Tonnye Fletcher
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Spotlighting
picture books (PB)
with
musical hooks (Jamz)

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MAMIACHI & ME

1/7/2025

7 Comments

 

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MAMIACHI & ME w/Jolene and Dakota Gutierrez

Join Jolene, her son (and co-author), Dakota, and me for a fun and laid-back discussion of their latest book MAMIACHI & ME -- the first episode of 2025! We pay special homage to school music programs and chat all things mamiachi, writing with a partner, and much more! You do NOT want to miss tis great conversation!

​​Brava to the Mamiachis: Past, Present, and Future

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​Inspired by a true-life Mamiachi, the authors and illustrator compose a story of a contemporary Mexican family who carries on the tradition of mariachi (Mexican music played by a small group of musicians) in a non-traditional way, since mariachi did not include women until much later in its history and it is still a fairly rare occurrence. The creators of the book have brought together Mexican culture, music, and girl power in a very meaningful way that will hopefully inspire the next generation of "mamiachis"! The back matter is not to be missed, as it tells the true story of some of the earliest mamiachis and tell more about the instruments and the make-up of a mariachi band.

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

As I've delved into the world of female mariachi, I've enjoyed listening to many all-female groups as well as male groups and mixed-gender groups.  I love this group for a few reasons:  their name (Mariachi Mariposas) which translates to Mariachi Butterflies or Butterflies of Mariachi.  I also love the variety of instruments in the group:  violins, trumpets, guitar, guitarron.  This one gives you a perfect, if slightly softer and slower example of female mariachi.  There are many more in the YouTube playlist, along with some educational videos, and rhythm play-alongs for music class, etc. Their sound is professional and quite lovely. I hope you enjoy!

Teacher Tips, Tricks and Topics
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This book is so great for the classroom.  It would especially be applicable for Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 - Oct. 15) or for other Hispanic holidays (Day of the Dead, Cinco de Mayo, etc.)  It would also be fabulous for March, as it is Music in Our Schools AND Women's History Month. Here are some topics you could explore, but also take a look at the YouTube playlist and the Pinterest board for specific lessons, crafts, videos, etc. to supplement the book.
  • History of mariachi
  • Geography of mariachi (where it originated, where it's popular now, and everything in between -- regional differences? etc.)
  • Mexican holidays where mariachi would be featured
  • Women's changing roles in mariachi
  • Reading/literacy
    • Vocabulary/Spanish words
    • Back matter
    • Blending fiction/nonfiction
  • Mariachi costumes
  • Mariachi instruments
  • SEL -- So much emotion!  Lots of different feelings to discuss, roleplay or learn about in the way that best suits your classroom and the ages/stages of your students.
  • Arts -- Draw instruments or players, create puppets, make musical instruments, etc. (Check out Pinterest board and YouTube playlist for specifics and more ideas)

Tips and Topics for Music Teachers
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  • Listening to samples of mariachi music with varied instrumentation and varied musicians.
  • Videos of male, female and mixed mariachi (Check out the YouTube playlist!)
  • The instruments of mariachi
  • Compare mariachi music
    • women vs. men vs. mixed groups
    • regional variations?
    • older mariachi vs. contemporary
  • Make your own instruments (castanets, maracas, etc.) Check the Pinterest board.

Writing Prompts from Tonnye
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  1. If you could play any mariachi instrument, which would it be, and why?
  2. Do you agree or disagree that women should be able to play mariachi?  Write a persuasive essay arguing your viewpoint.
  3. Listen to at least 3 different mariachi groups. Write about what they have in common.
  4. Write a mariachi story from the perspective of one of the instruments.
  5. This story contains lots of emotions.  Write your own emotional story. Include at least 5 feelings your characters are experiencing.
  6. Have you ever performed?  What emotions did you experience? 
  7. Write an acrostic poem for Mariachi (Or choose one of the instruments)
  8. Write a list of Spanish words from the story and the English equivalent.
  9. Write a sensory poem about a mariachi experience (maybe at a Mexican restaurant?)
  10. Have you ever been part of a performing group?  How did that feel?
  11. Why do you think school music programs are important?
  12. Make a list of ten of your favorite words. See if you can use all ten in a story.
  13. What is your favorite kind of music?  Write a story about a kid learning to play that style of music.
  14. Do you and you mom have any hobbies in common?  What do you like to do together?
  15. Would you like to be part of a mariachi group?  Why or why not?
  16. Write a letter to one of the women in the back matter. Tell them why you admire them and ask them 3 questions you are curious about.

Writing Tips from Jolene and Dakota

Dakota and I worked hard to find lyrical language that fit the vision and vibe of our story, including words that have a strong rhythm to them for some parts and words that flow beautifully in other parts.

​Look at your manuscript. What words might enrich and enliven your story?

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!

YouTube playlist with 60+ videos that are the perfect complement to this book!  There are examples of female mariachi, as well as mini-documentaries, play-alongs for music class, background music, and more!

Pinterest board with images of mariachi costumes, craft ideas, Hispanic culture tie-ins, activities for Cinco de Mayo and Dia de Muertos and Hispanic Heritage month or any other time you'd like to use this book.  History of Mariachi, Mariachi costumes, information about the musical genre and the instruments and more. . . 

Visit Jolene's site for an Educator's Guide for MAMIACHI & ME as well as her other books.

Guest Links and Giveaways
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Jolene's website where you can find out more about her, her books, access educational guides, and more.

Jolene's FB

Jolene's Twitter/X

Jolene's Instagram

Jolene on YouTube

Dakota isn't very active on socials, and is quite busy with his university work.

Get your signed copy here: 
https://secondstartotherightbooks.com/book/sign1419767159

Or, grab a copy wherever books are sold!

Jolene and Dakota have offered a free copy of MAMIACHI & ME to one lucky winner who comments on THIS BLOG POST by 11:59 PM EST on Wednesday, January 22.  Just drop a comment below to be eligible!
7 Comments

ROCK STAR SANTA

11/7/2024

2 Comments

 

Gayle and I chat holiday books, rhyme, and more!

Christmas time's a-comin' and Santa is getting ready to rock out! You'll want a front row seat for this charming conversation between Gayle and me about writing holiday books, her inspiration, rock and roll (of course!) and so much more. Grab the cookies and milk and get comfy as we chat all things ROCK STAR SANTA!

ROCK STAR SANTA

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In this fun book, Santa's not just coming down the chimney, he's bringing down the house, with the help of his  rockin' reindeer.  With nods to KISS, and lots of rock star-studded word play, this book debuted a rock'n'roll Santa before he was Christmas Chronicles cool!  (Fans of the movie will LOVE this book).  Perfect for kids (and grandkids) of 80's rock star fans, or any rockstar fans.  Boogie down the chimney with Santa in this rollicking rhyming rocking book!

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

What a fun little song to get littles up and moving to the beat like Rock Star Santa!  You can have kiddos sing along, dance along, or come up with some fun musical activities to do alongside this fun groovin' ditty!  Check out lots of other musical connections in the YouTube playlist in the links section below!

Teacher Tips, Tricks and Topics

  • ELA/Reading/Language arts
    • Rhyme
    • Vowel teams (Lots of words in text have ea, ou, au, etc.
    • Character analysis would be great or reading two Santa Claus books and comparing Santa's character in both books (Venn diagram, double T-chart, etc.
    • Beginning/Middle/End
    • Other books that use the "was I just dreaming?" trope
    • Vocabulary --
      • synonyms (other words for sing -- croon, wail, etc.)
      • fashion words (scarf, jeans, sequins, silk, ponytail, bedecked, etc.
  • See below for other topics you could delve into that are music-related.
  • Also, check out the YouTube playlist and the Pinterest board for additional activities.

Tips and Topics for Music Teachers

I know that many of you are in disctricts that don't include Christmas in the curriculum or if you're in parochial schools, Santa might be taboo as well. I'm lucky to be in a place where most of us celebrate, so I've been using this story with my K-2 music students this week, and here are a few things I've been pointing out. There are additional activities in the YouTube playlist and on the Pinterest board. I will continue adding to those as I see things that match.
  1. Sound effects to accompany stories/poems/dramatic readings.  This is a kinder objective in NC, but I find even my first and second graders need more opportunitites to hear and look for sound effect to match stories and poems.  We've been listening to a YouTube read aloud and talking about the different sound effects and how they match the story.
  2. It's a great opportunity to talk about genres (and maybe stereotypes too,). If it's allowed in your district, some clips from The Christmas Chronicles would be great to go along with this book. Characteristics of rock 'n' roll, truth vs. myths about rock stars, etc.
    1. Instruments of rock and roll mentioned in the book
  3. I've been pairing it with lots of Santa songs for body percussion, singing, rhythm practice and more. Check out the YouTube list for some of the pieces I've been using.
  4. Gayle states that this version os Santa is a tribute to KISS, so if you have older kids and feel like it's appropriate, you could talk about them to whatever extent you feel it's okay. 
  5. It would be a fun time to bring in other rock 'n' roll Christmas tunes: Run, Run Rudolph, etc. 
  6. Also a good time to talk about audience behavior and how it changes based on the type of performance.

Writing Prompts from Tonnye

1. Write about another unexpected identity of Santa Claus: Santa dancing ballet? Cowboy Santa? Hip-Hop Santa? Santa from another country? Chef Santa?
2. Pretend you were at Santa's concert. Write a fan letter telling him how much you loved it. (Or not perhaps)
3. Write a description of Santa the way YOU think he looks.
4. Write a letter to Santa. Don't JUST ask for things. Be sure to tell him thank you for what he's already given you. Ask about Mrs. Claus, the elves, the reindeer.
5.  If you were a rock star, what would you want your name to be. Write about yourself as a rock star. What would you wear, what would you play or sing?
6.  If you could play or sing with any rock 'n' roll band, who would you join and why?
7. Write an essay about what makes something rock 'n' roll.
8. Research and do a written and/or oral report on the history of rock.
9. Write about another character as a rock 'n' roll star that we would not expect: Paul Bunyan? The Easter Bunny? Jack Frost? The Tooth Fairy? Mother Nature? etc.
10.  Write a poem of rhyming couplets about Santa.
11. Write a story with the title: "I Rocked with Santa"
12. Here's a first line: At the stroke of midnight, the guitar wailed.
13.  Write your own sensory Christmas poem. Use as many sensory details as you can.
14. Write an acrostic poem using Santa's name.

Writing Tips from Gayle

ROCK STAR SANTA was written in rhyme.  All my picture books, both published and pre-published are written in rhyme, and because I belonged to The Poetry Garage for six years my advice for new writers who aspire to write in rhyme is:
 
1.     Write your manuscript all the way through before you start to revise. Some writers tend to go back to the beginning to seemingly make it stronger when they are only halfway through. This is a bad idea for two reasons. 
a.) you lose your original cadence that you were writing in.
b.) the ending informs the beginning. If you never finish, how can you know if the ending reflects the beginning.
 
2.     When having your rhyming work reviewed or critiqued be sure the person you are seeking an opinion from is a bonafide rhymer. As Tonnye can attest to, there is a rhythm to rhyme and those who do not understand scansion will think your work is great just because the end words rhyme. The meter and accents are an important part of poetry.
 
3.     Try to break up your end rhymes with multisyllabic word choices in your rhyme scheme. And switch it up with internal rhyme, or better yet, use internal and end rhyme to make your rhyme more interesting.
 
ie. sample lines from Rock Star Santa (Scholastic 2008) that demonstrate multi-syllabic end rhyme.
 
Stomping joins the loud applause.
Rock the house for Santa Claus.
 
and
 
Snow-white hair in ponytail.
Santa’s ready. Watch him wail!
 
4.     When writing a rhyming manuscript keep the word count as low as possible. When editors say they want manuscripts under 1,000 words, they’re speaking of prose, not rhyme.
 
Long rhyming manuscripts get tedious to read and children lose their focus.
 
Rock Star Santa is 305 words.
 
Hope these tips help those of you who are considering writing your picture book in rhyme.

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!

Pinterest board full of images, songs, and activities to enhance your enjoyment of ROCK STAR SANTA
​YouTube playlist full of fun music, ROCK STAR SANTA read-alouds and more!

PBJamz Snack

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Santa would LOVE to find these on Christmas Eve, and I'm pretty sure everyone else will enjoy them too!  If your mouth isn't watering from looking at the picture, it will be when you read the recipe!  Great for peanut butter lovers of all ages!  Don't just make them at Christmas; make them any time! 

Guest Links and Giveaways

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Gayle's Books page (see all her books in one place; check out the synopses of each, and get the B&N link to purchase.). Reminder: If you want to purchase ROCK STAR SANTA, you'll have to purchase directly from Gayle.  Contact her via her website.

Gayle's website

​FB

Twitter/X

Instagram

Gayle is graciously offering a giveaway of a copy of ROCK STAR SANTA to one lucky winner!  To be eligible, simply leave a comment below by Sunday, Dec. 8 at 11:59 EST.  I'll pop your name in the Wheel of Names and choose one rockin' reader to receive their very own copy of ROCK STAR SANTA! (US only)
2 Comments

OUR JOYFUL NOISE by Gabriele Davis

10/13/2024

4 Comments

 

Childhood Experiences, Music, Memories and How it All Weaves Together

Gabriele, who is my agent-sister (Shout-out to our amazing agent, Joyce Sweeney of Seymour Agency!!!!) and I chat writing, publishing, childhood memories, gospel music,  spirituals, jazz standards, some trombone-love, and much more!  Join us for a fun conversation about how this beautiful book came to be and the music inside!

OUR JOYFUL NOISE by Gabriele Davis

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OUR JOYFUL NOISE by Gabriele Davis, beautifully illustrated by Craig Stanley and published by Atheneum is chock-full of onomatopoeia that celebrates the music of everyday living as well as the music that tells the history of our lives.  Music weaves its way through this family's days, weeks, and all the time they spend together. "Hidden" throughout the text are black spirituals, gospel songs, jazz standards, and more music. I especially love that the back matter includes a list and some historical information for each of those hidden gems.  Trombonists will especially appreciate a little extra exposure in this musical journey through a family's time together.  You'll be singing in your head and tapping your feet, too.

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

As I mention in the video, this is one of my favorite songs of all time.  Louis' version especially makes me smile.  The visuals in this video are sweet and perfect for kids to enjoy. There are several other versions if you'd prefer something different. Check out the YouTube playlist with much of the music, information about the trombone, and more. It's in the links section.

Teacher Tips, Tricks and Topics
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Reading/Literacy
  • Word play (hidden gems -- song titles or phrases from lyrics hidden in the text)
    • Scavenger hunt
  • Parts of speech
    • Verbs/Subject-verb agreement/Verb endings
    • Adjectives
    • Prepositional phrases
    • Onomatopoeia
  • Features of text 
    • Bold print words
    • Larger font
Social Studies
  • History of black music
    • Hymns
    • Spirituals
    • Jazz standards
  • Community/family/church
    • Roles/responsibilities
    • Working together toward a common purpose
    • Work ethic
SEL
  • Chores/responsibility
  • Balance of work, play, physical activity, healthy eating, etc.
  • Self-care (music, physical activity, church/spirituality, etc.)
Cooking
  • Oatmeal/berries
  • Cinnamon buns
  • Roast
  • Green beans
  • Potatoes

Tips and Topics for Music Teachers
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History of Music and/or Genres (back matter "Hidden Gems")
  • Black spirituals
  • Gospel
  • Hymns
  • Jazz
  • Showtunes
Vocabulary
  • Soft
  • Low
  • Slow
  • Loud
  • Humming
  • Bass
  • Maraca (seeds)
  • Singing
  • Steady (schooltime) beat
  • Jazzy tunes
  • Harmony
  • Riff
  • Rhythms
  • Notes
  • Trombone
  • Happy-dance
  • Jam
  • Whistling
  • Praise
  • High notes
  • Hallelujahs
  • Chorus
Different purposes of music/How people express themselves with music
  • Self-care
  • Religion/Spirituality
  • Comfort/calm/rest
  • Dancing
  • Performing
  • Entertainment
  • Setting a pace
  • Community
Instruments Mentioned (or pictured)
  • Trombone
  • Maraca (seeds)
  • Trumpet
  • (Snare) Drum
  • Saxophone
  • (Conga) Drum
  • Voice (singing)

Hearing Music in the everyday
  • Sound scavenger hunt
  • Listen for onomatopoeia
  • Sound walk
  • Sound journal

​Writing Prompts from Tonnye
​

  1. This story is full of word play using titles and phrases from songs. Use a few of your favorite songs and see if you can hide some gems from your songs in a story.
  2. Choose your favorite instrument from the story and write your own story about you playing that instrument.
  3. Write about an experience you had in church with music.
  4. Listen to some samples of black spirituals, gospel songs, hymns, jazz standards, and showtunes. Which genre/type of music is your favorite? Why?
  5. This family experiences music throughout their days. Keep a music/sound journal for a week and write about all the sounds you and your family experience in a week.  Where does music show up in your life that surprises you?
  6. Do a sound walk -- listen for all the sounds and see if you can make a list of words that demonstrate those sounds (onomatopoeia).  See how many onomatopoeia words you can put into a story.
  7. The author shows this family living a very balanced life: work and play, spiritual and secular(non-spiritual) activities, healthy food and sweet treats, etc.  Do you live a balanced life?  What areas would you like to improve?  What areas do you lean into too much?
  8. Music is used for many different purposes for this family: worship/praise, entertainment, setting a pace for their activities, comfort, togetherness, etc.  What are some different ways you use music in your life?
  9. First line: Music is important to me because. . . .
  10. The little girl in this story plays the trombone. If you could play any instrument, which would you play and why?
  11. This family cooks/eats together several times in this story. What is your favorite meal to enjoy with your family?
  12. Have you ever cooked with someone?  Write about that experience.
  13. Make a list of chores you do at home. Which ones do you enjoy?  Which ones are hard for you?  Write about your chores.
  14. Choose one of the songs in the "Hidden Gems" back matter and write about that song: the history, the genre, how it was used, why it was important, etc.
  15. Why do you think the author titled this story OUR JOYFUL NOISE?  
  16. Write your own story called OUR JOYFUL NOISE. Make it about something completely different than this author wrote about.
  17. Do you like to listen to music while you work?  Why or why not?
  18. Write a letter to the person who wrote one of the songs in this story.  What important things would you tell them?
  19. Write a letter to the author telling her at least three things you like about this story.
  20. Has anyone ever sung to you?  Write about that experience.

Writing Tips from Gabriele

When an idea comes, don’t wait. Get your thoughts down on paper before they slip away. Silence your internal editor and just write. Don’t worry about making sense or organizing. That can come later.

If you’re not already in a critique group, find one (or two)! Critique partners not only help improve your writing, they offer essential support during the challenging—and exciting—parts of this unpredictable journey.

Read, read, read. For mentor texts, but also to train your ear.  And because you never know when something you read will spark a new idea. 

Eliminate forms of “to be” as much as possible. Use active verbs and specific nouns. Use only a sprinkling of adjectives and adverbs—or none at all. Unless you’re doing it intentionally, avoid repetition. 

Have fun! If appropriate, try out word puns, playful phrases, repeating lines. Experiment with structure, point of view, tense. Use unexpected line breaks, to manipulate the rhythm.

Commit to the journey! Know it could take a while. Know that you’ll likely face rejection. Know that there’s A LOT of waiting (even when good stuff is happening). If you give up, you’ll never know what might have been.

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!
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This Pinterest board is full of ideas for classroom study, Bible class, music classroom, coloring sheets, crafts and more!

Spotify playlist, curated by Gabriele, with her favorite versions of the songs in the book!

YouTube playlist, curated by me, with tons of music perfect for teachers to share, but also information about the trombone and some of these "gems" performed on trombone, and lots more pieces to help you fully explore and experience this beautiful book.

​

PBJamz Snack
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In this story, Mama stirs sweet berries into oatmeal for breakfast, so I thought this peanut butter berry oatmeal was the perfect PBJamz  recipe for this episode.  Find the link for the recipe here, along with options for more peanut butter and other ways to change it up.  Happy PB breakfasting!

Guest Links and Giveaways
​

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Gabriele's website

​Books page with testimonials, order links and more.

Follow Gabriele and stay in touch:
Twitter/X link
Instagram


GIVEAWAY ALERT!!
Gabriele is giving away a copy of OUR JOYFUL NOISE! To be eligible, leave a comment below by 11:59 PM EST on Wednesday October 30, and you will be entered in a drawing.  (US only for the giveaway.)

Please leave reviews for Gabriele's books on Goodreads, Amazon and B&N if you enjoy them.



4 Comments

LUPITA'S BROWN BALLET SLIPPERS by Steena Hernandez

10/2/2024

6 Comments

 

Full Circle, Encouraging Words, Music, Dance and Literacy!

I was so happy to be able to talk to Steena Hernandez for this episode!  Steena was one of the very earliest supporters of PBJamz -- back when she and I were in the query trenches together. Obviously, much has changed since then :-D. So, there are no words for how thrilled I am to be part of the team sharing Steena's beautiful book with my little part of the world!  Check out the conversation surrounding music, dance, encouraging words and more!

LUPITA'S BROWN BALLET SLIPPERS

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This beautiful book is a fictional account of a young girl named Lupita who longs for ballet slippers that match her beautiful brown skin to extend the lines of her dance.  But, they are uncommon, difficult to find, and expensive.  So, she gets creative, and she gets busy. There are so many positive messages in this story: acceptance, fairness, strong work ethic, tenacity, and more. But at it's heart, it's a beautiful story of a young girl who loves to dance. Absolutely beautiful!  Don't miss it!

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

I chose this piece to highlight for a few reasons:
  1. It has multiple ethnicities (although their ballet slippers are all colored to match their tutus.)
  2. It's an upbeat song I think kids would enjoy.
  3. You could use it in multiple ways: listening, sing along, movement activities.
​If you don't love this one, there are lots more in the links section. There is lots of instrumental ballet music along with some fun songs like this one for your younger aspiring ballerinas.

Teacher Tips, Tricks and Topics

Dance --Ballet
  • Positions
  • Vocabulary (French connections)
  • Music
  • History
  • Basic steps
  • Watch ballets 
    • Nutcracker
    • Swan Lake
    • Cinderella
    • Sleeping Beauty
Social Studies
  • Diversity and inclusion
  • Historical exclusion/inclusion
  • Partner with I SEE COLOR (by Valerie Bolling and Kailei Pew) for discussions about BIPOC representation
Reading/Literacy
  • Beginning/Middle/End
  • Using quotation marks
  • Similes
Financial Literacy/Math
  • Saving money/piggy banks
  • Getting a job to earn money
  • Savings accrual
  • Pair with Kimberly Wilson books A PENNY'S WORTH, DOLLAR'S GRAND DREAM & CREDIT CARD TAKES CHARGE for more financial literacy bang for the buck!
SEL (Social Emotional Learning)
  • Feelings
  • Standing up for oneself/Agency
Art
  • Self-portraits
  • Skin-color matching
  • Naming skin colors (not just black and white) Pair with I SEE COLOR by Valerie Bolling and Kailei Pew

Tips and Topics for Music Teachers

Dance connections -- Ballet (see teaching tips above for dance)
  • Music for ballet
  • Ballet vocabulary
  • Watch ballets and discuss
  • Learn about ballerinas of color
  • Discuss gender stereotypes (Male ballet dancers are strong and athletic, etc.)
  • Ballet composers (Tchaikovsky)

​Writing Prompts from Tonnye

  1. Write about a time you felt left out or "othered" in some way.
  2. Write about a time you couldn't afford something you wanted. How did you handle that?  Were you able to solve the problem?
  3. Write a list of jobs you could do to earn extra money.
  4. Write a story about a piggy bank.
  5. Write about a boy who wanted to dance ballet.
  6. Choose one of the other dancers in the story and write her story.
  7. If you have ever danced ballet, write about that experience.
  8. Have you ever attended a ballet or watched a ballet on video. What were your thoughts? What did you like? What was challenging to understand?
  9. Write a report about one of the dancers in the back matter. Tell their story.
  10. Write about Tchaicovsky and his ballets.
  11. In your own words, write about why it was important for Lupita to have ballet slippers that matched her skin tone.
  12. If you had ballet slippers to match your skin tone, what would they be called and why?
  13. Write a story titled EVERYONE DESERVES TO SHINE.

​Writing Tips from Steena

-I use the notes section on my phone to record ideas or phrases that come to mind if I'm out and about. I’ve written full first drafts on my phone and then I copy and paste them into a document when I’m ready.

-If I’m researching a topic, which I am now for a new PB draft, I like to keep a separate document going for citing online or book information. I can add it to the back matter of the draft later, once it’s organized.

-Find good, like-minded critique partners who write in the same age category to share your manuscripts. 

-Take breaks when you need them! ​

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!

YouTube playlist full of songs about ballet, ballerinas, music for aspiring ballerinas and more!

​Pinterest board with lots of ballet-themed activities, money-saving sheets and activities, skin-color activities, and more.

PBJamz Snack

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What better way to celebrate Latina ballerinas than with a yummy PBJ tortilla snack?  Easily customizable, super-tasty and sure to sustain your little dancer until practice is over.   Click the link and scroll down to number 4 to find the recipe for the PBJ ones .

Guest Links and Giveaways

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Steena's website (Links to purchase LUPITA'S BROWN BALLET SLIPPERS here too!)

Instagram

Twitter/X

Steena has offered up a signed copy of LUPITA'S BROWN BALLET SLIPPERS as a PBJamz giveaway for this episode.  To be eligible, simply leave a comment below by Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 11:59 PM EST.  I'll choose a lucky winner from the comments.

** Remember to support PBJamz authors through reviews, library requests, word of mouth, and any other way you can get the word out about their books.
6 Comments

STARLIGHT SYMPHONY by Buffy Silverman

9/14/2024

9 Comments

 

Nature and Music Sing Together as Buffy and I chat

If you're a nature-lover, a musician, a music-teacher, a reader, an author, a photographer you are going to want to listen in on this conversation with Buffy!  It's a perfect blend of music, nature and writing -- 3 of my favorite things. 

STARLIGHT SYMPHONY by Buffy Silverman

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This lyrical nonfiction picture book is a beautiful blend of nature, music and writing.  Buffy walks us through a day in nature near a body of water. She points out many of the beautiful sounds of nature and then compares each to a musical instrument in the text. She also offers excellent back matter that explores those analogies in more detail.

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

This may not be our typical PBJam, but I think it would be fun to play some nature sounds for kids and let them explore mimicking animal sounds on a variety of classroom instruments.  This is one example of a video that shares pond animal sounds.  You can check out additional music/nature connections in the YouTube playlist in the links section.

Teacher Tips, Tricks and Topics

  • Environmental sounds vs. musical sounds
  • Science
    • Habitats
      • Swamp habitat
      • Lake habitat
      • River habitat
      • Pond habitat
        • Animals
        • plants
        • Sounds
  • English/Language arts
    • Sensory writing
    • Five senses vocabulary
    • Onomatopoeia
    • Rhyme
  • Reading
    • Reading with expression (onomatopoeia/sound effects)
  • Social Studies
    • Landforms
      • Swamps
      • Ponds
      • Lakes
      • Rivers

Tips and Topics for Music Teachers
​

  • Using musical instruments for sound effects/matching musical instruments and animal sounds
    • Peter and the Wolf
    • Carnival of the Animals
    • What instruments could be used for other animals?
  • Explore the instruments mentioned in the book and the various sounds that can be created
    • Listen to each pairing and discuss.
    • Let students imitate the sounds on the instruments that are available
    • Discuss other instrument pairings

​Writing Prompts from Tonnye
​

  1. Write about an experience you had near a freshwater wetland (pond, lake, river, stream, swamp). What animals did you see/hear?
  2. Choose one animal from the book. Do some research and write a list of 10 interesting facts about the animal.
  3. Write about an animal you see near where you live. Write a paragraph comparing their sound to a musical instrument. Which instrument? And why?
  4. Write a story called "Animals Make Music."
  5. Write abut your favorite instrument from the back matter. Have you ever played it? Heard it played? Why is it your favorite.
  6. Write a story about a bird who could not sing. How could they do the things they do by singing in a different way.
  7. The author uses a lot of onomatopoeia in the book.  Write your own story using at least 5 onomatopoeia.
  8. Write about a woodpecker who gets a job with a band.
  9. Choose a (fresh) wetland habitat (pond, lake, swamp, river, stream, etc.) and write a report about the plants and animals you might see there.
  10. Write a story that takes place near a wetland habitat.
  11. Write a letter to one of the animals telling them about the musical instrument the author compared them to.
  12. Write a letter to the author telling her whether you like STARLIGHT SYMPHONY and why.
  13. If you had to choose a different title for the book, what would you choose and why?
  14. Write a poem about your favorite animal and the sounds they make.
  15. Choose your favorite instrument.  What animal sounds would you compare it to? Why?
  16. Visit a natural spot (somewhere outside in nature) and write a sensory poem about what you see, hear, taste, smell, and feel.
  17. Write a story about a frog who couldn't swim.

​Writing Tips from Buffy
​

1. Go to the library and check out the new book shelf often. Read and reread what is being published today, especially in the area that you are aiming to write for. Type out the manuscripts that resonate with you.

2. Finish that first draft! This is advice I need to take--it's so easy to get distracted by a zillion other things and not put in the writing time. A first draft is not going to be close to perfect. But once it's down on paper, you have something you can improve.

3. Let your first draft marinate. Return to it a week later, or a month later, or three months later. You will have a fresh perspective and be able to see what is and is not working in your manuscript. 

4. Revision is your friend! Don't be afraid to dig deep and try a new approach.

5. It's easier to hear the music of your language when it is read aloud than when you are reading it in your head. Listen while someone else reads your words. Does the reader stumble in some places? Does the reader's emphasis and rhythm differ from what you imagined? Picture books are short, so aim to make every word sing.

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!
​

YouTube playlist full of great videos about animal sounds and instruments, pond songs, pond as habitat and more!

​Pinterest board full of pond activities, music activities, and more.

PBJamz Snack

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What else lives in the pond (although they are silent)?  Snails!  For this episode, I'm sharing some superfun PBJ snails perfect for a pond picnic, a lunchbox or anytime you're wanting a little slow-down PBJ time.  Take it slow and easy and have PBJ snails and enjoy listening to pond sounds or your favorite music or whatever you'd like. Find the steps here.

Guest Links and Giveaways
​

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Find out more about Buffy, her books, her writing and more by visiting her website.

Twitter/X

Instagram

Amazon link to purchase (library binding)

Buffy's publisher is offering one free copy of STARLIGHT SYMPHONY to a lucky winner. To be eligible, simply leave a comment below and you'll be entered into the drawing.  Comment between Sunday 9.15.24 and Wednesday 9.25.24 (11:59 PM EST).
9 Comments

CALLIOPE KATE AND THE VOICE OF THE RIVER            by Karen Konnerth

8/25/2024

3 Comments

 

Tall tales, puppets, music and more!

Karen and I had a lovely conversation about so many topics because that is the nature of her work -- it encompasses so many areas, and so much thought goes into her work -- whether it's creating puppets and doing puppet shows, writing, illustrating, making music, interviewing and creating videos, creating teacher guides. . . .and yes, a bit of ALL of that finds its way into our conversation -- and into Karen's book. CALLIOPE KATE AND THE VOICE OF THE RIVER is part tall tale, part puppet show, and full of musical connections and local flavor.  Please don't miss this interview -- it is so rich and multi-faceted, as is Karen!

CALLIOPE KATE AND THE VOICE OF THE RIVER by Karen Konnerth

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Part tall tale, part puppet show, part love letter to the river culture of Louisiana and full of musical connections, CALLIOPE KATE AND THE VOICE OF THE RIVER is as fun as a riverboat cruise on a Louisiana steamboat and just as full of local lore and flavor.  The author has a companion video on YouTube where she interviewed the calliope player for the Steamboat Natchez, and a wonderful teacher's guide that will help students write their own tall tale.  This book checks so many boxes and offers so much.  A perfect gift for the teacher in your life, your favorite Louisianan, a puppeteer (or a wannabe), a musician, or anyone who appreciates any of those things.  So much effort and heart went into creating all the layers that are evident in this book! Kudos to Karen!  Well-done!

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

Karen interviewed Debbie, the calliope player of the Natchez riverboat and created this video for us on PBJamz!  I encouraged her to make it available to everyone on YouTube, and she did!  Karen and I both thought it was so important that you were able to show your students (and/or learn yourself) what a calliope looks like, how it works and how someone plays it!  So fascinating!  Thanks, Debbie, and Karen for this lovely video that gives great insight into calliopes!

Teacher Tips, Tricks and Topics
​

Language arts --
  1. Read aloud (obviously) -- talk about dialect/apostrophes for omitted letters/compare with the full versions of the words.
  2. Tall tales -- perfect to integrate into a tall tale unit as an example of a modern tall tale
  3. This story began as a puppet show and the illustrations are puppets. Discuss how it could be done as a puppet show; maybe adapt it for puppet stage/performance
  4. Research Czech marionettes or different kinds of marionettes. Do a report or share the information in some sort of project
  5. Discuss character/characteristics
  6. Great story for talking about plot or beginning, middle, end of stories.
  7. Setting is also very important to this story. Find out more about the setting and how it influenced the book.
Art --
  1. Create various types of puppets
  2. Read aloud without the pictures and let students illustrate
  3. Draw  or create 3D models of riverboats
Drama --
  1. Perform Calliope Kate and the Voice of the River as a puppet show
  2. REwrite and perform it at a readers theater
  3. Listen to and Practice various dialects
Social studies
  1. Mississippi River
  2. Louisiana
  3. Karen Konnerth's "Sense of Place" lessons are a great merging of language arts and social studies.
  4. History of riverboats
Science
  1. Hurricanes -- research, characteristics, compare historical hurricanes
  2. How does a steam calliope work?
  3. Riverboats -- how do they work; create a miniature working riverboat
Math
  1. Story problems with characters from the story matching the level /mathematical areas of your students.
  2. Weight/measurement
  3. Wind speed and distance (hurricanes/boats)

Tips and Topics for Music Teachers

Calliope music -- listen to variety (discuss history; how did the calliope music change over time?)
Compare calliope to keyboard to piano -- discover likenesses/differences
  • How are they "powered" (where does the energy come from?)
  • Does pitch work the same with each?  How is it similar or different?
Practice music skills with calliope music:  rhythm practice play-along, keep a steady beat, etc.
Integrate it into a study of New Orleans music
Listen and study to various styles of music that was found on riverboats.

​Writing Prompts from Tonnye

  1. Write your own tall tale. (You can use Karen's "Sense of Place" activities below or other prompts for creating tall tales)
  2. Write your own Calliope Kate story. How else does she use her skills in amazing ways? What problem(s) does she solve with her abilities?
  3. Write a story about a calliope that comes alive.
  4. Write a story about a riverboat without a calliope.
  5. Write about how a calliope works.
  6. Write about a riverboat cruise that goes wrong.
  7. Write about Calliope Kate from the catfish's point of view.
  8. Write a poem about Calliope Kate. (acrostic, haiku, sensory poem, etc.)
  9. Write about your experience living through a hurricane.
  10. Write about someone whose job it is to fix the calliopes.
  11. Write a puppet show with Calliope Kate as the main character.
  12. Create your own puppet (any kind -- sock, marionette, origami, etc.) and write a story about your puppet.
  13. Research riverboats on the Mississippi River and write about what you learn.
  14. Write about the music of New Orleans.
  15. Write about the science of a hurricane.  How do they form? Move?  What else can you learn?
  16. Write a story about a hurricane with YOUR name.
  17. Write about Czech marionettes' history.
  18. Compare a Czech marionette to a regular marionette.
  19. Write an acrostic poem using the word: calliope or riverboat or puppet
  20. Write a letter to the author telling her what you MOST enjoyed about CALLIOPE KATE and/or a question you have.

​Writing Tips from Karen

1. READ as much as possible in the genre you want to write.
I particularly love to find authors and illustrators from other countries to observe the differing approaches, sensibilities, design concepts, and use of illustration media.


2. FIND INSPIRATION in the immediate world around you. Calliope Kate was inspired by a sound I often heard because of where I lived. Use all your senses to observe the world you live in.


3. BE AWARE of the age child you are writing for and write for that child - in word count, in concept, in page turn suspense, in potential connection to their life.

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!

Pinterest board with additional activities about steamboats, calliopes, puppets, and more


YouTube playlist with calliope music, tall tale songs and characteristics and videos about puppetry, especially Czech marionettes

​Teachers' Guide "Sense of Place" compiled and composed by Karen Konnerth
​​
sense_of_place_through_tall_tales_activity_packet_k.konnerth.pdf
File Size: 982 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

PBJamz Snack
​

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Well, they're not beignets, but these super simple peanut butter and jelly donuts would be a fun take that are an easy breakfast or snack for your favorite PBJ lovers.  You can check out the recipe at Typical Mom and make your own tasty PBJ donuts.  And, if you were to fix a cup of chicory coffee, you might convince yourself that you're at Cafe DuMonde. Put on some Dixieland jazz and let your tastebuds and your imagination do the rest! 

Guest Links and Giveaways

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Karen's Website

TPT

Instagram

​FB

Karen has offered a WINNER'S CHOICE prize!  The winner may choose from:
1. A copy of Calliope Kate
2. A virtual school visit
3. A picture book critique

To be eligible for the drawing, simply leave a comment below before Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024 at 11:59 PM EST, and if you are the winner, we will contact you!  

3 Comments

1,2,3 Latin Dance board books by Delia Ruiz

7/13/2024

3 Comments

 

Delia and I chat music, dance, and more!

Join Delia and me as we chat Latin dances, concept board books, the path to publication, and how to turn your contest entries into board books! Her set of three board books share Latin dance with the littlest learners, alongside some perfect content for kids: questions/manners, counting, and musical instruments. And, did I mention they are all bilingual?!? If you and/or your children are Spanish-speaking (or learning Spanish), these books would be fabulous for you! The text is in English AND Spanish all the way through and they are beautifully illustrated! Delia is offering a picture book manuscript critique as a giveaway! To be eligible,  leave a comment on the blog episode by Wednesday Sept. 4, 2024 at 11:59 PM EST.

Latin Dance board books for the earliest learners!

Check out this super-fun series of Latin dance board books for your youngest learners (and all the others, too!  "Picture books/board books are for everyone!"). Each book shares some fun Latin dance moves AND another concept:
1,2,3 CUMBIA focuses on Cumbia moves and bodily consent and manners in both Spanish and English!
1,2,3 SALSA shares some salsa dance moves and counting in English and Spanish!
1,2,3 MERENGUE teaches a bit about merengue moves, as well as lots of info about the instruments you might hear in merengue.

Each book follows a similar format and shares information in English and Spanish. Great bilingual resources for kids learning English or Spanish, while also sharing other fun and age appropriate content about Latin dance and other concepts for young children.

While these are perfect for littles (families, preschools, daycare centers, they would also transfer very nicely into ESL classrooms in primary/elementary schools, and for dance or music classes in the early grades as well.

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

Since I'm featuring all three books, I like this musical piece to showcase Latin music in general.  It's a bit long (about 6 minutes), but engaging for kids.  It would be fun to let littles just dance to the music.  Of course, you could also point out the instruments as you go or you could give them accompaniment instruments like guiros or maracas and let them play along.  Lots of ways to use this piece, but if you don't like this one, I have lots of others featuring the various dance styles, the instruments, kid-friendly Latin(ish) dances, counting in Spanish songs and videos and more! Check those out on the YouTube playlist.

Teacher Tips, Tricks and Topics

Mult-disciplinary topics for teaching/sharing these books (There are lots of specific ideas on the Pinterest board and YouTube playlist in the links section below. Be sure to check them out!)
  • ELA
    • 1,2,3 CUMBIA -- rhyme and repetition
    • (all) Spanish vocabulary
    • 1,2,3 CUMBIA -- questions/statements/exclamations
    • 1,2,3 MERENGUE -- commands/imperative
    • 1,2,3 MERENGUE -- onomatopoeia (Special note:  Very interesting to note that onomatopoeia are not the same from language to language. Look at the differences in the Spanish vs. English onomatopoeia.  Discuss that with your group.)
  • Math
    • 1,2,3 SALSA Counting in English and Spanish (Check out the YouTube playlist below for some fun videos to use)
    •  (all) Number patterns (In music and dance, we count in sets of 4 or 8, so simple number patterns make perfect sense.)
  • Social Studies
    • Hispanic Heritage Month
    • Latin Dance
    • Geography (Mexico and South America)/maps
  • Spanish (language)
    • Side-by-side English/Spanish for learning and comparing.
    • Key Spanish vocabulary related to these three concepts
  • Art
    • Analyze the art: color/form/lines etc.
    • Integrate with math: Draw 1 ______________, 2_______________, 3_____________, etc.
    • Draw musical instruments (some activities on YouTube and Pinterest boards linked below)
  • Dance
    • 3 latin dances: merengue, salsa, and cumbia
    • Steps for these dances
  • Science
    • How sound is formed in percussion instruments (maracas, marimba, drums, guiro)
    • Make-your-own Latin American instrument (Lots of activities on Pinterest board)
    • Explore sounds on classroom instruments or  DIY instruments
  • Health/PE
    • Body autonomy
    • Use of dance as fitness
    • Manners/asking polite questions (please, thank you, polite ways to say no, etc.)
    • Left/right (distinguishing/stepping side-side, etc.)
  • See below for Music tips 

Tips and Topics for Music Teachers
​

  • Integrating Music and Dance
    • How the different dances are counted
    • Try the steps!
    • Listen to the different music for the different dances. 
      • How are they different?
      • Why?
      • Can you tell the difference?
  • Counting music patterns/rhythms
  • Various instruments used in Latin America
  • Musical tie-ins with Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 - Oct. 15)
  • DIY percussion instruments
  • Instrument family sorting of Latin musical instruments.

Writing Prompts from Tonnye
​

  1. Listen to/watch some cumbia, merengue and salsa music/dancing.  Which one is your favorite and why?
  2. Write an acrostic poem using either Cumbia, merengue, or salsa.
  3. Write a story about someone learning a new dance.
  4. Write about a kid from Latin America struggling to find friends, but brought together by dance.
  5. Write your own counting book.  
  6. In 1,2,3 Cumbia, the author uses questions to model good manners and body autonomy/asking permission.  Write your own story of body autonomy.
  7. Use a Q&A format to write a story. Use Cumbia for inspiration.
  8. Which of the musical instruments in Merengue is your favorite and why?
  9. Write a sensory poem about dancing Merengue, Cumbia or Salsa.
  10. Why is dance important?
  11. Do you know another language?  Try writing a bilingual story or poem. You can replace some of the words with another language or you can repeat each line in another language, like Delia did in these books.
  12. If someone asked you what dance is associated with YOUR culture, what would you say? Write about that dance and why it matches your own culture so well.
  13. Write a letter to someone asking them about their dance experience. Be sure to use nice manners :-)

​Writing Tips from Delia

  • I look at the first and last sentence of my manuscript (I do this more for board books) and see if they align back to the theme. 
  •  I always separate my layout into spreads and look at the final sentences. I ask myself, would this follow a page turn or would someone stop reading here? I want readers to be hooked and want to turn the page each time
  • I don't write everyday but I find the time to do writing related things like cleaning up my workspace, writing bullet point ideas of potential book topics, reading, and resting.

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!
​

YouTube playlist with music, lessons, examples, songs, and more to go along with these board books.

Pinterest board full of fun activities for drawing, dancing, singing, learning, and more that relate to the 1,2,3 Latin dance books!

PBJamz Snack

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Since this episode is sharing lots of Spanish language, Latin dance and music, I thought it only fitting that we feature another Latina mom who is putting a Latin American spin on a PBJ experience.  I give you PBJ Quesadillas!!!!  What a wonderful idea and I'm sure super-tasty for breakfast, lunch, or dinner for your littles (and for you if you're a PBJ fan like me. :-)  Here's the link to this delicious recipe from Joyce of My Stay at Home Adventures. Be sure to check out her other content while you're there, leave her a comment if you love her idea and let her know you found it here on PBjamz!

Guest Links and Giveaways
​

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Delia Ruiz 
Delia Ruiz is a first generation Latinx author. She enjoys creating teacher materials under her teacher store Aventuras En ESL. Aventuras En ESL is also her social media platform used to showcase diverse books, especially Latine/x book picks. Her published books include the International Latino Book Award-winning Roqui’s Pandero Beat and the !1,2,3 Baila! board book series. Delia enjoys time at home, writing, and going on long walks. She resides in Los Angeles with her husband and pug. She is represented by Sera Rivers at Speilburg Literary Agency.
​Website

Link to purchase from Soaring Kite Books

Delia has kindly offered a PB manuscript critique (non-rhyming, 800 words or less).  In order to be eligible, leave a comment below no later than Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at 11:59 PM EST.

3 Comments

BUSY LITTLE FINGERS: MUSIC

7/4/2024

2 Comments

 

Eva and I Chat 12x12 Challenge, Our Origin Stories as Writers, Music, Opportunities, and More!

Pop in on our in-progress conversation where we discuss how we became writers in the first place, our mutual benefit from the 12 x 12 Picture Book Challenge with Julie Hedlund, and all about her precious picture book all about musical genres.  It's a great introduction for littles to learn 10 basic musical genres..  Eva is charming and so much fun to chat with! Pull up a chair!

BUSY LITTLE FINGERS: MUSIC

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BUSY LITTLE FINGERS: MUSIC by Eva Wong Nava and illustrated by Eleonora Marton and published by Big Picture Press is a musical gem for teachers and young people who enjoy music. Check out this fabulous nonfiction book that introduces littles to 10 different genres of music: classical, opera, jazz, soul, blues, folk, country, rock, pop, and hip-hop. Lyrical text, rich vocabulary, fun interactive elements, and bright colorful illustrations characterize this  one-of-a-kind book that is so full of musical content it belongs on every music teacher's shelf, and in every musical home.  It's a great introduction for students to get a little glimpse of these ten musical genres. Used in conjunction with the resources we share below, kids will receive ten little gifts of music as they learn vital musical concepts in a fun and engaging way.

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

In the YouTube playlist (in the links section) there are LOTS of songs and videos about different genres of music that would be great companions to this episode's book. I really like this one because it allows the students to hear the various genres, but it also asks them to clap along in appropriate ways. It's a wonderful way to keep children engaged, and it works on genres and rhythm simultaneously!  Win-win!

Teacher Tips, Tricks and Topics
​

  • The very first thing that comes to mind is features of text.  The text is used very artistically, but purposefully in this book. Often when we teach features of text, with headings and bold text and highlights, it is in magazine style format with business fonts, etc.  This, still a NF book, but it really takes artistic license with subject headings (each genre) and uses features of text in creative ways that would be fabulous to expose your students to. Here is a Pinterest board with lots of ideas for teaching nonfiction books and features of text.
  • Onomatopoeia is sprinkled throughout the text. Here's a Pinterest board for Onomatopoeia.
    • Do a scavenger hunt for these fun sound words in the text. 
    • Find the onomatopoeia together and discuss
    • Ask them before opening the book, "If you had to write this sound (play or sing a sound for them), how would you write it down?"  Discuss and THEN go into the book and talk about how the author chose to spell out those sounds.
  • Adjectives are prolific in this book, and are often in a different size font/separate from the main text. 
    • Do a scavenger hunt for adjectives. Discuss
    • Check the Pinterest board for activities with the adjectives
    • Charades
    • Pictionary/Win, Lose, or Draw activities
    • Find synonyms for the adjectives in the book. What other adjectives could the author have used?
  • Types of sentences **Note: When teaching the types of sentences, there are at least 5 things you need to teach: 1. Identifying 2. Differentiating 3. Punctuating 4. Reading with correct inflection/expression 5. Writing each type. Obviously you can choose ONE of those to work with in this book, but sometimes teachers leave out one or more components, so please at some point in your teaching, make sure you teach students how to read and write these sentences -- not just sort and punctuate. Here's a Pinterest board to help.
    • The author has included both declarative (telling) sentences and interrogative (asking) sentences, as well as excited (exclamatory) sentences.
    • Write/type out a few examples and play a game using a 3 column chart with  each type of sentence as a column head. Discuss. How do you know it's ___. What were the clues. Read it aloud.
    • There are also some commands (imperative sentences).  How do you distinguish those?
    • After reading, highlighting various sentence types, have students write their own examples -- or challenge level:  write a paragraph using at least one of each kind.
  • Vocabulary!!! Here's a Pinterest board with lots of ideas for teaching vocabulary.
    • This book is full of rich vocabulary!  Music words, robust adjectives, and more!  Don't let the excellent verbage of this book pass you by!  It's a great opportunity to enhance students' vocabulary.

Of course, there's also a ton of Social Studies you could teach using this book, specifically geography, music/culture and history, but other opportunities are sprinkled throughout the book, too. Pay attention to the countries/regions that are mentioned, plot them on a map or point them out on a globe. (Each student could have their own paper copy as you read and discuss the book.)

Tips and Topics for Music Teachers

The obvious connections here are styles/genres of music. Of course, there are many ways you could do it.  
  1. Use the book as a guide for a 12-week unit. Week 1 as an intro to musical genres and read the intro in the book.  Then for 10 weeks, tackle each genre, reading that section of the book, sharing examples of that genre, maybe talking about the key artists or time periods, etc. and then week 12, do a wrap-up: read the conclusion, do some genre reviews/games/quizzes, etc.
  2. Use the book as one component of your lessons for 12 weeks, using the same basic format as above, but just as a little "genre segment" of your class so you can keep the other pieces of your lessons following whatever scope and sequence you need to follow.
  3. Read the book in 2-5 class periods, dividing up the genres, with limited examples of each genre/style.
Of course, all of this depends on how your music classes are set up, how much time, what grades, etc. and how your grading periods are designed.  I have 6 classes a day with 45-minute class periods, and I teach K-2 students.   I would probably use option 1 or 2 for first and second grades, but probably more the second way with kindergarten.  Also, with kindergarten I would choose songs they are familiar with that have been done in many of these styles (Think Twinkle Twinkle Little Star or Old MacDonald.) and focus on that way and give them lots of interaction. 

The way I have my classes set up is this:
Entrance (Quiet music playing) 1-2 minutes
Kids enter and sit according to a seating chart (Printed grid and I write their names in pencil so I can move them if it becomes an issue.)
Meditation/Character Education 5-ish minutes
Video of some sort teaching a character education skill  or a meditation video giving them a chance to breathe, concentrate, do a body scan, stretch/do some yoga, etc.
"CopyCat Game" 7-15 minutes
Sometimes these are teacher-directed; sometimes video driven, but it's 7-15 minutes of rhythm practice, body percussion, steady beat,  pitch/vocal exploration, etc.
Mini-lesson 15-ish minutes
This is where I share a big musical conept, read a book, do the big musical focus for the day.
Boogies and Byes 2-10 minutes
A fun dance/work-out video to get all the wiggles out before they go back to class.

Having said that, I could make this my mini-lesson for 10-12 weeks, or I could break it up over the whole class time, where everything relates (our copycat game would be relative to the genre we're focusing on that week and I would try to find a dance/workout video that related if possible as well, and the music playing as they enter could be that genre. It would also depend on if genres/musical styles is something specific in your curriculum. If it's not, probably not something you'd want to devote 12 weeks to. :-/ But I think it's great to give kids a little taste of various musical styles.  That being the case, I might would use it as a short segment each week outside of my main lesson.

That is what would work for me in my schedule, but it could be different for yours.
Check out the YouTube playlist for lots of other genre/musical styles videos that you could use in conjunction. 

I also use these playlists in my classroom for a couple of genres:
Jazz

Rap/HipHop

You can also go back and search for Rock in the PBJamz archive and there are some great playlists embedded there.

Writing Prompts from Tonnye

So many things to write about!
  1. What is your favorite genre/style of music and why?
  2. Is there one of the styles you don't know much about?  After reading that section, what questions do you have? What else would you like to learn?
  3. Write about the genre you DON'T like and why.
  4. Has there ever been a piece of music you didn't like the first time you heard it but you later learned to like it? Write about that experience.
  5. The author says, "Music is all around you." Do you agree/disagree. Why?
  6. When you think about classical music, what comes to your mind?  
  7. Write about a classical music experience you had.
  8. Listen to Vivaldi's Four Seasons (or part of it) and write a story, poem or song inspired by your listening.
  9. Have you ever been to an opera or listened to opera music?  If so, did you like it or not, and why?
  10. Practice singing the scale on the opera pages.  Is it easier for you to sing low or high?  How did that exercise feel to you?
  11. Listen to some jazz music by Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis or John Coltrane and write about the experience. Do you like Jazz? Why or why not?
  12. Join with a partner and write a "call and response" song. 
  13. What do you think the author means when she says, "The world has soul."?
  14. The Blues is made up of songs, often written when people are sad. Write about a time when you were sad OR write a sad story.
  15. Folk is "music for the people" and every culture has their own folk music.  What country/group of people would you like to learn more about their culture and their music?  Why?  After you write down what you want to learn and why, look it up online or check out a book and learn!
  16. Have you ever listened to country music or attended a barn dance or a hoedown? How did that music make you feel?  
  17. Country music is all about everyday life. Write a song about something that happened to you today or this week.
  18. If you had a rock and roll band, what would they be called? Describe their costumes/outfits.
  19. Pop is short for popular music -- the music playing right now that everyone enjoys.  What is your favorite pop song or who is your favorite pop singer?
  20. Have you ever tried rapping or beatboxing?  How did it feel?
  21. The author says "Make some noise. Make some music." Do you think music and noise are the same or different?  Why?
  22. Write about two friends who like two different kinds of music. What problems could happen?  How would they solve them?
  23. Write about someone who only likes ONE kind of music, but finally they try a different kind -- and they LIKE it!
  24. Write about a kid who likes different styles of music than their parents.
  25. Write about an animal who only likes one genre of music. 
Keep making music and keep writing

​Writing Tips from Eva

  1. Write what comes to your mind -- edit later.
  2. Don't overthink it. Follow your instincts.
  3. There's no new idea, but there's always new ways to write about an old idea.
  4. Write from the heart, always! 
  5. Think about your audience.

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!

YouTube playlist with lots of videos, songs, games and activities for musical genres.

Pinterest boardpin.it/37NRuDidw full of teaching activities, facts, graphic organizers, musical pieces, videos, and more to go beautifully with this book.

PBJamz Snack
​

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I thought since Eva gave us 10 musical genres, I could offer 10 PBJ tips.  While this isn't a recipe per se, Happy Healthy Mama gives 10 tips for making healthier PBJ sandwiches, and if your kid is a PBJ kid, or if you're a PBJ lover yourself, these tips may leave you singing for your supper or breakfast or lunch.  You'll be hitting the high notes of health while satisfying that PBJ craving!  Check out the tips here.

Guest Links and Giveaways

Picture
Photo credit: Rebecca Cresta

Check out Eva's links and book-buying options below:

Eva's website

To buy the book: https://evawongnava.com/busy-little-fingers-music/ 
FB 

Twitter/X

Instagram

Eva's Giveaway: a signed copy of the first edition of Busy Little Fingers Music. 
To be entered into the drawing, simply make a comment below by 11:59 PM EST on 7/17/24.
2 Comments

BUILDING A BEAK by Becca McMurdie

6/21/2024

5 Comments

 

BUILDING A BEAK by Becca McMurdie

Becca and I are agent sisters, and when she reached out to all the Sweeney Siblings to see who might want an ARC to do a review, I was happy to read and review. (Hello, I need to be reading a plethora of PBs anyway, so I might as well review them and help out the author as well! You can do this, too!) But . . . when I read Grecia's story and how singing was a through line, I thought this would be an unusual, but perfect PBJamz book, so I invited her for a chat.  Join us as we talk about Grecia, her lovely book, the power of song, engineering and the journey of picture books.  ​

BUILDING A BEAK by Becca McMurdie

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Becca McMurdie invites us to join her in Costa Rica in this lovely book about the cruelty -- and the kindness of humans.  It's a wonderful reminder that, while bad exists in the world, there is more than enough good to counteract it.  It's also a testament to the power of song to express all the emotions and all the things that happen to us.  And it does all that, plus help us learn about toucans and prosthetics -- wrapped up in a STEAM package full of engineering concepts and ideas.  This one is sweet, smart, and sciency in all the best ways! ​

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

This song is super cute and lots of fun. I chose this one for the word play, and also for the inclusion of musical instruments. If you're not loving this one, check out the full playlist below in the links section for lots more choices, along with art tutorials, STEAM activities, info about toucans and more!

Teacher Tips, Tricks and Topics

Topics and activities: (*Be sure to check the links section for even more activities and ideas for teaching using this book!)
Social Studies: Costa Rica
  • Geography
  • wildlife
  • culture
  • music
  • history
  • Timelines
Science:
  • Engineering
  • 3D printing
  • Beak purposes/adaptations/experiments
  • Bird characteristics/body parts
  • Ecosystem
  • Importance of toucan's beak
  • Different types of toucans
  • Life cycle of toucans
  • Toucans 
  • Measurement/scientific drawing
Art
  • So many toucan art projects!
  • rainforest activities
  • color exploration
Reading
  • Strong verbs (Verb scavenger hunt, discussion of how the choice of verbs affect the story. "What other verb could the author have used?  How would that change the story?" etc.)
  • Sequencing (life cycle, events in story, which came first,  timeline in back matter, etc,)
  • Different meanings of the word "sang"/different connotations in the book
Math
  • Measurement (beak drawings/pictures, creating/drawing beaks to certain measurements, etc.)
  • Timeline/numberline connection
  • Story problems using characters/info from the story for whatever content is appropriate for your students.

Tips and Topics for Music Teachers
​

Musical connections:
  • Rainforest songs
  • Rainforest sounds
  • Toucan sounds/variations of their "songs"
  • Songs about toucans
  • Rainforest rhythms
  • Using and/or creating rainsticks
  • Create rhythmic patterns/compose rhythms using the words "toucan" "beak" "avocado" "rainforest" etc.
  • Discuss different meanings/examples of sing/sang. How we can use the word differently.  Grecia sang. The people sang for Grecia, etc.

Writing Prompts from Tonnye
​

  1. Write an acrostic poem using Grecia or Toucan or Rainforest
  2. If Grecia could sing a song with words at the end of the book, what would she sing?  Write her song.
  3. Write a sensory poem about the rainforest.
  4. Write a letter from Grecia to the people who harmed her; then a letter to the people who helped her.
  5. Write a diamante with Grecia and toucan,  broken and healed, or weak and strong, etc.
  6. Write a news report about Grecia's injury and/or a news report about her new prosthetic beak.
  7. Why do you think the author used singing in different ways throughout the book? OR Write about different ways you sing in your own life.
  8. Read this book and one story from BIONIC BEASTS by Jolene Gutierrez. Create a Venn diagram comparing the two stories and use it to write a story comparing/contrasting the two stories.
  9. Write an apology letter from the people who harmed Grecia to her.
  10. Write a report about toucans. Make sure you talk about their beaks.
  11. Why are toucans' beaks important to their survivial.
  12. Do you agree or disagree with the legislation making it illegal to harm wildlife?  Why?
  13. If you were to witness someone harming a living creature, what would you do?  OR If you HAVE experienced people hurting wildlife, what DID you do?
  14. Write about how humans impact our world positively and negatively.
  15. How do you think Grecia feels about humans?  Why?
  16. Do you agree/disagree with the team that chose NOT to release Grecia back into the rainforest?  Why?
  17. Write a report about Costa Rica.
  18. Write a story set in Costa Rica.
  19. Write a fictional story about a friendship between a toucan and another animal who lives in the rainforest.
  20. Write a list of twenty facts about toucans.

​Writing Tips from Becca
​

1. Whenever a critique partner emails and asks you if you can look over a few MSs or a revision on short notice, because they just got a full request from an agent or an R&R from a publisher, always say yes! Even if you’re busy. Even if you have pressing deadlines for your day job, or your personal life is crazy. Just do it. Because trust me, karma is real, and when you get those same requests, you’ll need those favors in return! 

2. Let every rejection be an invite to keep writing. Keep going. You’re probably closer than you think. 

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!
​

Here's a YouTube playlist full of fun songs, art activities, STEAM activities, and loads of info about toucans.


​Here's a PInterest board full of arts and crafts, info about Costa Rica, toucan facts, STEAM activities, and so much more!

Classroom guide from Page Street

PBJamz Snack

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In keeping with the engineering STEM/STEAM core theme of BUILDING A BEAK, allow me to offer an individually-engineered (build-your-own) PBJ bar!  Your little engineers will enjoy mapping out their favorite PBJ combo. Simply provide a variety of vehicles (bread, crackers, tortillas, etc), a jar of peanut butter (or a selection -- think creamy vs. crunchy, additional nut/seed butters, etc.), a variety of jams, jellies and/or fruits to add-in, and some additional toppings/add-ons and let each person build their own PBJ masterpiece and then gobble them up with their own trusty "beaks" ;-). This one is sure to please anyone (as long as they're not allergic -- always check when you are planning for a group.)  You can check out some additional ideas at this link. (Photo and link credit to Little Us)

Guest Links and Giveaways
​

Picture
Becca's website

Twitter/X

​Instagram
​
To buy BUILDING A BEAK, check out Becca's book page


Becca has generously offered a winner's choice:
1. A signed copy of BUILDING A BEAK
or
2. A picture book critique (fic or NF) up to 1,000 words

To be eligible to win, simply leave a comment below.  The giveaway will be active through 11:59 PM EST on July 3.  All commenters will be entered into a random drawing.
5 Comments

ROCK STARS DON'T NAP by Jason Perkins

5/14/2024

7 Comments

 

A Chat about the PBJamz that was "meant to be"

If you're a rock and roll fan -- or if you have a little rockin' fan in your house or your classroom, this is the book for you! Join Jason and I as we talk inspiration, process, path to publication, and of course rock and roll! Jason is a teacher and a dad, so he has a unique perspective that he brings to the table. It's a great conversation -- pull up a chair and join us!

ROCK STARS DON'T NAP by Jason Perkins

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What a cute book that takes naptime on a rockin' road trip tour!  Be a napping groupie for a meant-to-be PBJamz!  The perfect book for your budding rockstar, your non-napping little, your performer-in-training . . . the humorous word play and adult Easter eggs (rock'n'roll style) make this fun tome a perfect read for the whole family.  Besides the PBJamz mention, the playlist at the back is one of my favorite parts!  ;-)

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)
​

Nothing like an oldie, but goodie. Everyone loves this old favorite that is mentioned right in the book.  This is a live performance by Bill Haley and His Comets from 1954. If you want to enjoy some additional musical Easter eggs from the book, check out the two playlists in the links section below. One has lots of music for teachers and families to use in conjunction with the book, and the other is a straight playlist of Jimmy's Jams. (Please be aware that Jimmy's Jams are the actual rock'n'roll songs, and not edited for language or content, so make sure that you preview songs to make sure they meet YOUR standards before sharing them with littles.)

Teacher Tips, Tricks and Topics
​

ELA (English/Language arts) (**You can tell from the vocabulary  and the puns/word play used in this book that, while the character is VERY young, the vocabulary and the content will also appeal to older kids, and the comprehension involves deciphering multi-meaning words, so this books is excellent for primary/elementary for the content, while younger children will enjoy the read-alouds and will probably enjoy some of the humor.)
  • Puns/word play!  They are dominant in this book.  There are many ways you could integrate this into your classroom.
    • Search for the examples; make a list
    • Write a paragraph about what the pun really means. (ie. When the author says Jimmy dropped a number two hit that left everyone gasping, what he really means is that Jimmy did a number two bathroom accident. He pooped.  It must have been a bad one based on the art on that page.  The yucky green color tells you it was terrible and the expressions on the other shoppers' faces verify that.) This is great for using text evidence, too.
    • Use a different topic (or the same one. . .) and try to create your own list of puns/word play.
  • Use the writing prompts below for writing connections.
  • Talk about how the illustrations support and enhance the text.
  • Lots of rockin' vocabulary: 
    • star
    • righteous wail
    • reviews
    • rock
    • heavy metal
    • jam
    • grunge
    • rock opera
    • fan
    • show
    • on the road
    • solos
    • encores
    • ballads
    • superstar
    • number 2 hit
    • fame
    • life on the road
    • wardrobe
    • tune
    • washed-up
    • spinning out of control
    • wrong side of the law
    • graffiti
    • paparazzi
    • showtime
    • rock bottom
    • performance
    • classic hits
    • crowd
    • shredded
    • power chord
    • stage dive

Art
  • Check the Pinterest board in the links section for lots of rockin' art projects related to the book.
Science
  • STEM activity -- make a speaker or a microphone
Math
  • Create story problems using characters/items from the book.
  • Use the grocery store as a kick-off point and talk about money
  • "Rock around the Clock" to tell time to the hour

Tips and Topics for Music Teachers
​

  • This book is a great one to team teach, as much of the language arts, science, and art topics would naturally support music curriculum and vice versa.
  • Rock'n'roll is the obvious connection here!  Lots of ways to explore!  (*Make sure the songs you choose to include are appropriate for the age/setting you are teaching.)
    • Study rock'n'roll as a genre
    • Explore the history of rock'n'roll
      • Origins
      • Artists
      • How it changed
    • Rock'n'roll play-alongs
      • Percussion
      • Boomwhackers
      • rhythm/body percussion
      • instruments
      • *Check out the YouTube playlist in the Links section for lots of fun examples of this.
    • Use it as a program title and have a rockin' concert (My most recent concert was "Musical Superheroes Shake, Rattle, and Roll" and featured lots of rock'n' roll fun.)
    • Structure of rock songs/form
    • Discuss/practice the elements of music related to rock'n'roll (dynamics particularly comes to mind as an appropriate element that expresses itself very diversely in the rock genre, but you could also compare other elements in rock music.)

Writing Prompts from Tonnye
​

  1. If you're a parent, write about an interesting, difficult or funny naptime experience with your own child(ren).
  2. Write a story about a naptime gone wrong.
  3. Write a lullaby (lyrics at least -- add a tune or more comprehensive music if you can and would like to.)
  4. Write about your favorite rockstar/rock band.
  5. Write a parody of a rock song (check out Weird Al Yankovic for inspiration ;-)
  6. Write your own take using Jason's title ROCK STARS DON'T NAP.
  7. What else don't rock stars do?  Write your own version of something rock stars wouldn't do.
  8. Write a sensory poem about a rock concert.
  9. What is your favorite rock'n'roll song?  Why?
  10. Compare rock'n'roll to another genre of music. (Use a Venn diagram or a double T-chart as a pre-writing exercise if you need to in order to discover similarities and differences.)
  11. Look through Jason's book ROCK STARS DON'T NAP for all the rock'n'roll "Easter eggs" Make a list or write about your favorite one.
  12. Word play and puns are so important to this book.  Use one of the puns as a jumping off point and write something related to that.
  13. Choose the title of one of "Jimmy's Jams" and use it to write your own story.
  14. Write a letter to Jimmy or Jimmy's parents about their behavior in the book. Do you agree/disagree with how they handled the situations?
  15. Write a report about the history of rock'n'roll.
  16. Write an acrostic poem: rock'n'roll.
  17. Write a diamante poem comparing rock music to another genre (or comparing two rock artists)
  18. Write a story about a boy named Jimmy who LOVED to nap.
  19. Write the sequel to ROCK STARS DON'T NAP. What other hurdles do you think Jimmy and his parents will face?

Writing Tips from Jason

#1.  Write in as many different ways as possible. We are creatures of habit, and many of us have one spot and one style when it comes to our writing, but different approaches use different parts of your brain. Write your story in pencil, draw it (stick figures are okay!) type it out, use voice to text. Write it forwards and backwards. You never know what part of your brain the answers are hiding in, so engage as much of it as possible. 

#2.  Read it aloud, and ask others to read it to you. Something that may sound great in your head may not match up when read aloud. Read your story aloud as you go, and once you feel it is in a good place, ask others to read it to you. Listen for places where they stumble, for what parts seem exciting to them. 
​
#3.  Use mentor text with post it notes. Write your story on post it notes, then stick them in your mentor text and read it aloud. I used Mustache Baby when writing Rock Stars Don't Nap. 

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!
​

YouTube playlist "Jimmy's Jams" -- Warning:  Some songs contain language and adult content. Please preview before sharing with kids and especially before showing in a school setting.

YouTube playlist PBJamz: ROCK STARS DON'T NAP A list of songs and musical activities that go well with the book.  *These should be safe for school settings, but always preview before showing content to be sure it is appropriate for your context.

Pinterest board with images, videos, activities, etc. (I'll keep adding to this.)

PBJamz Snack

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The perfect snack for little rock'n'rollers  is a peanut butter and jelly roll-up. Rock up and roll up and eat up!  The recipe is here. Enjoy!

Guest Links and Giveaways
​

Picture

Website

Twitter/X

To purchase ROCK STARS DON'T NAP on Amazon



​For a giveaway, Jason has generously offered a critique of a humorous picture book manuscript to one lucky winner! Simply leave a comment below no later than 11:59 PM EST on Wednesday, May 29, to be entered. For an extra entry, copy and paste the link for your Amazon review for ROCK STARS DON'T NAP. Let's try to help Jason get those 50 reviews!
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