kulekjian, illustrated by Jennifer Bower ( a NC illustrator!) FIRST NOTES OF SPRING is a beautiful book welcoming spring with music and frolicking text full of onomatopoeia and a lovely message about finding your voice -- and your group. Join Jessica and me below as we explore the background, the music, favorite parts, and upcoming projects!
PB (Picture Book Tasting)
FIRST NOTES OF SPRING is a book to delight the senses. It is wonderfully fun to read aloud, and absolutely perfect for kids to interact with -- using bodies and voices! As a teacher, I know the message of "Too loud, too wild . . ." will resonate with students (some more than others ;-) The woodland setting and fun characters add to the charm and appeal of this book, but the onomatopoeia are like the cherry on top. The way Jennifer Bower hand-lettered all the delightful sounds of the book helps readers know how to read the words and infuse their own beautiful charm and appeal. It is full of interesting teachable moments with elements of SEL, music, literature and language arts, science, and more! Even a little "Easter egg" hunt (Watch the video above to find out what to look for!)
A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)
Theme song "Find Your Band" by Tara Trudel. A great musical piece to accompany THE FIRST NOTES OF SPRING. Another element which makes the book a perfect inclusion for music classrooms, the song is full of actionable onomatopoeia, fun rhythms, adorable language and might be the most pleasant ear worm you've ever had.
Teacher Tips/Curriculum Tie-ins
- ONOMATOPOEIA!! This book is full of it! Define it, practice it, integrate it into students' writing, identify it in the book (and other books). Here's a great song by Jack Hartman that gives them great practice (and teaches them to spell it -- as a matter of fact it's how I learned to spell it correctly and now I don't have to look it up every. single. time. ;-)
- STEAM project/activity/unit -- a perfect opportunity for partnering with your music teacher. Have students build their own instruments. I did this for years when I taught second grade as part of our Sound unit in science. My students did it as a home project. They loved it, and it really helped cement their learning about how sound works. Their instrument had to be able to produce a sound and they had to name it. They also had to be able to tell me if it was a wind, string, or percussion instrument, based on how the sound was created. There are lots of ideas for this project on the Pinterest board.
- Concrete poetry -- This book is a great introduction to concrete poetry because of the hand-lettering of the onomatopoeia throughout the book. There are some ideas on the Pinterest board or you can easily google concrete poetry for more ideas. They are sometimes called shape poems too.
- Compare/contrast -- lots of opportunities to practice this skill: compare/contrast the two groups (First Notes & First Beats), Juniper and Moose, or choose two seasons.
- Characteristics of Spring (integrate Science)
- Woodland creatures/ woodland forest habitat/biome (integrate Science)
- For writing integration, check out the writing prompts section!
- Check out this amazing Teachers' Guide by Kari Allen for even MORE great teaching tips!
Tips and Topics for Music Teachers
Oh, my -- this book is replete with musical opportunities:
- Instrument families (especially highlighting percussion)
- Steady beat
- Drumming/bucket drumming/cardio-drumming would all integrate well with this book.
- Call and response songs/activities
- Rhythm matching words (boomey-boom-boom "ti-ti ta ta" etc.)
- You could use this in conjunction with the song and assign moves to each word or have them tap them on their laps or give students various instruments that coordinate with the sounds and have them play them at the appropriate time.
- Use the song as a movement moment and let them dance as the music moves them -- or have a parade around the music room, marching to keep the steady beat, give each of them an instrument to play at the proper time, etc.
- Dynamics -- discussion of quiet (soft) vs. loud
- Tempo -- discussion/practice of fast vs. slow
- Onomatopoeia -- discuss musical sounds (ringy ring ring, boomey boom boom, etc.)
- Vivaldi's Four Seasons -- Spring
- (There are quite a few play-alongs on YouTube if you can use it)
- Listen and draw along
- Talk about characteristics of Spring and how Vivaldi integrated them into the music.
- Discuss the difference in rhythm/beat and how they work together OR
- Talk about and practice rhythm/beat/melody and how they work together to make beautiful music.
Writing Prompts/Author Tips
Writing Prompts:
Author Tips from Jessica:
- Write a Spring Sensory Poem
- Create a concrete Spring poem (shape poem)
- Write about a time you were disappointed/left out.
- Which is your favorite season and why?
- What is your favorite thing about Spring. Explain.
- If you wanted to wake/welcome Spring, what would you do?
Author Tips from Jessica:
- Follow your curiosity.
- Give “rough draft thinking,” a chance to surprise you.
- Be willing to write “ugly” drafts. It’s all learning. And it all belongs.
- Some stories need to rest, or be re-imagined before they sing.
- Trust the timeline of each project. It takes the time it takes.
Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!
- Watch the video above with Jessica and me to find out about the "Easter egg" hidden throughout the book and search to see if you can find them all!
- Check out the coloring pages by Jennifer Bower
- The teaching guide by Kari Allen has lots of wonderful ideas for classrooms, homeschoolers, and families!
- Here's a YouTube playlist with lots of fun musical activities and the Onomatopoeia song by Jack Hartmann.
- Here is another playlist with a variety of Spring and St Patrick's Day videos.
- Here is a Pinterest board with many ideas related to the book (Spring, creating your own instrument, etc)
PBJamz Snack (Gooey PB&J Blondies)
Here's the recipe for these delicious-looking (and gluten-free) Gooey PB&J Blondies. Blondies are brownie-textured, but without the chocolate. These have peanut butter and jelly appeal thrown in. Plus they're made with garbanzo beans and oats, so if you get GF oats, this recipe is gluten free! I wish I could tell you I've taste-tested them, but it is a very busy week, and I have not -- YET. But they are on my list to do very soon! Let me know if you try them first!
Guest Links and Giveaways
Jessica is giving away one signed copy of THE FIRST NOTES OF SPRING to ONE lucky classroom! To be eligible, comment below with your name, your school, and what subject/grade you teach. Random winner selected from comments received!
Here is where you can find her on-line:
Instagram
Twitter
Website
Illustrator Jennifer Bower website
Here is where you can find her on-line:
Website
Illustrator Jennifer Bower website
PBJamz
This page is the official space for PBJamz -- multimedia Jamorama celebrating all things PB (picture books) and Jamz (music), although we'll indulge in the other PBJ snacks where appropriate :-). Join us each Thursday for new content connecting picture books and music!
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