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PBJamz!
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An Artsy Chat with Colleen . . .Colleen joins me for a chat about music, art, picture books, process and so much more. It's a fun and lively chat that touches on inspiration, creativity, resilience and stick-to-it-iveness. Come on in and pull up a chair and chat with us! PIANO WANTS TO PLAY This lovely little tome is a perfect gift for every piano lover in your world -- especially if they are also a music teacher! It will have a special place on their shelf and in their hearts! Pianos have feelings -- and wishes . . . or at least if they did, this is maybe what it would be like. Piano has a special friendship with Amy as she learns to play Piano. Eventually they make beautiful music together, but as she grows up and gets busy, Piano gets left behind. Enter Rupert, the little brother. With his high energy and booger-covered fingers, Piano is not fond of the music they make together. What Piano didn't know was that their wish would come true in a most beautiful way. I get a bit teary at the end every time I read it because it's so sweet and so perfect! A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)Since this song is loosely referenced in the text, it's a perfect companion. Kids will be captivated by the movement, but there are also some lovely musical elements to focus on here to use it as a teaching tool. A great piece for calming kids down too, when they get wound up. Use it for deep breathing, stretching, or your favorite calming method. Just having students watch the mesmerizing video may help calm them down. Check the YouTube playlist coming in part 2 of the episode (links section) for more lovely piano music referenced in the book as well as more piano fun for kids. Teacher Tips, Tricks and Topics
Tips and Topics for Music TeachersThe most obvious teaching topics for music class from this book are piano skills and activities and scales. There are many ways to integrate those into class. Check out the YouTube playlist and the Pinterest board in the links section for other ideas and specific ways to use them.
There is also lots of musical vocabulary:
Another direction you could go using this book is to talk about careers in music represented in this book: Piano teacher Piano tuner Elementary music teacher (Those are specifically mentioned, but you could use it to talk about other careers in music as well.) Writing Prompts from Tonnye
Writing Tips from Colleen
Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!
Pinterest board with piano lessons, motivational thoughts, etc. YouTube playlist full of piano pieces, lessons, teaching activities and lots more. MY PIANO by Jen Fier Jasinski is a perfect companion book to this one. You can find the PBJamz episode here *Be sure to check out the YouTube playlist and the Pinterest boards for that episode too, since there are lots of crossovers. PBJamz Snack Peanut butter and jelly cheesecake bars are delicious enough to help you or your young one power through the most grueling piano practice session, but elegant enough to serve at a celebratory recital -- or anything in between. Protein, tanginess, sweetness -- these bars have it all. Wanna make some of your own? Find the recipe here. Guest Links and Giveaways Below, find all of Colleen's socials and contact info.
If you'd like to purchase PIANO WANTS TO PLAY, here's the Amazon link, but if you have an indie bookstore nearby, we'd love for you to purchase from them. Website: https://ckongsavage.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/kongsavage/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/kongsavage.bsky.social Colleen has kindly offered a copy of PIANO WANTS TO PLAY along with some SWAG and a signed bookplate to one lucky winner! To be entered, simply leave a comment below.
8 Comments
Rainbows, positivity, music, and friendship . . .If you're needing a dose of positivity, music and ways to change the world alongside a precious picture book and some sweet jammin' tunes, this episode is just right for you! Joni is absolutely precious and full of joy and a desire to share that joy with the world. No wonder she's an award-winning children's author and song writer. We had a great chat and we hope you enjoy joining us too! RAINBOW OF FRIENDSHIP Joni's first book, inspired by her daughters' girl scout days. From Bare Book to published, and award-wining, check out the interview to find out more about Joni's inspiration, writing process, and path to publication. Check out her website in the guest links section to purchase copies directly from her (and to see her other fabulous books and songs and plays.) A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)Check out Joni's very own song and the book trailer for RAINBOW OF FRIENDSHIP. Be sure to check the guest links below for where to access all of Joni's music, as well as my YouTube playlist for more fun songs and musical activities related to RAINBOW OF FRIENDSHIP. 
Teacher Tips, Tricks and Topics
Tips and Topics for Music Teachers
Writing Prompts from Tonnye
Writing Tips from Joni
Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!Pinterest board full of activities for rainbow science, friendship, interviews with Joni and more! YouTube playlist with songs about colors, rainbows, friendship, along with interviews with Joni and more. PBJamz Snack For this lovely book about friendship and rainbows, a rainbow of shortbread thumbprint cookies seems the perfect PBJamz snack for sharing. Gather jams and jellies in a rainbow of colors and create your own delectable cookie rainbow and celebrate friendship with your besties! Get the recipe here. Guest Links and Giveaways |
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| canyoudancelikeapeacock-activitykit.pdf |
PBJamz Snack
These thumbprint cookies rolled in potato chips remind me a bit of the spots on a peacock's tail feathers -- and I can guarantee they'll be more tasty ;-) Whether you've been dancing like bees, peacocks, flamingos and spiders or off writing your own amazing picture book 0r teaching littles. . . .whatever you've been doing, these seem like the perfect snack or sweet end to a lovely day of dancing through life. Check out the recipe here and enjoy whenever you decide to make these yummy treats!
Guest Links and Giveaways
Rekha's website
To buy CAN YOU DANCE LIKE A PEACOCK on Amazon
Rekha's Twitter
Rehka's Amazon page (with all her books)
Rehka's Goodreads page
Rekha has graciously offered up a copy of CAN YOU DANCE LIKE A PEACOCK! All you have to do to be eligible is leave a comment below! Good luck!
To buy CAN YOU DANCE LIKE A PEACOCK on Amazon
Rekha's Twitter
Rehka's Amazon page (with all her books)
Rehka's Goodreads page
Rekha has graciously offered up a copy of CAN YOU DANCE LIKE A PEACOCK! All you have to do to be eligible is leave a comment below! Good luck!
Of music, dance, picture books, and children . . . according to Connie and Tonnye
Join Connie Dow and me as we talk moving, grooving and jamming. The book is so fun, and full of chants that will have your kids jumping, hopping, rapping, tapping and more! We chat about how you could use the book in various situations and talk about why she wrote the book, her process and more! Don't miss a single groove!
TAP AND RAP; MOVE AND GROOVE by Connie B. Dow
Written by Connie Bergstein Dow, illustrated by Debbie Palen, and published by Free Spirit Publishing, this book is absolutely perfect for a classroom or for a fun music-integrated playtime at preschool, daycare or at home. It is chock full of fun little chants which seamlessly integrate music and movement. Each has its own rhythm and its own theme, but each chant encourages children to move in fun and interesting ways. The illustrations are bright, colorful, diverse, and child-friendly. Connie puts her years of dance experience into creating a fun and fit experience that children will thoroughly enjoy!
A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)
My kinders, firsts and even many of my second-graders really enjoy Danny Go. He's the perfect blend of fun and silly but with some good skills, strategies, habits and learning mixed in. In this song, he encourages dance and movement in a variety of ways. It's a great extension of Connie's lovely book!
Teacher Tips, Tricks and Topics
Free teaching guide *TAP AND RAP, MOVE AND GROOVE Digital Download supplemental materials are available for free on Free Spirit's website.
Getting kids up and moving is always a great thing (check out the list of benefits below).
Here are some ways I would suggest using the pieces in this book:
Getting kids up and moving is always a great thing (check out the list of benefits below).
Here are some ways I would suggest using the pieces in this book:
- Circle time, class meetings, etc. -- Choose one piece; write it on chart paper, put it on doc camera, or simply read it aloud and move along with the chant.
- Take the book out during recess and use it during their outdoor time (or it's also perfect for those rainy days when you have indoor recess.)
- Use a chant as a brain break -- in between activities or when you see you are losing your students' attention.
- Find the ones that have curriculuar connections and use them as part of your lesson.
- Perfect as little filler activities when you have 5 minutes until your next thing or when kids finish up early. Keep this book nearby for those moments.
- If kids are falling asleep, it's a perfect time to pull out one of these.
- Since they are chants with rhythm and words, they're a natural fit for fluency practice.
Tips and Topics for Music Teachers
While these chants don't rhyme typically, they do depend on rhythm, which makes them perfect for music class.
- Use them as "sound stories", using instruments to represent various words in the chant.
- Have students partner up; one taps a steady beat while the other one reads; then they switch
- Using one of the chants with several sections/stanzas, do the movement activities together. In between stanzas/sections, do a copycat rhythm, or give instruments to students and tell them to create 8 counts (2 4/4 measures of a stanza transition.)
- Integrate one into your program/concert.
- Practice fluency by reading them over and over and doing some movements.
- Any of the activities from the teacher section above.
Writing Prompts from Tonnye
- Which chant is your favorite and why?
- Which chant is your LEAST favorite, and why?
- Choose one of the chants and see if you can add another section/stanza.
- Write a chant about opposites.
- Write a chant about the alphabet.
- Write a chant about music
- Write a chant about science (or health or social studies)
- Write a chant using some skills you learned in PE class.
- Write a letter to the author telling her whether you like her book and why/why not.
- Write a chant about your favorite animal.
Tips from Connie
1. Learn everything you can about your genre -- take workshops, courses, access webinars, and read lots and lots of books. The same thing applies to the submission process: Attend workshops and seek out information about query letters, pitches, etc.
2. The kidlit community is kind and supportive. Connect with other authors, both online and in person, for critique groups, advice, and to create networks.
3. Enter contests -- this is a wonderful way to practice your writing skills.
4. Be persistent, but also patient!
5. Write about things that are close to your heart.
Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!
Pinterest board with lots of music and movement ideas for multiple ages, more info about Connie, and more!
YouTube playlist with interviews with Connie and lots of movement songs to supplement her book. You can also look for songs that specifically relate to each chant if you wanted to extend a particular chant/lesson surrounding a chant.
Links to supplement TAP AND RAP, MOVE AND GROOVE
Book search - find a book
bookshop.org
https://www.teachercreatedmaterials.com/free-spirit-publishing/p/tap-and-rap-move-and-groove/930763/
Tap and Rap, Move and Groove
amazon.com
:
*TAP AND RAP, MOVE AND GROOVE Digital Download supplemental materials are available for free on Free Spirit's website:
https://www.teachercreatedmaterials.com/media/uploads/tcm/images/fsp/pdf/tap-rap_digital.pdf
YouTube playlist with interviews with Connie and lots of movement songs to supplement her book. You can also look for songs that specifically relate to each chant if you wanted to extend a particular chant/lesson surrounding a chant.
Links to supplement TAP AND RAP, MOVE AND GROOVE
Book search - find a book
bookshop.org
https://www.teachercreatedmaterials.com/free-spirit-publishing/p/tap-and-rap-move-and-groove/930763/
Tap and Rap, Move and Groove
amazon.com
:
*TAP AND RAP, MOVE AND GROOVE Digital Download supplemental materials are available for free on Free Spirit's website:
https://www.teachercreatedmaterials.com/media/uploads/tcm/images/fsp/pdf/tap-rap_digital.pdf
Seven Benefits of Creative Dance
for Young Children (from Connie)
1. Physical:
Balance
Coordination
Strength
Body control
Age-appropriate large motor skills
Posture
Exercise
Stimulation of the vestibular system
Range of motion and flexibility of joints
Proprioception, which is the awareness of the position of the body in space
2. Accessibility:
Movement activities can be done in any space, large or small, with
very little or no equipment
The basic tenet of creative movement/creative dance (the terms are interchangeable) for young children is that the process of the activity is what is most important. Kinesthetic learning happens as a result of the child’s movement exploration.This allows creative movement to be inclusive of all learning styles, even those children whose ability to move or participate is limited.
3. Social-Emotional Skill Development
Body awareness
Spatial awareness
Self-expression, awareness of emotions
Individual and group problem-solving skills
Cooperation and taking turns
Impulse control and delaying gratification
Listening to and following instructions
Setting goals
4. Creativity
The essence of creative dance is to inspire children to find new ways to move their bodies and learn about the world through movement
5. Kinesthetic Learning, or learning by doing
Piaget and many child psychologists understand that preschool children do not conceptualize abstract processes. They primarily learn through physical and sensory experiences. Movement can be used to teach virtually any subject.
6. Classroom Management
As children learn to control their bodies, understand personal versus shared space, listen and follow directions, and respond to cues for stopping, starting, and changing direction, simple movement activities can easily be incorporated into their daily routine.
7. Moving is FUN! It is easy to engage children through movement
Balance
Coordination
Strength
Body control
Age-appropriate large motor skills
Posture
Exercise
Stimulation of the vestibular system
Range of motion and flexibility of joints
Proprioception, which is the awareness of the position of the body in space
2. Accessibility:
Movement activities can be done in any space, large or small, with
very little or no equipment
The basic tenet of creative movement/creative dance (the terms are interchangeable) for young children is that the process of the activity is what is most important. Kinesthetic learning happens as a result of the child’s movement exploration.This allows creative movement to be inclusive of all learning styles, even those children whose ability to move or participate is limited.
3. Social-Emotional Skill Development
Body awareness
Spatial awareness
Self-expression, awareness of emotions
Individual and group problem-solving skills
Cooperation and taking turns
Impulse control and delaying gratification
Listening to and following instructions
Setting goals
4. Creativity
The essence of creative dance is to inspire children to find new ways to move their bodies and learn about the world through movement
5. Kinesthetic Learning, or learning by doing
Piaget and many child psychologists understand that preschool children do not conceptualize abstract processes. They primarily learn through physical and sensory experiences. Movement can be used to teach virtually any subject.
6. Classroom Management
As children learn to control their bodies, understand personal versus shared space, listen and follow directions, and respond to cues for stopping, starting, and changing direction, simple movement activities can easily be incorporated into their daily routine.
7. Moving is FUN! It is easy to engage children through movement
PBJamz Snack -- PBJ Smoothie
I can't think of a better snack before or after a fun physical session of music and movement than a yummy PBJ smoothie. Smooth, cold, delicious, and easy to customize and make it your own. Start with the recipe here and have some tasty fun! A little slurping, a little sliding -- perfect combo for a perfect day!
Guest Links and Giveaways
Connie's links:
https://www.movingislearning.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConnieBergsteinDow
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cbergsteindow
LinkedIn:www.linkedin.com/in/movingislearning
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conniebdow/
Pinterest: Pinterest: @conniebdow
www.movingislearning.com/works.htm
Links to purchase Connie's books:
https://www.movingislearning.com/works.htm
Amazon
Connie has generously offered a winner's CHOICE. So one winner will be selected and you may choose from:
https://www.movingislearning.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConnieBergsteinDow
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cbergsteindow
LinkedIn:www.linkedin.com/in/movingislearning
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conniebdow/
Pinterest: Pinterest: @conniebdow
www.movingislearning.com/works.htm
Links to purchase Connie's books:
https://www.movingislearning.com/works.htm
Amazon
Connie has generously offered a winner's CHOICE. So one winner will be selected and you may choose from:
- a picture book critique (rhyming or non-rhyming, up to 800 words) OR
- A 20-minute Zoom (author chat, lesson demo for a teacher, etc.)
- a copy of TAP AND RAP, MOVE AND GROOVE
The Grand Conversation, Part 1
In part 1, everyone introduces themselves and shares current projects or upcoming publishing news! Then we dig deep into conversation surrounding music and the classroom -- how to integrate music into the classroom. We talk about the power of music and how to unleash that power to benefit teachers (anyone teaching littles, whether at school, home, or elsewhere). We also tackle a sidebar about how music helps memory not only with littles, but with folks who are struggling with memory. We all share great stories of how we've used music or how it has affected us or how we've seen it utilized to great effect! You can join the conversation by commenting below how you've used music or seen it used to great effect yourself.
2 Year Birthday Celebration, Part B. Using Picture Books in the Classroom
In this second installment of the Grand Conversation, we chat about using picture books in the classroom in general and the mantra came up again, "Picture books are for everyone!!" Yes! Thank you, Jolene! We also get very specific about using picture book biographies about musical figures in the classroom. Enjoy part 2 and don't forget to leave a comment so I can enter you in the giveaway for 3 lucky winners to win either: 1. a signed set of Melanie's beautiful books!!!! OR 2. a PBJamz notebook OR 3. a critique from Yours, Truly!
Part 3 Picture Books are for Everyone!
Picture books are for EVERYONE! The value of collaboration, PB biography formats . . .these are a few of the topics we address in this last little leg of the grand conversation! This collaborative chat was so much fun with implications for writers, teachers, readers, families, and everyone ;-)
The Magic of Music
Remember WEE SING? This song is the perfect complement to our conversation: how music gets into our head and has power to do things in our brain and body, AND how music builds community because it is something we do together!
A Book to Share: MUSIC, MUSIC FOR EVERYONE
While this book is a bit dated (1988, so maybe more than a little), but it is such a lovely example of so many of the things we talked about in our grand conversation. See if you can pinpoint some of the power of music in this book!
Flashback! To these earlier episodes with my friends!
If you're just tuning in or if you missed these earlier episodes, I'm sharing them below for your convenience:
Nancy Stewart's episode
Jolene Gutierrez's episode
Melanie Ellsworth episode
Rekha Rajan's episodes:
This is Music: DRUMS
This is Music: HORNS
This is Music: STRINGS
This is Music: VOICE
And if you missed the one that started it all 2 years ago OR if you need some fun, fabulous birthday music, activities or fun, check out episode 1, the
BIRTHDAY JAMORAMA
In that episode, too, you'll meet Annie, who helped me write and record the theme song, and Allison Strick who designed the logo for PBJamz, as well as teacher Molly Ippolito who designed my author logo and created the birthday freebie that's still available on the episode.
Nancy Stewart's episode
Jolene Gutierrez's episode
Melanie Ellsworth episode
Rekha Rajan's episodes:
This is Music: DRUMS
This is Music: HORNS
This is Music: STRINGS
This is Music: VOICE
And if you missed the one that started it all 2 years ago OR if you need some fun, fabulous birthday music, activities or fun, check out episode 1, the
BIRTHDAY JAMORAMA
In that episode, too, you'll meet Annie, who helped me write and record the theme song, and Allison Strick who designed the logo for PBJamz, as well as teacher Molly Ippolito who designed my author logo and created the birthday freebie that's still available on the episode.
Teacher Tips: Integrating Music into the regular classroom
1. Use music for transitions/classroom management. Have a song or a sound that calls students to whatever place or task you need them to go or do. If the class is unruly, start a song or a clapping pattern (doesn't even matter what it is.) Get softer and softer until you're whispering and they're whispering and ready to listen to directions.
2. Use music to motivate students -- either to give them something to look forward to or to encourage them. Songs with positive messages will help build students' confidence, self-esteem, and encourage them to do their best. Use music as rewards to motivate students. (good behavior, passing a test, being able to do _____) Music and dance are great rewards.
3. Use music to build community and foster togetherness. Have a class song or a special song that you're all "in on". Something that is special for you. Use music to celebrate together -- or grieve together.
4. Use music, rhythm, chants, raps, poems, songs to help students connect to what they're learning and to foster memory. Repetition, repetition, repetition.
5. Use music as a fun way to share content. It's much more engaging to sing the parts of a plant or the life cycle of a chicken or the capitals of the states or the parts of a letter if you sing it.
2. Use music to motivate students -- either to give them something to look forward to or to encourage them. Songs with positive messages will help build students' confidence, self-esteem, and encourage them to do their best. Use music as rewards to motivate students. (good behavior, passing a test, being able to do _____) Music and dance are great rewards.
3. Use music to build community and foster togetherness. Have a class song or a special song that you're all "in on". Something that is special for you. Use music to celebrate together -- or grieve together.
4. Use music, rhythm, chants, raps, poems, songs to help students connect to what they're learning and to foster memory. Repetition, repetition, repetition.
5. Use music as a fun way to share content. It's much more engaging to sing the parts of a plant or the life cycle of a chicken or the capitals of the states or the parts of a letter if you sing it.
Integrating Music into the Music Classroom
See above -- it works exactly the same. I know it seems like a no-brainer, since we teach music. But it's easy to focus on the prescribed curriculum and forget the power of music. It works in the music classroom in all the same ways as above.
Guests' Links!
Rekha Rajan, Author for Children and Adults
Former music professor and opera singer
Instagram
Twitter/X
Former music professor and opera singer
Twitter/X
Tonnye Fletcher, M.Ed, NBCT
Children's author
K-2 Music Teacher
CCNCRA President
Host, PBJamz
Twitter/X
Instagram
FB
BlueSky
I'm available to do presentations for adults on integrating music into the classroom, connections between music and literacy, writing picture books, using picture book biographies in the classroom, conducting an afterschool writers' group, StoryWalks for Communities, or other topics. Send an email to: [email protected] for more information.
Children's author
K-2 Music Teacher
CCNCRA President
Host, PBJamz
Twitter/X
FB
BlueSky
I'm available to do presentations for adults on integrating music into the classroom, connections between music and literacy, writing picture books, using picture book biographies in the classroom, conducting an afterschool writers' group, StoryWalks for Communities, or other topics. Send an email to: [email protected] for more information.
Writing Prompts from Tonnye
- Music is. . .
- When I listen to music. . .
- My favorite song/type of music is ____ because. . . .
- THE MAGIC OF MUSIC
- Reimagining of THE PIED PIPER OF HAMELIN
- A teacher uses music to . . .
- Music has the power to . . .
- Write about a time music helped you remember something.
- Write about a special song you share with someone, or a song that makes you think of a particular person.
- Write about a time a song motivated you to do something.
- Write about a time a teacher used music to teach you something. Was that a postive experience? Why/why not?
- Write about what music means to you.
- Write an acrostic poem using the letters in MUSIC.
- Write a letter to music.
- Write a story wherein Music is the main character.
More Links and Fun!
YouTube playlist for Part 1(A) -- Puff the Magic Dragon, Encyclopedia, Onomatopoeia, Preamble to the Constitution and more!
YouTube playlist for Part B -- Teachers modeling good read aloud strategies, reading songs, fluency, etc.
YouTube playlist for Part C --
Pinterest board "Music and Literacy" full of teaching ideas that merge picture books and music or other music/literacy connections
Pinterest board "Sing a Story; Read a Song" to go along with a presentation I did for NC Reading Association annual reading conference
Pinterest board "Music Integration" which shares ideas for integrating music into many areas of the curriculum.
YouTube playlist for Part B -- Teachers modeling good read aloud strategies, reading songs, fluency, etc.
YouTube playlist for Part C --
Pinterest board "Music and Literacy" full of teaching ideas that merge picture books and music or other music/literacy connections
Pinterest board "Sing a Story; Read a Song" to go along with a presentation I did for NC Reading Association annual reading conference
Pinterest board "Music Integration" which shares ideas for integrating music into many areas of the curriculum.
PBJamz Snack -- PBJ Sandwich Cookies
Healthy, flourless PBJ sandwich cookies are the perfect snack to share with friends, along with a GRAND conversation of your own. What you talk about is totally up to you, but the conversation will be nuttier and sweeter if it includes music and/or picture books. ;-) Find the recipe here.
Enjoy making and sharing these yummy treats.
Enjoy making and sharing these yummy treats.
GIVEAWAY ALERT!
FROM MELANIE:
Melanie has offered a signed set of all three of her books to one lucky winner! What a generous offer, and her books are awesome! You will love them!
FROM PBJAMZ:
1. Your very own PBJamz journal (Pic below)
2. Picture book critique from Tonnye (up to 600 words, non-rhyming)
To be eligible, simply leave a comment below. I'll draw 3 winners on March 7, 2024.
Melanie has offered a signed set of all three of her books to one lucky winner! What a generous offer, and her books are awesome! You will love them!
FROM PBJAMZ:
1. Your very own PBJamz journal (Pic below)
2. Picture book critique from Tonnye (up to 600 words, non-rhyming)
To be eligible, simply leave a comment below. I'll draw 3 winners on March 7, 2024.
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A Jammin' Conversation with Valerie Bolling
It's always a fun conversation with Valerie Bolling. We talk music, picture books, instruments from around the world, neighborhood block parties, and so much more! It's a great conversation about Valerie's book, but also the gift of reading and the multitudinous benefits of picture books!
BING BOP BAM! TIME TO JAM
(A little PB tasting)
With short and simple rhyming couplets, Valerie tells the story of a neighborhood coming together for a block party and a jam session. She uses lyrical language and steady cadence to bring the neighborhood down the street for food, music, and fun. Readers will experience the music and fun, too, as Bolling shares instruments from around the world from various cultures. You will, however, have to supply your own food. ;-) Readers of all ages will enjoy this book and you may even be inspired to host your own neighborhood block party or your own jam session -- or both!
A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)
What a perfect song to teach about community and reinforce the topics and layers Valerie put into BING BOP BAM! TIME TO JAM. It's a wonderful song about what community is and how diversity and unity make it better and stronger!
Teacher Tips, Tricks and Topics
If you're teaching/raising preschool-aged children, there are lots of layers/topics you could pull to extend learning:
- What is a community?
- Community helpers/service workers
- Using simple percussion or handmade instruments to have a "jam session"
- Different kinds of communities (urban, suburban, rural) etc.
- How to be a good neighbor
- citizenship
- Producers/consumers
- Goods/services
- Great tie-in for any community/citizenship study
- Your place(s) in the world. You are part of a family that's part of a community, that's part of a town/city, that's part of a county/parish/etc, that's part of a state, that's part of a country, that's part of a continent. . .
- Culture (music, food, language) coming together to make a new whole
- Research your own neighborhood -- the history, the people, etc.
- Plan a block party and/or a jam session
- Research the musical instrument(s) mentioned in the book. What family do they belong to, where did they originate, how have they changed over time, etc.
Tips and Topics for Music Teachers
Using the instruments mentioned (and pictured on the end papers), there are lots of topics you could teach/activities you could design from this book:
- Sorting instruments into the families of sound (brass, percussion, woodwind, string)
- Research the various instruments (For younger students, the teacher can share information about each instrument. Older students could work in groups. Even older students could complete independent projects.)
- Try out the ones you have access to.
- Allow students to play the instrument in turns or as part of a rotation
- You demonstrate
- You play a rhythm on the instrument; they echo with their instrument or tap on their lap, etc.
- Listen to/watch samples on YouTube or similar.
- Listening maps/prompts, etc.
- Have students create their own instrument(see the Pinterest board for ideas) and have your own "jam session"
- **Host a block party for your school (It might make a great fundraising effort or a great cultural project) culminating in a tasting party of various cultural foods, and a musical performance by your students focusing on community and neighborhood, etc.
Writing Prompts from Tonnye
- Choose your favorite instrument. If it were part of the jam session, write a rhyming couplet for it. (2 lines that rhyme)
- What does it mean to be part of a neighborhood?
- What is the favorite community you've ever been a part of ?
- Write about a party you attended. Answer all the W questions (Who, what, where, when, why, and how) in your writing.
- Write about a fictional party you did NOT attend :-). Answer all the W questions (Who, what, where, when, why and how.)
- Write a poem about someone in your neighborhood. It doesn't have to rhyme. It could be a haiku or a sensory poem or a list poem, or a limerick, etc.
- Write about your favorite instrument for a jam session.
- If you've ever watched/been part of a jam session, write about that.
- Write about a make-believe neighborhood that you'd like to be a part of.
- Make up a story about a block party and/or a jam session gone wrong.
- Write about what you think it would be like to play the steel drum (pan).
- Do you think it would be easier to play the erhu or the banjo? Why?
- Write about someone going to watch a jam session who ends up playing in the jam session.
Writing Tips from Valerie
1. READ as many books as you can in the genre you intend to write. Some people say that you shouldn't write a picture book until you've read at least 100 of them.
2. STUDY the basics of writing by attending webinars and presentations, going to conferences, and taking classes. I'd love to have you join one of my classes. I teach independently (message me on social media if you're interested in knowing more) and for the Highlights Foundation.
3. WRITE those ideas down and turn them into stories.
4. GET FEEDBACK on your stories. Find a critique group.
5. JOIN writing communities, like SCBWI, 12 X 12 Picture Book Challenge, and Black Creators HeadQuarters*.
*(if you’re Black, of course)
2. STUDY the basics of writing by attending webinars and presentations, going to conferences, and taking classes. I'd love to have you join one of my classes. I teach independently (message me on social media if you're interested in knowing more) and for the Highlights Foundation.
3. WRITE those ideas down and turn them into stories.
4. GET FEEDBACK on your stories. Find a critique group.
5. JOIN writing communities, like SCBWI, 12 X 12 Picture Book Challenge, and Black Creators HeadQuarters*.
*(if you’re Black, of course)
Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!
YouTube playlist with 90 videos to embellish and accentuate your experience with BING BOP JAM, including videos introducing and telling more about the musical instruments included in the book, as well as songs and videos about neighborhoods, communities, and community helpers. Also fun block party music and videos for your next kid-friendly neighborbhood block party.
A Pinterest board with neighborhood activities, coloring pages, block party planning tips, music lessons, information about the instruments mentioned, crafts, and more!
A Pinterest board with neighborhood activities, coloring pages, block party planning tips, music lessons, information about the instruments mentioned, crafts, and more!
PBJamz Snack -- PBJ Cheesecake Bars
If you're attending a neighborhood block party, this seems like the perfect food to take. It would be great for a dessert, but also for a snack. If there happened to be any leftover, you could maybe eat them for breakfast. Oh, well, maybe that's just me. ;-) A little grown-up appeal, a lot of kid appeal, and a whole lot of flavor, and if you're a PBJ fan, these deserve a permanent number on your street! Grab the recipe here.
Guest Links and Giveaways
 |  |
Website: valeriebolling.com
Twitter: twitter.com/valerie_bolling
Instagram: instagram.com/valeriebollingauthor
Facebook: facebook.com/ValerieBollingAuthor
To purchase Valerie's books, visit the Books page on her website and click on the book for purchase links.
Valerie has graciously agreed to offer a 15-minute telephone AMA (Ask Me Anything) to one lucky winner. If you'd like to pick her brain, hear more about her process, get her thoughts on publishing or anything else, leave a comment below. I'll draw a winner from commenters who leave a comment by Feb. 14 at 11:59 PM. I can promise you it will be an inspirational and stimulating conversation.
A Conversation Blending PBs and Jamz (Picture books and music)
Join Jeanette and me as we chat about picture books in the music classroom, in the regular classroom, and so much more! How to use them, what does she look for in a picture book, how to overcome the feeling of being on an island as a music teacher, how to get help, what to let go, and some great picture book recommendations. Come dig in with us!
A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)
As Jeanette stated, picture books are a great way to get kids interested in reading, no matter their age. We all love being read to Read-alouds are magical and sometimes get a child interested in a particular topic or in reading in general. Whether you are in the music classroom, a grade-specific classroom or any other setting full of young people, reading is a gateway to new and amazing places and experiences and that is sure to be valuable in your classroom!
Jeanette's teacher help books: STORIES THAT SING & STORIES THAT SING TOO
 |  |
Here are the two teacher books that Jeanette has co-written and has available (check out her website to order.) So many great books they have highlighted and created resources for that would make a great addition to your classroom. Kids are sure to love these picture books. Some of these are favorite books of mine (YOUR NAME IS A SONG, DRUM DREAM GIRL, and WHAT THE ROAD SAID from the second book and so. many. from the first one.) Great choices to add some music and movement and lots of fun literacy to your classroom, whether you're in the regular classroom or the music classroom!
Teacher Tips, Tricks and Topics
Since I don't want to steal any of Jeanette's thunder, and I'm not highlighting a specific picture book, I'm going to defer to Jeanette and encourage you to make use of her freebies, check out her blog and podcast for tons of great teacher tips, tricks and topics.
Tips and Topics for Music Teachers
Ditto above, but for music teachers. She has lots of great tips on the blog, the FB group, and the podcast, so go check her out, connect and enjoy her freebies!
Writing Prompts from Tonnye
- Write about a time a teacher used music in the classroom.
- Write about a picture book that made an impression on you.
- Write about the coolest read aloud you ever listened to.
- Have you ever done an amazing read aloud? Write about it.
- Write a storybook (picture book) that integrates ALL the things Jeanette looks for in a book to teach.
- Write about a time you blended music and reading (as a teacher or as a learner)
- Write a poem that integrates sound words (onomatopoeia)
- Write a story about the book that sang.
- Write a story about a child who learns to read with the help of music.
- If you "read" music, write about how that experience was similar and/or different from learning to "read" words/stories.
- Write your own list of storybooks that have implications for the music classroom (Feel free to share your list in the comments so we can all benefit!)
- Write about a book that makes you think of a song.
- Write about a song that makes you think of a book.
Writing Tips from Jeanette
Authors, Here are things Jeanette is looking for in a picture book to share with kids. These are great to work into your stories if you can.
- Repeating patterns to add instruments or a tiny melody
- Vivid illustrations
- Rhyming helps to practice steady beat
- Sound words (if you can hear a sound in your head when you read it, it’s a sound word)
- Movement words (if you can visualize a movement when you read it, it’s a movement word)
- A positive message
Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!
Here are a couple of Pinterest boards that will help you integrate music and literacy too!
Sing a Story: Read a Song
Music Integration
YouTube playlist full of music and literacy connections. Music, conversations, and more!
Jeanette's blog post "3 Reasons You Should Teach Storybook Lessons"
Sing a Story: Read a Song
Music Integration
YouTube playlist full of music and literacy connections. Music, conversations, and more!
Jeanette's blog post "3 Reasons You Should Teach Storybook Lessons"
PBJamz Snack
Here in the South, we love biscuits and we love peanut butter and jelly, so in honor of hosting a fellow-southerner for this episode, I'm sharing a simple and bound-to-be-delicious PBJ Monkey bread! For years, Monkey bread was a go-to for breakfast for Shane and me. We'd have some fruit alongside and maybe some bacon, ham or sausage, but holy wow, this takes Monkey bread to a whole new level! How yummy does this sound?!? You can find the recipe here.
Guest Links and Giveaways
 |  |
https://storiesthatsing.net (website)
All socials @thehappymusicteacher
Jeanette is generously doing a giveaway for every reader who is interested! Check it out:
- a month of storybook club free (Storybook club includes a lesson plan each month, a PowerPoint to increase student engagement, and a video tutorial for the lesson plan. )
- 2 free storybook lesson plans
- a bonus bouncy ball activity. Storybook club includes a lesson plan each month, a PowerPoint to increase student engagement, and a video tutorial for the lesson plan.
Link for freebies: https://storiesthatsing.net/pbjamz
Link for free storybook club for one month: https://the-music-teacher-academy.circle.so/checkout/storybook-spotlight-club
Enter FREESB at check out. It will charge $1 which I will refund.
A Slow-Slow-Quick-Quick-Slow Conversation with Rachel Hobbs
In this episode Rachel Hobbs and I chat about her amazing book, language learning, pitch success stories, cultural representation, music, fractured fairy tales and so. much. more! This is a rich conversation and we cover a LOT of ground! It's a great conversation sparked by a fabulous book. Read on to find out more about how you can use this book in the classroom or with your little one. We have tons of ideas below!
TANGO RED RIDING HOOD by Rachel S. Hobbs
This bilingual debut book by Rachel S. Hobbs is not only a fractured fairy tale, it is also full of Argentine culture, and full of musical references. It packs a lot of punch for a picture book! You'll find elements of the fairy tale/folk tale we know and love ("Little Red Riding Hood") with Spanish and musical elements embedded throughout. Wolf tangos through the story with a slow-slow-quick-quick slow retelling of the familiar tale that will make you hungry as a well . . .wolf :-) Hungry for more Spanish words and phrases, hungry for alfajores, and hungry for. . .TANGO! Bring on the music, bring on the cookies, and bring on the fun, while teaching a sweet cultural lesson along the way to Abuela's house!
A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)
This video seemed MOST appropriate to go along with this delightful book, as it is the song and the instrument that is mentioned in the story. This is El Choclo played on the bandoneon! There are additional musical connections in the YouTube playlist, so if you're looking for something different, be sure to check that out in the links section. You'll find lots of musical selections that are great companions to the book as well as classroom activities to go along.
Teacher Tips, Tricks and Topics
- Social Studies
- Argentina!!
- Map skills (Find Argentina. What is N,S,E,W of Argentina. Capital? Border countries? etc.
- Culture
- Food (alfajores)
- Music (See section below)
- Language (Glossary)
- Argentina!!
- ELA (English Language Arts)
- Vocabulary (lots of great vocabulary words.
- Could also talk about English words that are similar to Spanish/derived from Spanish
- Verb tenses/changing from one to the other
- Dance/danced/dancing
- Twirl/twirled
- leap/leaped
- blow/blew
- tap/tapped/tapping
- etc.
- Bilingual (using Spanish and English in the text interchangeably)
- Learning another language -- easy to mix up words/build compassion for ELL students and others learning a second language.
- Vocabulary (lots of great vocabulary words.
- Decoding practice/meaning making
- Context clues (How did you figure out the words in other language?)
- Picture clues
- making inferences
- Context clues (How did you figure out the words in other language?)
- Spanish/English
- Body parts matching (Spanish/English)
- Dance terms
Tips and Topics for Music Teachers
- Musical vocabulary
- Rhythm
- Beat
- Cadence
- Bandoneon
- Tempo
- Allegro
- Dance
- Tango
- Violin
- Argentine music
- El Choclo
- Listening
- Various versions
- lyrics
- Musical response
- Composer (Angel Villodo)
- Bandoneon
- Compare to other similar instruments (accordian, concertina, etc.)
- Listen to bandoneon music
- El Choclo
- Tango
- Tango music
- Tango steps
- Tango rhythm
Writing Prompts from Tonnye
1. What surprised you the most in this story?
2. Have you ever tried to learn another language? Write about that experience. What was hard/easy? Did you have any misconceptions?
3. Write your own version of RED RIDING HOOD.
4. Write a recipe for your favorite cookies.
5. Write a letter to one of the characters in the story. Try to use at least 3 Spanish words.
6. Write about how you figured out the words you didn't know in this story.
7. Why do you think Lobo confused eat/meet?
8. Do you think this is a good title for the story? Why/why not?
9. Listen to El Choclo. Write about how it makes you feel.
10. Have you ever danced Tango? Write about that experience. If you have not write about whether you'd like to learn or not.
11. Write about your favorite food from your culture.
12. If You have an abuela/abuelo (grandmother/grandfather) living, how would you get to their house. Write a story about going to visit them.
13. If you could choose between playing the bandoneon or the violin, which would you choose and why?
14. Write a paragraph about your body. Use the Spanish names for body parts.
2. Have you ever tried to learn another language? Write about that experience. What was hard/easy? Did you have any misconceptions?
3. Write your own version of RED RIDING HOOD.
4. Write a recipe for your favorite cookies.
5. Write a letter to one of the characters in the story. Try to use at least 3 Spanish words.
6. Write about how you figured out the words you didn't know in this story.
7. Why do you think Lobo confused eat/meet?
8. Do you think this is a good title for the story? Why/why not?
9. Listen to El Choclo. Write about how it makes you feel.
10. Have you ever danced Tango? Write about that experience. If you have not write about whether you'd like to learn or not.
11. Write about your favorite food from your culture.
12. If You have an abuela/abuelo (grandmother/grandfather) living, how would you get to their house. Write a story about going to visit them.
13. If you could choose between playing the bandoneon or the violin, which would you choose and why?
14. Write a paragraph about your body. Use the Spanish names for body parts.
Writing Tips from Rachel
1. Find a critique group that resonates with you, not necessarily tells you what you want though! For example, if a partner doesn't like words in another language but you write using words or phrases in another language, they are probably not the best fit for you.
2. Find someone to enthusiastically telI your ideas to! I don't like journaling, but I like talking and I have had amazing walking partners who have let me chat about my newest ideas, or recent revisions, etc. They weren't writers themselves, but they liked books and liked me, so that was helpful! Your critique group can give you, well, the critiques, but your friends can be your hype team.
3. Remember this is not a race and you're not competing. Publishing will always be there. I used to want to be published first in my twenties and I felt like everything was such a rush. Now in my 40's I know that good stories at times need to marinate, some longer than others. Connecting with other writers and establishing a sense of camaraderie helped me see how writers can be cheerleaders for other writers, and that is beautiful!
4. Write because you love writing, not just to be published. If you write for publication, you might get discouraged and stop writing. But would you really be happy not writing for the rest of your life? Remember why you write--because of joy and personal fulfillment. Then when publishing does come your way, it's the cherry on top.
5. What books did you want to read when you were younger and how do you want kids to feel when they read your books? Pull from your personal experiences when you write, even if your actual experiences don't show up on the page.
2. Find someone to enthusiastically telI your ideas to! I don't like journaling, but I like talking and I have had amazing walking partners who have let me chat about my newest ideas, or recent revisions, etc. They weren't writers themselves, but they liked books and liked me, so that was helpful! Your critique group can give you, well, the critiques, but your friends can be your hype team.
3. Remember this is not a race and you're not competing. Publishing will always be there. I used to want to be published first in my twenties and I felt like everything was such a rush. Now in my 40's I know that good stories at times need to marinate, some longer than others. Connecting with other writers and establishing a sense of camaraderie helped me see how writers can be cheerleaders for other writers, and that is beautiful!
4. Write because you love writing, not just to be published. If you write for publication, you might get discouraged and stop writing. But would you really be happy not writing for the rest of your life? Remember why you write--because of joy and personal fulfillment. Then when publishing does come your way, it's the cherry on top.
5. What books did you want to read when you were younger and how do you want kids to feel when they read your books? Pull from your personal experiences when you write, even if your actual experiences don't show up on the page.
Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!
YouTube playlist with lots of musical connections and activities to go along with TANGO RED RIDING HOOD
Pinterest board with Spanish learning activities, info about Argentina, tango, and more!
FUN! page on Rachel's website with coloring pages, word searches, AND the recipe for Alfajores! (Click on the FUN tab if it doesn't take you there directly.)
Pinterest board with Spanish learning activities, info about Argentina, tango, and more!
FUN! page on Rachel's website with coloring pages, word searches, AND the recipe for Alfajores! (Click on the FUN tab if it doesn't take you there directly.)
PBJamz Snack
If you've been a subscriber or follower for any length of time, you know I love to personalize my PBJ snacks whenever possible, so I'm borrowing Rachel's photo of her alfajores and I'm going to make a suggestion. Her recipe for traditional alfajores are here. If you notice in her description/info, she says the most traditional filling is dulce de leche, which I think we should all try! But she also says you can use jelly . . . so, when I try them, I'm going to save some and make PBJ Alfajores. When the cookies cool, I'm going to layer peanut butter and jelly/jam between (I think I'll use strawberry). And then, if you wanted to go a step further, you could roll them in crushed peanuts! Que tan delicioso! That's enough to make us all hungry . . .as a wolf ;-)
Guest Links and Giveaways
Rachel is a delight, and you're going to want to follow her progress, because I know this will not be the last we hear from her! As a matter of fact, I bet she'll be a guest again on PBJamz because music is an integral part of her life! Anyway to follow her on all the socials, and find out more about her and what she's up to, here are all her links:
Website: www.rachelshobbs.com
Twitter: Rachel_S_Hobbs
Instagram: rachel_s_hobbs
TikTok: rachel.s.hobbs
As well as following her, please leave positive reviews if you read and enjoy her book, request it (and check it out) at your local library and bookstore, mark it want to read (or read) on GoodReads, recommend it to friends and family, buy a copy as a gift, shout it out on socials if you enjoy it, etc. There are so many ways to support authors that don't cost a penny! (However, if you CAN afford it, you'll definitely want to add this book to your collection! ;-))
Also, my rhyming writing friends will be thrilled to know that Rachel is offering a picture book critique. If you're the winner, you can choose to submit a non-rhyming picture book (up to 600 words) OR a RHYMING picture book (Limited to 200 words) for Rachel to critique. To enter, simply leave a comment below!
Website: www.rachelshobbs.com
Twitter: Rachel_S_Hobbs
Instagram: rachel_s_hobbs
TikTok: rachel.s.hobbs
As well as following her, please leave positive reviews if you read and enjoy her book, request it (and check it out) at your local library and bookstore, mark it want to read (or read) on GoodReads, recommend it to friends and family, buy a copy as a gift, shout it out on socials if you enjoy it, etc. There are so many ways to support authors that don't cost a penny! (However, if you CAN afford it, you'll definitely want to add this book to your collection! ;-))
Also, my rhyming writing friends will be thrilled to know that Rachel is offering a picture book critique. If you're the winner, you can choose to submit a non-rhyming picture book (up to 600 words) OR a RHYMING picture book (Limited to 200 words) for Rachel to critique. To enter, simply leave a comment below!
Congratulations Shaunda and Jany! You are the winners of YELLOW DOG BLUES by Alice Faye Duncan! Thanks Alice for your generosity, and thank you Shaunda and Jany for supporting PBJamz!
Around the world through Music with Rekha
Rekha Rajan and I chat about the fourth and final book in her board book series THIS IS MUSIC: VOICE. Our conversation runs from her inspiration and process for this book and the series, to marketing and the power of music in so many areas. We talk about representation and multiculturalism, and tons more! It's always a delight to talk with Rekha, and these books are the perfect gift for your young musical reader as the holidays approach.
THIS IS MUSIC: VOICE by Rekha Rajan
The fourth and final installment of Rekha Rajan's board book series focuses on Voice, and like the others, this small but mighty book packs a powerful punch for the young musician in your life. While it is a board book, don't be fooled. It is chock full of musical content and vocabulary for your young musicians. Featuring vibrant and familiar illustrations by Tania Yakunova, the entire series is colorful, informative, musical, fun, and interactive. This set of four books would make a great gift for the young soon-to-be-reader, preschool music-lover, teacher, parent, or more.
A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)
One of the things Rekha and I point out in our conversation is that Tania included sign language in the illustration of the chorus. This song is literally about singing, which is a perfect tie-in for VOICE, but it also is fabulous for helping kids identify/recognize colors. Colors are super-easy to sign in ASL. Here's one example. This is a lovely way to bring some of these ideas together.
Teacher Tips, Tricks and Topics
Perfect science tie-in:
How does our voice work? You could do the simplest version of this where students touch their throat gently to feel their vocal cords vibrate and talk about vibrations creating sound or you could get much more technical for older students. Check out the links section for some resources.
Social Studies:
DECIBELLA AND HER 6-INCH VOICE
Sign language
How does our voice work? You could do the simplest version of this where students touch their throat gently to feel their vocal cords vibrate and talk about vibrations creating sound or you could get much more technical for older students. Check out the links section for some resources.
Social Studies:
- What does it mean to "use your voice" or "lose your voice" for a social/cultural/ political/educational cause? Discuss the differences in a literal interpretation of your voice and the more figurative interpretation.
- Discuss how some historic figures used their voice for change.
- Do deaf people have a voice? Does a voice have to be audible? How can people without an audible voice have their voice heard?
DECIBELLA AND HER 6-INCH VOICE
Sign language
Tips and Topics for Music Teachers
- Different styles of using your voice to make music:
- Opera
- Rap
- Yodeling
- How the voice works
- How to care for your voice appropriately
- Vocal warm-ups
- A cappela (singing without the use of musical instruments)
- Various a capella groups:
- Pentatonix
- HomeFree
- VoicePlay
- Various a capella groups:
- Solfege/vocal scale singing
- Comparison between Indian solfege and western solfege (syllabic note singing)
- Vocal exploration exercises (check the YouTube playlist in the links section)
- Different vocal ranges: soprano, alto, tenor, bass, etc.
- Pitch
- Mouth shapes/vocalizations/etc. (partner with speech therapist/reading teachers
Writing Prompts from Tonnye
- Write about using your voice
- Write a poem titled "My Voice"
- Does everyone's voice matter? Why? How can we make sure every voice is heard?
- I can use my voice for _______________ (good, change, helping, kindness, etc.) Fill in the blank and then give good details and examples.
- Write a story titled, "The Singer Who Lost Their Voice"
- What would you do if you woke up one day without a voice?
- Write a funny story about a bear with a mouse's voice.
- If I woke up with the voice of an animal, I would want the voice of a _______ because ______. (Add lots of details. What would be good, hard, scary, exciting . . . if you switched voices with that animal.)
- Title: When Ant Found His Voice
- Would you rather use your voice for opera, rap, yodeling or another style of singing? Why?
- Write a step-by-step plan for taking care of your voice.
- Would you rather? Have the voice of a dolphin or a dragon? Why?
- Write about a historical person who used their voice to change the world.
- Write about a deaf person who discovers their "voice" and learns to make a difference without an audible voice.
- Write about a great big animal with a teeny tiny voice OR write about a teeny tiny animal with a great big voice. What if they were best friends? Write that story.
Writing Tips from Rekha
- Read the types of books you want to write. When I was working on a nonfiction, picture book biography, I read as many as I could.
- Find time to write everyday - even if it is just one paragraph.
- Step away from your projects. We get so invested in what we write that sometimes, leaving them for a day or week helps to read with new eyes.
- Don't give up!
Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!
YouTube playlist with vocal exercises, fun songs, solfege, voice care tips and more!
Pinterest boardpin.it/KXPs5pI with lots of teaching tips and ideas, voice care, vocal exercises, information about how the voice works, etc.
Pinterest boardpin.it/KXPs5pI with lots of teaching tips and ideas, voice care, vocal exercises, information about how the voice works, etc.
PBJamz Snack
While Rekha and I were chatting, she shared that she ate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches every day for lunch for years. Now that her palate is more refined ;-), I'm thinking this peanut butter and jelly sandwich would be right up her alley now. It's more of an idea and a technique that you could personalize with your favorite bread, your favorite jam/jelly, your favorite nut butter, etc. and then apply this technique. Bring on the Boysenberry jam, Rekha, and give this a try :-)
Guest Links and Giveaways
Rekha's website
Twitter/X
Instagram
To buy THIS IS MUSIC: VOICE
Rekha is offering a TRIPLE giveaway for this episode!!! Comment below for your chance to win:
1. A PB critique (subject to Rekha's exclusions on word count, etc.)
2. A signed copy of THIS IS MUSIC: VOICE
3. A virtual OR in-person school visit with Rekha!
Three winners will be chosen! Leave us a comment to be entered!
Twitter/X
To buy THIS IS MUSIC: VOICE
Rekha is offering a TRIPLE giveaway for this episode!!! Comment below for your chance to win:
1. A PB critique (subject to Rekha's exclusions on word count, etc.)
2. A signed copy of THIS IS MUSIC: VOICE
3. A virtual OR in-person school visit with Rekha!
Three winners will be chosen! Leave us a comment to be entered!
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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