Nelly, you are the winner of Nancy's songbook and CD! Huge congratulations! I know you and your daughter will love Rhythm of the Rocks! I'll be in touch on Twitter :-) Interview with Anita Amin, author of RAJA'S PET CAMELWatch and learn the inspiration for Anita's book, musical connections, and personal tidbits of Indian culture. Anita is a sweetheart, and this book is delightfully fun! You're in for a treat! A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)Get your kiddos up and moving to a Bollywood beat. An Indian fusion dance form that is fun and helps your students (or your kids) get lots of energy out. This one is easy enough it will be great for the family to try together! If Bollywood isn't your thing, there are some educational songs about India and camels, lots of Indian musical instruments, and you can't talk about camels without talking about Alice. You can find all those jams and more in the YouTube playlist in the links section! Teacher Tips, Tricks and TopicsThe teaching guide from Anita's website (lots of ELA standards and activities!) Social studies topics: India --geography and culture (food, music, etc)
Science topics:
Tips and Topics for Music TeachersThere are so many ideas on the YouTube playlist and the Pinterest board! Be sure to check those out in the links section! Here are some broad topics:
Writing Prompts from TonnyeWriting prompts: "The Most Unusual Pet" If I had a pet camel . . . Persuasive writing "A _________ would make a good pet because" or "I would be a responsible pet owner because. . . " Research a topic of Indian culture and write a paragraph/essay/poem/etc. Was Raja's pet camel a good pet? Why or why not? My favorite Indian instrument is ______ because. I like/don't like tabla music because . . . . I like/don't like Bollywood dancing because . . . Create a travel brochure for India. Write a report about an animal or a musical instrument from India. Yoga is ____________ because __________. . . . . "A Ride on a Camel" "The Dancing Camel" Tips for authors from Anita1. Learn as much as you can. My work and education were all STEM-related. I had no background in creative writing or literature. But I’ve been able to apply my STEM background to many of my books, so don’t let a non-writing background hold you back. Authors come from all walks of life. Reading and just writing have been the best ways for me to learn. I study the kinds of books I want to write. There are stacks of picture books, chapter books, and middle grade books sitting on my dining room table waiting to be dissected. I read through a book first then go back and take notes on story structure, characters, word choices, and word count. When I first started writing as an adult, I took courses at the Institute of Children’s Literature. Joining organizations such as SCBWI, Julie Hedlund’s 12 x 12 Picture Book Challenge, Inked Voices, and the Writing Barn’s Courage to Create helps me learn more about craft and the market, and they connect me with other writers, some of whom are now my writing partners. Following writers on social media helps too – many share writing tips and opportunities. 2. Enjoy the process, and don’t worry about getting published right away. Some writers only submit their book once and their book gets accepted, but this is rare. Many, if not most writers, have a longer road to publication. They spend years learning, writing, revising, and submitting before their first publication. My debut picture book, Raja’s Pet Camel, was a labor of love that sporadically grew over 11 years. Each book starts the whole writing-submitting cycle over again – a cycle that often accumulates a number of rejections before the book is finally published. Rejections are something to be proud of because it means you’re out there trying, but they can still feel discouraging. If you write because you enjoy it, it will help you push through to the time when you can finally sign a contract and celebrate! 3. Don’t be afraid. When I first started writing, I was afraid to even pick up my pen and write. My internal editor is awful, always telling me nothing I write is good enough. Almost 40 books later, I still struggle with this, but I’ve learned to ignore it when I have a deadline, because if I don’t pick up my pen and write, nothing will ever get written. I’m often afraid to show my work to others too. So much of my heart goes into it. But what if they hate it? Or worse, they’re just nonchalant towards it. First drafts are often messy for everyone, so don’t worry what others will think. Just sit down and write your story. Over time, go back and revise it until you feel you can’t go any further with it. Then you might want to consider showing it to a trusted writing partner. Their feedback can be invaluable and one of your best learning experiences. But share only when you feel comfortable. It’s okay to keep it secret until you’re ready. 4. Create a pitch. Before I started taking on work-for-hire projects (some publishing companies hire writers to write children’s books for them), I was a panster. In other words, I never wrote from an outline. My stories wandered all over the place and halfway through the plot I would get stuck. I couldn’t afford this time loss with my work-for-hire projects. Most projects, I only had one month to write the book! Now, I outline my stories. My outlines may change as I write, but at least I have some direction. Before I outline my story though, I write a pitch. A pitch is 1-2 sentences about what the book is about, including what is at stake for the main character. An example of a pitch might be: When y happens, the main character must find a way to solve it or x will happen. The pitch drives my outline and focuses the plot. Later, you can include the pitch in query letters when you submit your work. You might even find it incorporated on the back cover of your first published book! Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!Pinterest board with lots of camel activities, Indian culture, music, geography, food and more! YouTube playlist with Indian music and instruments, songs about camels, Bollywood dance-alongs, and more! Link to the readers' guide and to purchase books is here. One idea for teaching with RAJA's PET CAMEL from Twitter PBJamz Snack -- Peanut butter stuffed datesHere's the link for this Indian-inspired PBJamz snack, courtesy of Nourish & Tempt. These are a perfect companion to this episode, since dates figure prominently in the story. I haven't tried them yet, but in my head, these are the perfect balance of salty and sweet, smooth and chewy, a touch of bitter. The date serves as the J in this PBJamz snack. I think Raja would approve! If you try them, comment below and let us know how you like them or scoot over to Nourish and Tempt and let them know you loved them! When I try these, I plan to have masala chai alongside. It's a lovely spiced milk tea. You can easily buy ready-made teabags for Chai, but I love making it homemade. If you'd like to try, here's an authentic recipe to start you on your way! Guest Links and GiveawaysAnita's website
Link to the readers' guide and to purchase books is here. Instagram link Anita is giving away a signed copy of RAJA'S PET CAMEL and a classroom Zoom visit! To be eligible, simply leave a comment below, and your name will go into the drawing. There will be 2 prize winners, so leave us a comment! You do NOT want to MISS this! Please remember to request her book at your local library, school library, etc., write a review if you enjoy the book, share with a friend who might enjoy it, share it out on social media, etc.
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Jany Campana is the winner of a signed copy of MISTER ROGERS' GIFT OF MUSIC! Congratulations, Jany! Thanks for always supporting PBJamz! I know you'll love this book! Thanks, Donna Cangelosi for a beautiful book and a beautiful episode of PBJamz! I enjoyed putting it together! Interview with Nancy Stewart, Children's musician and music/literacy advocate!What a lovely chat with Nancy Stewart! I discovered Nancy's website after I started doing PBJamz, and I thought, "Where has this been all my teaching life?!" It is chock full of amazing resources that Nancy offers free of charge to anyone who would like to use them! Many of them have sheet music and activities, even printables to go along. In this first interview, Nancy and I talk music and literacy: how the two are connected and influence each other and the importance of music to literacy! In part B in the teacher tips section, Nancy shared with me some snippets of how she uses some of her songs with kids to enhance and promote literacy in fun ways, so don't miss that second video coming next week (9/22/22). Make sure you leave a comment at the end of the blog to be eligible to win a CD & songbook from Nancy "Rhythm of the Rocks" -- a multicultural mix of songs! You don't want to miss out! A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)In the interview, Nancy shares lots of songs and activities, but since Fall is knocking on our doors and many of you will be heading to the pumpkin patch, I thought this little jam would be great to highlight for the season, and will be easily used by families, daycares, preschools, classroom teachers and farms with pumpkin patches, too! A very versatile song that doesn't need any instrumentation! Teacher Tips, Tricks and TopicsI cannot do any better than what Nancy shares below! Her website (https://nancymusic.com) and the companion website (https://singwithourkids.com) are chock full of amazing songs and activities. She offers sheet music, recordings, teaching ideas, etc. If you are a parent, or a teacher, or a preschool teacher, or a daycare worker, or a music teacher, or an aunt, etc. PLEASE go check out Nancy's sites. Seriously! Bookmark them! Add them to your resources. So much good music, excellent tips and so much more on those two sites (and her YouTube channel . . . it's linked up below, and on her websites, too!). There is just really nothing more to add. . . . Tips and Topics for Music TeachersAfter watching back these videos, I really think whatever I would share pales in comparison. Here are some sections of Nancy's website that you may find of specific interest, although I would suggest perusing them yourself. There is lots of great content that you could certainly integrate into your music lessons! And so many fabulous songs that deserve to be shared! Tips and tricks from the experts Connection between music and literacy https://nancymusic.com/music-why-sing.htm Gifts, crafts and activities section Writing Prompts from TonnyeInspired by my conversations with Nancy . . . 1. Write about a song that helped you learn something. 2. Write about a special musical memory. 3. Find a special book based on a song and write something inspired by the song or the book. 4. Write about your favorite song. Why is it special to you? 5. Find two books that sing the same song. Which one do you like best? Why? 6. Find a song on Nancy's website and write about what it reminds you of, or a story inspired by it. 7. (for adult authors) Write about your early literacy experiences. Did music play a role? If so, how? 8. Write about a song that helped you through a difficult time. 9. Write about a song that a teacher shared with you. 10. Do you think music makes sad things easier to talk/think about? Why/why not? 11. Write a list of rhyming words. See if it inspires a story, song, or poem. 12. Listen to some instrumental music. See if a story emerges. 13. Find a story that you think deserves a song and write one for it. 14. Think of a topic that you think kids would really enjoy and write a story or song about it. For my author and songwriter friends. . . .So even though Nancy is more of a songwriter, there are some GREAT tips here, most of which cut across writing picture books as well as songs. Also, this link on Nancy's website will give you some great considerations for writing picture books that sing! Here are Nancy's tips for writing (songs and more) for kids: Seven Songwriting Tips (or things to look for in children's songs) Writing songs for children is an honor and a responsibility- and it's FUN! Children will pretty much embrace the songs they are exposed to repeatedly which gives songwriters a lot of influence in how and what children learn. Through our songs we can teach them about everything from language and literacy, to themselves and the world around them. Songs work because they deliver language through the emotion carried by the melody, making songs stick in our heads. Below are some simple tips to help you write songs that can impact children in big and small ways, and links to examples of my songs that demonstrate each one. Tip #1: Interaction is key when singing with kids as they engage and learn by doing! Three elements make songs interactive; rhythm, repetition, and rhyme. Using one or more of these elements in your song will pretty much guarantee interaction. Examples of Songs: Rhythm: When I Hear the Music Repetition: Arachnid Rhyme: A Hunting We Will Go Tip #2: Think about how you want to use the song, or how you want the children to respond. Do you want them to move? Read? Be still? Listen? Draw? Your lyrics and the melody, and any instrumentation will determine how they respond. Make sure the tempo and music match the words so your intent is understood. Examples of Songs: Hibernating Animals (moving) JUMP! (reading and singing) Wintertime is Here/ I'm Staying Just as Still as I Can (staying still) Tip 3: Learn your song before you sing it with kids. This sounds like a no-brainer, but writing a song and learning it are two different things! Then sing it with as many kids as you can. You will get immediate feedback which may lead to changes and or improvements you never imagined. Example of Song: Dinosaurs in Cars This is perhaps my most popular song, and it's constantly evolving as children bring their own ideas to the story! Tip #4: Try writing a song in a minor key. Minor melodies evoke strong emotions that fascinate children, and they are always a hit. (think sad, scary, dangerous, or mischievous). Examples of songs in minor keys Nocturnal Animals Big Black Crow October Moon Circle Round Tip #5: If you’re new to writing children’s songs, pick subjects that interest the ages you are writing for. Song examples: Babies and toddlers: animals, vehicles, family https://nancymusic.com/SOM/2016/ill-drive-a-dump-truck.htm Preschoolers: Dinosaurs, Vehicles, Movement https://nancymusic.com/SOM/2014/energy.htm K-2 Rhyming, reading, movement, science https://nancymusic.com/SOM/2014/once-upon-a-time.htm Tip #6. Avoid having melody give words an un-natural pronunciation. For example, If you have the word "LI-brar-y" in your lyrics, you don't want the melody to make you sing li-BRAR-y. Tip #7. Lastly, dip into your own childhood for ideas and "thinking like a child." A single memory can give you a simple idea for a song or take you down a long and winding path to something even more meaningful- and it can be very therapeutic! Song Example: Thinking Cap The Gift (Insect Song) Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!PBJamz SnackThis episode wouldn't be complete if we didn't include the Peanut Butter. . .Jelly! song. Here is the link from Nancy's page. Enjoy singing along while you make this delicious Grilled PBJ sammie! This grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwich seems like the perfect way to welcome fall to me. Take your PBJ up to "another level". Check out the other recipes and tips available at She Saved by Keri Lyn. Guest Links and GiveawaysNancy's links:
Nancymusic website link Sing with Our Kids website link Nancy's YouTube channel Nancy is graciously offering a CD and songbook for a very lucky winner! This would be perfect for a music teacher, a family with young kids, a daycare worker, preschool teacher or an elementary school teacher, or really anyone who enjoys kids' music.(check out photo below). The winner of a critique from Rekha Rajan is Angel, and the winner of a signed copy of the book is Jia! Thanks for your support of Rekha and PBJamz! I hope you both enjoy your prizes! Video Book Review of MISTER ROGERS' GIFT OF MUSICDonna preferred to do a written interview, so I have a video book review for you today of her book and her interview questions and answers will be directly below. This book is beautiful! The words, the pictures, the arrangement. It is a beautiful tribute to a beautiful man. Donna's Written Interview1. Talk about the inspiration for this book. Where did the idea come from? Thank you so much for having me on your blog, Tonnye! The heart of MISTER ROGERS’ GIFT OF MUSIC grew from my work as a child psychologist and my frustration hearing story after story about kids being bullied. In 2016, I decided to write a picture book biography about someone who helped children. It didn’t take long to think of Fred Rogers. At the time, very few picture books had been written about him, so I got right to work. After reading about Fred’s childhood and the challenges he overcame, I knew I had to write a story about this wonderful man. 2. Your book apparently focuses on the musical aspect of Fred Rogers. What role did music play in the life of Mister Rogers? As a young boy, Fred suffered with asthma and spent countless hours stuck inside. One of his earliest memories was the joy he experienced hearing his grandfather play the violin. By five, Fred learned to play the piano and discovered that music was a great way to express his emotions. Fred went on to study music composition in college. As everyone knows, he used his gift of music on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood to brighten the lives of countless children. 3. As an author, how did you go about conducting research for this book? I first read articles and books to understand Fred’s childhood and how he became the beloved Mister Rogers. Then, I watched a series of interviews Fred did with Karen Herman for the Archive of American Television in 1999. In one discussion, Fred described music as his first love, the way he expressed himself, and one of his gifts to children. Hearing Fred’s passion for music, I knew I had my story. I also watched interviews, videos, and many episodes of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, visited his alma mater, Rollins College, and studied the lyrics of his songs. 4. What advice do you have for authors who might want to write a PB biography? I've heard it a tough sell in today's market. Read everything you can. Search for primary sources, such as videos, letters, and other ways to study the person’s life, view of the world, and the way they relate to others. If possible, do field research to walk in your character’s shoes. Then, find an interesting, unique aspect of the person’s life that you relate to and which will resonate with kids. Ask yourself: What will make kids want to read this story? What will make it stand out? When you have your idea, read mentor texts. It’s amazing how many fun ways there are to tell a story. Why do you think this one stood out, even though there are several other PB biographies about Mr. Rogers? Unlike other picture books about Fred Rogers, my story focuses specifically on the role music played in his life and how he used it to help kids. I also incorporated a neighborhood theme to show how Fred brought children throughout the country together with his gift of music. 5. How do you envision teachers using your book in their classroom? Are there teaching guides/resources available? What is one thing you hope teachers will emphasize with their students if they do use this book? In addition to introducing children to the beloved Fred Rogers, I envision teachers using MISTER ROGERS’ GIFT OF MUSIC to help kids understand and find creative ways to express uncomfortable feelings. I also hope the book will foster kindness and help children see that they are important because of their uniqueness, not only because of their accomplishments. 6. After writing this book, what do you think Mr. Rogers would say is the most important job of music teachers? What would he encourage us to do? Fred Rogers was fascinated with all kinds of music. On Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, he invited many musicians, including trumpeter Wynton Marsalis and cellist Yo-Yo Ma (who appear in MISTER ROGERS’ GIFT OF MUSIC) to perform and talk about their instruments. Fred frequently highlighted that music is a great way to express ourselves, but that learning to play an instrument takes time and determination. I think Fred would love music teachers to continue where he left off—introducing kids to different genres of music, highlighting that people have different styles of expressing themselves with it, and encouraging kids to explore what types of melodies and instruments speak to them. I also think Mister Rogers would thank music teachers and all teachers for helping kids learn and grow. He often said, “Anyone who does anything to help a child in his life is a hero to me.” 7. How did your role as psychologist and that training help prepare you to write this book? My training and work as a child psychologist enables me to be especially tuned in and empathic regarding children’s feelings and internal experiences. This lens helped me find words to convey what Fred must have felt when he was sick and bullied as a kid and the powerful healing influence music served for him. As a child psychologist, do you have recommendations for how school counselors might use this book in their interactions with students? Counselors can use the story to help children explore and understand their uncomfortable emotions. This spread is particularly useful for dealing with anger and frustration. Page Street Kids designed this feelings thermometer activity to to help kids explore how they feel and ways to cope when experiencing different levels of mad. The feelings thermometer (linked as a file below along with a printable poster) can also be adapted for discussing sad, scared, lonely, and worried feelings. In addition, counselors can use the book to encourage children to use music and other creative arts to express and soothe themselves.
A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)This is a fun little remix of "Sing Together". If this one is not your jam, check out lots of other pieces in the YouTube playlist. There are so many excellent pieces to share there. Enjoy perusing the list. It's in the links section below. Teacher Tips, Tricks and TopicsThere are so many wonderful books and videos available about Mister Rogers. My utmost suggestion would be to do a unit study on him. Mr. Rogers philosophies and kindness and encouragement would be helpful to kids of all ages. (You can check out the Pinterest board in the links section for additional books and activities to use for a unit study.) For this particular book, here are some topics, lessons, and activities that I think would be really helpful:
Music Vocabulary
Tips and Topics for Music TeachersSo many different ways to go here -- lots of music in this book!
Tips for authors from Donna1. Read picture books every chance you get. 2. Write stories that have personal meaning and tug at your heart. 3 Don’t forget to play! Play replenishes our spirits, quiets our inner critic, and promotes creativity. Writing Prompts from Tonnye1. Choose a feeling and write a song about that feeling. 2. Title: Music is Sunshine 3. Choose one of Mr. Rogers' songs and write about what the lyrics mean to you. 4. How does music make you feel? 5. Write about a time when music helped you feel better. 6. How did bullying affect Mr. Rogers? 7. Why was music important to Mr. Rogers? 8. Write about what the word neighborhood means to you. 9. How is a neighborhood like a choir? 10. If you were invited to be on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood show, what message would you want to share? 11. Compare 2 of Mr. Rogers' songs. Which one do you like best? Why? 12. Compare 2 versions of one of the songs. Which one do you prefer? Why? 13. Is music important to you? Why or why not? 14. When you're having a bad day, what kind of music do you want to listen to? Why? Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!
PBJamz Snack -- PBJ GranolaSince Mister Rogers often ate granola for breakfast, I thought it was appropriate to share a PBJ granola recipe for this episode. Simple ingredients (none with a mother, as was Mister Rogers' food preference -- he was a vegetarian) and all yummy and delicious. If you make it, let us know in the comments. You can find the recipe here: https://www.thismamaloves.com/granola-recipe/ Be sure to check out all of This Mama Loves' recipes and tips for food, crafts, life, and travel, too! Guest Links and GiveawaysDonna has graciously agreed, in conjunction with her publisher Page Street Kids to give away a signed copy of her beautiful book. Also, please note the generous freebies above in the interview portion -- printable poster and feelings thermometer.
To be eligible to win a copy of the book, leave a comment below! Here are the links for Donna, her publisher, book, etc: Twitter link Linktree site (This has all the purchase information for MISTER ROGERS' GIFT OF MUSIC) Website Instagram page Illustrator's website Publisher info Reminder: If you enjoy these books and authors, please support them by: 1. Purchasing their books 2. Recommending them to friends, coworkers, educators, etc. 3. Requesting and checking out their books at your local library 4. Leaving positive reviews (just 50 reviews on Amazon bumps a book up to recommended status.) If you'd rather not support Amazon, review the books on Barnes and Noble or Goodreads. |
PBJamzThis 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! Archives
June 2024
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