Nelly, you are the winner of Nancy's songbook and CD!  Huge congratulations!  I know you and your daughter will love Rhythm of the Rocks! I'll be in touch on Twitter :-)

Watch and learn the inspiration for Anita's book, musical connections, and personal tidbits of Indian culture.  Anita is a sweetheart, and this book is delightfully fun!  You're in for a treat!

Get your kiddos up and moving to a Bollywood beat.  An Indian fusion dance form that is fun and helps your students (or your kids) get lots of energy out.  This one is easy enough it will be great for the family to try together! If Bollywood isn't your thing, there are some educational songs about India and camels, lots of Indian musical instruments, and you can't talk about camels without talking about Alice.  You can find all those jams and more in the YouTube playlist in the links section!

The teaching guide from Anita's website (lots of ELA standards and activities!)

Social studies topics:
India --geography and culture (food, music, etc)

• Maps/globes
• Tasting menu (dates, hummus, naan, chai, chickpeas, etc.)
• Musical instruments
• Pushkar Fair

Goods/Services/market

• Supply/demand
• Wants/needs

Science topics:

• Various habitats of India
• Various animals of India
  • Camels
  • Horses
  • Tigers
  • Elephants

Arts:

• Indian artists/art styles
• Indian dance

Math

• Story problems about camels
• Market problems
• Number of dates, etc.
• weights/measures

Pets

• Unusual pets
• Writing about pets
• Persuasive writing

There are so many ideas on the YouTube playlist and the Pinterest board!  Be sure to check those out in the links section!

Here are some broad topics:

• Musical instruments of India
• Indian music samples
• Bollywood dancing
• Songs about camels
• Yoga/meditative music

In my classroom, I would use this book as part of a Music Around the World theme, or as a mini-unit on the music of India and introduce lots of musical instruments of India, share examples from Pushkar Festival, Indian music and culture, and perhaps even food.

Writing prompts:

"The Most Unusual Pet"
If I had a pet camel . . . 
Persuasive writing "A _________ would make a good pet because" or "I would be a responsible pet owner because. . . "

Research a topic of Indian culture and write a paragraph/essay/poem/etc.

Was Raja's pet camel a good pet? Why or why not?

My favorite Indian instrument is ______ because.

I like/don't like tabla music because . . . . 

I like/don't like Bollywood dancing because . . . 

Create a travel brochure for India.

Write a report about an animal or a musical instrument from India.

Yoga is ____________ because __________. . . . .

"A Ride on a Camel"

"The Dancing Camel"

​

1. Learn as much as you can. My work and education were all STEM-related. I had no background in creative writing or literature. But I’ve been able to apply my STEM background to many of my books, so don’t let a non-writing background hold you back. Authors come from all walks of life. Reading and just writing have been the best ways for me to learn. I study the kinds of books I want to write. There are stacks of picture books, chapter books, and middle grade books sitting on my dining room table waiting to be dissected. I read through a book first then go back and take notes on story structure, characters, word choices, and word count. When I first started writing as an adult, I took courses at the Institute of Children’s Literature. Joining organizations such as SCBWI, Julie Hedlund’s 12 x 12 Picture Book Challenge, Inked Voices, and the Writing Barn’s Courage to Create helps me learn more about craft and the market, and they connect me with other writers, some of whom are now my writing partners. Following writers on social media helps too – many share writing tips and opportunities.
 
2. Enjoy the process, and don’t worry about getting published right away. Some writers only submit their book once and their book gets accepted, but this is rare. Many, if not most writers, have a longer road to publication. They spend years learning, writing, revising, and submitting before their first publication. My debut picture book, Raja’s Pet Camel, was a labor of love that sporadically grew over 11 years. Each book starts the whole writing-submitting cycle over again – a cycle that often accumulates a number of rejections before the book is finally published. Rejections are something to be proud of because it means you’re out there trying, but they can still feel discouraging. If you write because you enjoy it, it will help you push through to the time when you can finally sign a contract and celebrate!

3. Don’t be afraid. When I first started writing, I was afraid to even pick up my pen and write. My internal editor is awful, always telling me nothing I write is good enough. Almost 40 books later, I still struggle with this, but I’ve learned to ignore it when I have a deadline, because if I don’t pick up my pen and write, nothing will ever get written. I’m often afraid to show my work to others too. So much of my heart goes into it. But what if they hate it? Or worse, they’re just nonchalant towards it. First drafts are often messy for everyone, so don’t worry what others will think. Just sit down and write your story. Over time, go back and revise it until you feel you can’t go any further with it. Then you might want to consider showing it to a trusted writing partner. Their feedback can be invaluable and one of your best learning experiences. But share only when you feel comfortable. It’s okay to keep it secret until you’re ready.

4. Create a pitch. Before I started taking on work-for-hire projects (some publishing companies hire writers to write children’s books for them), I was a panster. In other words, I never wrote from an outline. My stories wandered all over the place and halfway through the plot I would get stuck. I couldn’t afford this time loss with my work-for-hire projects. Most projects, I only had one month to write the book! Now, I outline my stories. My outlines may change as I write, but at least I have some direction. Before I outline my story though, I write a pitch. A pitch is 1-2 sentences about what the book is about, including what is at stake for the main character. An example of a pitch might be: When y happens, the main character must find a way to solve it or x will happen. The pitch drives my outline and focuses the plot. Later, you can include the pitch in query letters when you submit your work. You might even find it incorporated on the back cover of your first published book!

Pinterest board with lots of camel activities, Indian culture, music, geography, food and more!

​YouTube playlist with Indian music and instruments, songs about camels, Bollywood dance-alongs, and more!

Link to the readers' guide and to purchase books is here.

One idea for teaching with RAJA's PET CAMEL from Twitter

Here's the link for this Indian-inspired PBJamz snack, courtesy of Nourish & Tempt.  These are a perfect companion to this episode, since dates figure prominently in the story.  I haven't tried them yet, but in my head, these are the perfect balance of salty and sweet, smooth and chewy,  a touch of bitter.  The date serves as the J in this PBJamz snack.  I think Raja would approve!  If you try them, comment below and let us know how you like them or scoot over to Nourish and Tempt and let them know you loved them!  When I try these, I plan to have masala chai alongside.  It's a lovely spiced milk tea.  You can easily buy ready-made teabags for Chai, but I love making it homemade.  If you'd like to try, here's an authentic recipe to start you on your way!

Anita's website

Link to the readers' guide and to purchase books is here.

​Instagram link

Twitter
​

Anita is giving away a signed copy of RAJA'S PET CAMEL and a classroom Zoom visit!  To be eligible, simply leave a comment below, and your name will go into the drawing. There will be 2 prize winners, so leave us a comment!  You do NOT want to  MISS this!

Please remember to request her book at your local library, school library, etc., write a review if you enjoy the book, share with a friend who might enjoy it, share it out on social media, etc.  

Jany Campana is the winner of a signed copy of MISTER ROGERS' GIFT OF MUSIC!  Congratulations, Jany!  Thanks for always supporting PBJamz!  I know you'll love this book! Thanks, Donna Cangelosi for a beautiful book and a beautiful episode of PBJamz!  I enjoyed putting it together!  

What a lovely chat with Nancy Stewart!  I discovered Nancy's website after I started doing PBJamz, and I thought, "Where has this been all my teaching life?!"  It is chock full of amazing resources that Nancy offers free of charge to anyone who would like to use them!  Many of them have sheet music and activities, even printables to go along.  In this first interview, Nancy and I talk music and literacy: how the two are connected and influence each other and the importance of music to literacy!  In part B in the teacher tips section, Nancy shared with me some snippets of how she uses some of her songs with kids to enhance and promote literacy in fun ways, so don't miss that second video coming next week (9/22/22). Make sure you leave a comment at the end of the blog to be eligible to win a CD & songbook from Nancy "Rhythm of the Rocks" -- a multicultural mix of songs!  You don't want to miss out!

In the interview, Nancy shares lots of songs and activities, but since Fall is knocking on our doors and many of you will be heading to the pumpkin patch, I thought this little jam would be great to highlight for the season, and will be easily used by families, daycares, preschools, classroom teachers and farms with pumpkin patches, too!  A very versatile song that doesn't need any instrumentation!

I cannot do any better than what Nancy shares below!  Her website (https://nancymusic.com) and the companion website (https://singwithourkids.com) are chock full of amazing songs and activities.  She offers sheet music, recordings, teaching ideas, etc.  If you are a parent, or a teacher, or a preschool teacher, or a daycare worker, or a music teacher, or an aunt, etc.  PLEASE go check out Nancy's sites.  Seriously!  Bookmark them! Add them to your resources.  So much good music, excellent tips and so much more on those two sites (and her YouTube channel . . . it's linked up below, and on her websites, too!). There is just really nothing more to add. . . . 

After watching back these videos, I really think whatever I would share pales in comparison.  Here are some sections of Nancy's website that you may find of specific interest, although I would suggest perusing them yourself.  There is lots of great content that you could certainly integrate into your music lessons! And so many fabulous songs that deserve to be shared!

Tips and tricks from the experts

​Connection between music and literacy

https://nancymusic.com/music-why-sing.htm

Gifts, crafts and activities section

Inspired by my conversations with Nancy . . . 
1. Write about a song that helped you learn something. 
2.  Write about a special musical memory.
3. Find a special book based on a song and write something inspired by the song or the book.
4.  Write about your favorite song.  Why is it special to you?
5.  Find two books that sing the same song.  Which one do you like best?  Why?
6.   Find a song on Nancy's website and write about what it reminds you of, or a story inspired by it.
7. (for adult authors) Write about your early literacy experiences.  Did music play a role?  If so, how?
8.  Write about a song that helped you through a difficult time.
9. Write about a song that a teacher shared with you.
10.  Do you think music makes sad things easier to talk/think about?  Why/why not?
11.  Write a list of rhyming words.  See if it inspires a story, song, or poem.
12.  Listen to some instrumental music.  See if a story emerges.
13.  Find a story that you think deserves a song and write one for it.
14.  Think of a topic that you think kids would really enjoy and write a story or song about it.

So even though Nancy is more of a songwriter, there are some GREAT tips here, most of which cut across writing picture books as well as songs.  Also, this link on Nancy's website will give you some great considerations for writing picture books that sing!

Here are Nancy's tips for writing (songs and more) for kids:

Seven Songwriting Tips (or things to look for in children's songs)
Writing songs for children is an honor and a responsibility- and it's FUN! Children will pretty much embrace the songs they are exposed to repeatedly which gives songwriters a lot of influence in how and what children learn. Through our songs we can teach them about everything from language and literacy, to themselves and the world around them. Songs work because they deliver language through the emotion carried by the melody, making songs stick in our heads. Below are some simple tips to help you write songs that can impact children in big and small ways, and links to examples of my songs that demonstrate each one.
Tip #1:  Interaction is key when singing with kids as they engage and learn by doing! Three elements make songs interactive; rhythm, repetition, and rhyme. Using one or more of these elements in your song will pretty much guarantee interaction. 
Examples of Songs:
Rhythm: When I Hear the Music 
Repetition: Arachnid 
Rhyme: A Hunting We Will Go 

Tip #2: Think about how you want to use the song, or how you want the children to respond. Do you want them to move? Read? Be still? Listen? Draw? Your lyrics and the melody, and any instrumentation will determine how they respond. Make sure the tempo and music match the words so your intent is understood.  Examples of Songs:
Hibernating Animals (moving)
JUMP!  (reading and singing)
Wintertime is Here/ I'm Staying Just as Still as I Can (staying still)

Tip 3: Learn your song before you sing it with kids. This sounds like a no-brainer, but writing a song and learning it are two different things! Then sing it with as many kids as you can. You will get immediate feedback which may lead to changes and or improvements you never imagined.
Example of Song:
Dinosaurs in Cars This is perhaps my most popular song, and it's constantly evolving as children bring their own ideas to the story!

Tip #4: Try writing a song in a minor key. Minor melodies evoke strong emotions that fascinate children, and they are always a hit. (think sad, scary, dangerous, or mischievous).
Examples of songs in minor keys
Nocturnal Animals
Big Black Crow
October Moon 
Circle Round 


Tip #5: If you’re new to writing children’s songs, pick subjects that interest the ages you are writing for.
Song examples:
Babies and toddlers: animals, vehicles, family  https://nancymusic.com/SOM/2016/ill-drive-a-dump-truck.htm 
Preschoolers: Dinosaurs, Vehicles, Movement https://nancymusic.com/SOM/2014/energy.htm 
K-2 Rhyming, reading, movement, science https://nancymusic.com/SOM/2014/once-upon-a-time.htm 

Tip #6.  Avoid having melody give words an un-natural pronunciation. For example,  If you have the word "LI-brar-y" in your lyrics, you don't want the melody to make you sing li-BRAR-y. 


Tip #7. Lastly, dip into your own childhood for ideas and "thinking like a child." A single memory can give you a simple idea for a song or take you down a long and winding path to something even more meaningful- and it can be very therapeutic!
Song Example:
Thinking Cap
The Gift (Insect Song)

Nancy's YouTube channel
​Resource Links from Nancy's page 
​

This episode wouldn't be complete if we didn't include the Peanut Butter. . .Jelly!  song.  Here is the link from Nancy's page. Enjoy singing along while you make this delicious Grilled PBJ sammie!

This grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwich seems like the perfect way to welcome fall to me.  Take your PBJ up to "another level".  Check out the other recipes and tips available at She Saved by Keri Lyn. 

Nancy's links:
​Nancymusic website link
​Sing with Our Kids website link
​Nancy's YouTube channel
Instagram
​

Nancy is graciously offering a CD and songbook for a very lucky winner!  This would be perfect for a music teacher, a family with young kids, a daycare worker, preschool teacher or an elementary school teacher, or really anyone who enjoys kids' music.(check out photo below). 

The winner of a critique from Rekha Rajan is Angel, and the winner of a signed copy of the book is Jia!  Thanks for your support of Rekha and PBJamz!  I hope you both enjoy your prizes!

Donna preferred to do a written interview, so I have a video book review for you today of her book and her interview questions and answers will be directly below.  This book is beautiful!  The words, the pictures, the arrangement.  It is a beautiful tribute to a beautiful man.

1.  Talk about the inspiration for this book.  Where did the idea come from?

Thank you so much for having me on your blog, Tonnye! The heart of MISTER
ROGERS’ GIFT OF MUSIC grew from my work as a child psychologist and my
frustration hearing story after story about kids being bullied. In 2016, I decided to
write a picture book biography about someone who helped children. It didn’t take
long to think of Fred Rogers. At the time, very few picture books had been written
about him, so I got right to work. After reading about Fred’s childhood and the
challenges he overcame, I knew I had to write a story about this wonderful man.

2.  Your book apparently focuses on the musical aspect of Fred Rogers. What role
did music play in the life of Mister Rogers?

As a young boy, Fred suffered with asthma and spent countless hours stuck inside.
One of his earliest memories was the joy he experienced hearing his grandfather
play the violin. By five, Fred learned to play the piano and discovered that music
was a great way to express his emotions. Fred went on to study music composition
in college. As everyone knows, he used his gift of music on Mister Rogers’
Neighborhood to brighten the lives of countless children.

3.  As an author, how did you go about conducting research for this book?

I first read articles and books to understand Fred’s childhood and how he became
the beloved Mister Rogers. Then, I watched a series of interviews Fred did with
Karen Herman for the Archive of American Television in 1999. In one discussion,
Fred described music as his first love, the way he expressed himself, and one of his
gifts to children. Hearing Fred’s passion for music, I knew I had my story. I also
watched interviews, videos, and many episodes of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,
visited his alma mater, Rollins College, and studied the lyrics of his songs.

4.  What advice do you have for authors who might want to write a PB biography?
I've heard it a tough sell in today's market. 

Read everything you can. Search for primary sources, such as videos, letters, and
other ways to study the person’s life, view of the world, and the way they relate to
others. If possible, do field research to walk in your character’s shoes. Then, find
an interesting, unique aspect of the person’s life that you relate to and which will
resonate with kids. Ask yourself: What will make kids want to read this story?
What will make it stand out? When you have your idea, read mentor texts. It’s
amazing how many fun ways there are to tell a story.

Why do you think this one stood out, even though there are several other PB
biographies about Mr. Rogers?

Unlike other picture books about Fred Rogers, my story focuses specifically on the
role music played in his life and how he used it to help kids. I also incorporated a
neighborhood theme to show how Fred brought children throughout the country
together with his gift of music.

5.  How do you envision teachers using your book in their classroom?  Are there
teaching guides/resources available?  What is one thing you hope teachers will
emphasize with their students if they do use this book?

In addition to introducing children to the beloved Fred Rogers, I envision teachers
using MISTER ROGERS’ GIFT OF MUSIC to help kids understand and find
creative ways to express uncomfortable feelings. I also hope the book will foster
kindness and help children see that they are important because of their uniqueness,
not only because of their accomplishments.

6. After writing this book, what do you think Mr. Rogers would say is the most
important job of music teachers?  What would he encourage us to do?

Fred Rogers was fascinated with all kinds of music. On Mister Rogers’
Neighborhood, he invited many musicians, including trumpeter Wynton Marsalis
and cellist Yo-Yo Ma (who appear in MISTER ROGERS’ GIFT OF MUSIC) to
perform and talk about their instruments. Fred frequently highlighted that music is
a great way to express ourselves, but that learning to play an instrument takes time
and determination. I think Fred would love music teachers to continue where he
left off—introducing kids to different genres of music, highlighting that people
have different styles of expressing themselves with it, and encouraging kids to
explore what types of melodies and instruments speak to them. I also think Mister
Rogers would thank music teachers and all teachers for helping kids learn and
grow. He often said, “Anyone who does anything to help a child in his life is a hero
to me.”

7.  How did your role as psychologist and that training help prepare you to write
this book? 

My training and work as a child psychologist enables me to be especially tuned in
and empathic regarding children’s feelings and internal experiences. This lens
helped me find words to convey what Fred must have felt when he was sick and
bullied as a kid and the powerful healing influence music served for him.

As a child psychologist, do you have recommendations for how school counselors
might use this book in their interactions with students?

Counselors can use the story to help children explore and understand their
uncomfortable emotions. This spread is particularly useful for dealing with anger
and frustration. Page Street Kids designed this feelings thermometer activity to to
help kids explore how they feel and ways to cope when experiencing different
levels of mad. The feelings thermometer (linked as a file below along with a printable poster) can also be adapted for discussing sad, scared, lonely, and worried feelings. In addition,
counselors can use the book to encourage children to use music and other creative
arts to express and soothe themselves.

This is a fun little remix of  "Sing Together".  If this one is not your jam, check out lots of other pieces in the YouTube playlist.  There are so many excellent pieces to share there.  Enjoy perusing the list.  It's in the links section below.  

There are so many wonderful books and videos available about Mister Rogers.  My utmost suggestion would be to do a unit study on him.  Mr. Rogers philosophies and kindness and encouragement would be helpful to kids of all ages.  (You can check out the Pinterest board in the links section for additional books and activities to use for a unit study.)

For this particular book, here are some topics, lessons, and activities that I think would be really helpful:

• Font/features of text and how they affect the storytelling of a book
• Bibliography -- what it is, how it works
• Metaphor "Music is sunshine"
• Personification "fingers danced across the keys" etc.
• adjective search
• Use of color in illustrations -- drawing inferences
• Bullying, and its effect on the victims
• SEL --
  • the power of music
  • ID feelings
  • using music to express feelings
• At the beginning there are directional words and map terminology
• using the text and the author's note, you could craft some excellent math problems for solving!

So many different ways to go here -- lots of music in this book!

• Using music as a vehicle/strategy for identifying and dealing with/processing feelings
• Analyzing lyrics for rhyme, rhythm, syllabication
• Different instruments mentioned/what people are called that play them:
  • Piano/pianist
  • guitar/guitarist
  • cello/cellist
  • trumpet/trumpeter
  • violin/violinist
• Famouse musicians featured in the book/on the show:
  • Wynton Marsalis (trumpet)
  • Yo-Yo Ma (cello)
• Comparing various versions of Mr. Rogers' songs (check the YouTube playlist to get you started, but there are many many more. . . )
• Discussing timbre of instruments/how they make you feel
• Comparing different kinds of songs (jingles vs. serenades, etc.)

​1. Read picture books every chance you get.
2. Write stories that have personal meaning and tug at your heart.
3 Don’t forget to play! Play replenishes our spirits, quiets our inner critic, and promotes
creativity.

1. Choose a feeling and write a song about that feeling.
2.  Title:  Music is Sunshine
3. Choose one of Mr. Rogers' songs and write about what the lyrics mean to you.
4. How does music make you feel?
5.  Write about a time when music helped you feel better.
6.  How did bullying affect Mr. Rogers?
7.  Why was music important to Mr. Rogers?
8.  Write about what the word neighborhood means to you.
9.  How is a neighborhood like a choir?
10.  If you were invited to be on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood show, what message would you want to share?
11.  Compare 2 of Mr. Rogers' songs.  Which one do you like best?  Why?
12. Compare 2 versions of one of the songs.  Which one do you prefer?  Why?
13.  Is music important to you?  Why or why not?
​14.  When you're having a bad day, what kind of music do you want to listen to?  Why?

Since Mister Rogers often ate granola for breakfast, I thought it was appropriate to share a PBJ granola recipe for this episode.  Simple ingredients (none with a mother, as was Mister Rogers' food preference -- he was a vegetarian) and all yummy and delicious.  If you make it, let us know in the comments.  You can find the recipe here: https://www.thismamaloves.com/granola-recipe/ Be sure to check out all of This Mama Loves' recipes and tips for food, crafts, life, and travel,  too!

Donna has graciously agreed, in conjunction with her publisher Page Street Kids to give away a signed copy of her beautiful book. Also, please note the generous freebies above in the interview portion -- printable poster and feelings thermometer.  

To be eligible to win a copy of the book, leave a comment below!

Here are the links for Donna, her publisher, book, etc:

​Twitter link
​Linktree site (This has all the purchase information for MISTER ROGERS' GIFT OF MUSIC)
Website
​Instagram page

Illustrator's website
Publisher info

Reminder:  If you enjoy these books and authors, please support them by:
1.  Purchasing their books
2. Recommending them to friends, coworkers, educators, etc.
3. Requesting  and checking out their books at your local library
4. Leaving positive reviews (just 50 reviews on Amazon bumps a book up to recommended status.) If you'd rather not support Amazon,  review the books on Barnes and Noble or Goodreads.

Congratulations to Steena Hernandez!!!! You're the winner of a signed copy of HOW TO BE A ROCKSTAR by Lisa Tolin.  I'll send you messages to get you connected. Steena, I know you and your kids are going to love it so much! If you could do a. review after reading I know Lisa will appreciate it!

Join Rekha Rajan (musician, educator, advocate, and author) as we talk about her brand new book (the first in a series of 4) THIS IS MUSIC: DRUMS. We discuss the origins of the series, her heart as an educator, the importance of music AND reading in early childhood and so much more. Thanks to the limitations of Zoom our little drum experience at the end didn't work out, so I trimmed that out, but it's super easy face-face to do your own call and response, allow children/students to keep that steady beat and so much more! ​

While this is a board book, it is NOT limited to Littles.  Sure, it's perfect for toddlers and preschool, but you can also use it with school-age kids, in your family, homeschool, and in the larger school setting!  My philosophy is picture books (including board books) are for everybody! It's a compact little nugget full of lots of ideas for drumming fun!  For even more drumming fun, check out the jam below, and all the teacher tips linked up in those sections as well as in the links section.  There is so much fun to be had.  The words were written by Rekha, the pictures by the talented Tania Yakunova and the book was published by RISExPenguin Workshop.

This fun little ditty matches beautifully with the refrain in this book KEEP THE BEAT!  It's perfect for singing along, playing along,  and practicing that steady beat. The call-and-response makes it super easy for Littles, and it gives them many ways to feel the beat.

There are several things you could highlight from this book in the general ed classroom.

1. Features of text -- There is bold print, different fonts, all caps, and different sizes of text in this book.  It would be wonderful for teaching those aspects of features of text.

2. Onomatopoeia -- lots of sound words throughout the text.

3. Types of sentences -- Because this book is relatively short, and contains multiple examples of different sentence types, that would be a great mini-lesson.  You'll find questions (interrogative sentences), exclamations (exclamatory sentences), and commands (imperative sentences) and even interjections.

Well, obviously, this book is all about drums, so that's the most obvious choice!
Drums/Percussion -- as a musical instrument group. Definition of percussion: instruments that you shake, tap, or scrub. Defining and classifying what are percussion instruments and which category do they belong to would be a great topic to match this book.

There are some different directions you could take the discussion: identifying different drums/percussion instruments and/or various cultures and their various percussion instruments.

Keeping a steady beat.  That is a big focus in the book, so that's a natural direction.  Practice with a variety of percussion instruments, body percussion, and more.  There are so many ways to keep a steady beat and the more children practice, the more adept they'll be in the long run. 

Short, sweet, and super-important, here are Rekha's tips for authors:
​
1. Make a plan to write every day, even if it just one sentence or gathering ideas
2. Find colleagues, friends, avid readers and get feedback (not just from people who love you - like me asking my Mom to read everything and she loves it) but individuals who can help you shape and hone your craft
3. Never give up!

1.  Write a story about  the ____________ drum (biggest, loudest, most unusual . . .)
2.  Write a story with the three different kinds of percussion: things you strike, scrub/rub, and shake.
3.  Write about a drummer that couldn't keep a steady beat.
4.  Listen around you for steady beat -- keep a list of things that make a steady beat.
5.  Write an acrostic poem using using  DRUM, PERCUSSION or STEADY BEAT.
6. Write a poem with a steady beat.
7.  Write about your favorite kind of drum/percussion.
8. Write about a kid who finds a drum in an unusual place.
9. Write about keeping a beat on something very unusual.
10. Write about keeping the beat in the bathtub.

Well, a cake may not be a drum, but it would be the perfect snack to go along with this book!  This one is full of delicious peanut butter and jelly (PBJ) yumminess!  You can find the recipe here and make your own drum-shaped, but not a drum PBJ cake!  I haven't yet, but it's definitely on my list to try!

Congratulations to Cathy Sheafor!  ​You are the winner of a critique from Megan Hoyt!  Congratulations and best of luck with your manuscript! Please tell your friends about PBJamz and come back any time to find out more about picture books with musical connections and leave a comment.  

Everyone stay tuned and come back next week for part 2 -- tons of teacher tips for general education, music education, homeschool, preschool, and family fun!  Tips, a Pinterest board and a YouTube playlist full of amazing ways to use this superfun book!

Lisa and I talk about all the musical connections, parenting, teaching, how to foster creativity, how important it is to learn from our children and students just like they learn from us!  It's important to keep on going, but also important to be willing to be vulnerable and admit that you don't have all the answers.  It's a rich, deep conversation ! 

This book is part instruction manual, part ode to rock 'n roll, part treaty to persevere, and part plain family fun!  Have you ever been in a family band?  Come join this family with siblings who would like to rock the house together.

Perfect for preschool, kindergarten, or any age that enjoys a rockin' edge on their alphabet!   Mr. Al actually has a whole CD of cool rockin' music called "Kids Wanna Rock".  Superfun, and I used it all the time with my second graders when I was in the regular classroom! Here's a link if you'd like to purchase the CD -- lots of old rock standards modified for a kid audience. https://melodyhousemusic.com/shop/music/mr-al-music/kids-wanna-rock/?v=ed5e635ddcfb  I especially like Kids Wanna Rock and I Want Candy.  This song below is awesome too -- a rockin' version of the ABC song.  One thing I especially like about this one is that LMNOP don't get all clumped together in this version.  There are lots of ways you could use it in the classroom (in addition to the obvious way of learning the alphabet). Accompany it with instruments, have kids hold up pictures of things that begin with that letter as he sings.  Use it as an opener/attention-getter for ABC order activity or any alphabet related activity.  Be sure to check out the YouTube playlist in next week's additions to this episode down in the links section.  You'll find more songs and more ways to integrate rock into your regular or music classroom!

1. Silence your inner critic.
You’ll face a lot of criticism and rejection as a writer. You don’t need to join that chorus. Personally, I find running, meditating and free writing help my brain get to a more creative place.
​2. Play.
For me, the best writing comes from a place of joy. Sometimes that means capturing something meaningful or joyful to you on the page. Sometimes that means stepping away for a while and filling your well with non-writing joy.
3. Take a bow.
​Try to celebrate small wins. Even if you get an agent or a book deal, those achievements are infrequent, not in your control, and can take years. Plus they’re usually bookended by rejection. Celebrate finishing a draft or figuring out a revision. Supply your own applause - or drop me a line and I’ll clap for you anytime!

1.  What cool band name would you choose?  Why?
2.  Which is cooler?  Electric guitar, Bass, or Drums?  Explain.
3.  Create a concert poster for your band.
4. Which rock sub-genre is best and why?
5. Where would you MOST like to perform?
6 What does it mean "Always leave your audience wanting more."?
7. Write another "how to" story.

Well, this is a FIRST, and I LOVE it!  When Lisa and I were chatting, she said, "Oh, BTW, I have a great peanut butter and jelly cookie recipe if you want it. . . IF I WANT IT. . . .LOL . . . so this week, a special treat -- a PBJ snack recipe from the author herself!


Lisa Tolin’s PB&J thumbprint cookies (about 30 cookies)
I love this recipe because it’s easy and gluten-free, and it’s now my kids’ favorite!

Ingredients:
2 large eggs
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed light brown sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon kosher salt
16.3 -oz container smooth peanut butter
2/3 cup jelly

​Heat oven to 350 F. Line two baking sheets with parchment. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, sugars, vanilla and salt for a few minutes until smooth. (You can use a mixer for this, but it’s not necessary.) Add peanut butter and combine until smooth. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheets. Stick your thumb in the center to create a little thumbprint well (or use a rounded teaspoon bottom). Bake for 6 minutes, then pull out the sheet and add about a teaspoon of jelly to each thumbprint. Stick the cookies back in, rotating the sheets, for another 6-8 minutes. Allow cookies to cool on sheets, then transfer to a wire rack to cool thoroughly.

Congratulations to Jennifer Thomas!! You are the winner of one of Kimberly Gordon Biddle’s books!!! And congratulations to Steena Hernandez! You have won a Zoom session with Kimberly!! Thanks so much for joining me and Kimberly for PBJamz! Kimberly will be in touch about your prizes!!

Megan and I are both Carolina girls with a love for music, beautiful language and gorgeous picture books, so I really enjoyed our conversation about Carnegie Hall, Isaac Stern, music in the schools, music as a universal language and so much more!  I hope you enjoy our chat as much as we did!  Megan is giving away a critique of a picture book manuscript, so PB writers, be sure to leave a comment below to be eligible!  I'll do a random drawing from everyone who comments.

Whether you are traveling to New York City or teaching a unit on activism, teaching about Carnegie Hall in music class, or looking to focus on ELA standards for figurative language and literary devices, this book literally has something for everyone.  There are so many layers, you won't have any difficulty finding a way to use it in your family or school. Notwithstanding it is simply beautiful to read and absorb. The book, published by Quill Tree Books and beautifully illustrated by Katie Hickey is about the journey to save Carnegie Hall, when it was slated to be torn down.  I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did!  Please remember to support the authors by:
1. purchasing the book if you'd like
2. requesting the book at your local library
3.  leaving a review for the book on Amazon, GoodReads, or Barnes and Noble
4.  Sharing this episode with a friend who might enjoy it
5.  Sharing book recommendations with friends, family, or on social media.

So many ways to use this book in the music classroom!

• History of Carnegie Hall
• Impact on the world of music
• Biography -- Isaac Stern; listen to his performances
• Learn about violin/string family
• Study the musicians/composers who were mentioned who performed at Carnegie Hall
  • Tchaicovsky
  • Marian Anderson
  • Duke Ellington
• Watch performances from Carnegie Hall; discuss genre, musicality, performers, etc.
• Explore resources for music teachers from Carnegie Hall
• Check out the YouTube playlist for more!

1.  If you could perform at Carnegie Hall, what would you like to do?
2.  Write an acrostic Poem for CARNEGIE HALL.
3.  Write a "How to" article for  how to be an activist/how to make a difference.
4.  Write about something in your community that needs changing and how you would go about helping the change happen.
5.  Write a biography for one of the people mentioned in the book.
6.  Write a letter to Isaac Stern or Robert Moses telling them what you think about their efforts.
7.  Listen to a performance from Carnegie Hall and write something to respond to the music.
8.  Write a travel brochure for Carnegie Hall.
9. Listen to several performances from Carnegie Hall and write about which was your favorite -- and why.
​10.  Do you think Robert Moses was a villain in this story?  Why? or why not?

Pinterest board​ containing lots of links to go along with THE GREATEST SONG OF ALL 
​YouTube playlist with performances, history and more from Carnegie Hall
www.youtube.com/c/carnegiehallCarnegie Hall YouTube channel
​Carnegie Hall education resources
www.carnegiehall.orgCarnegie Hall website
​

After a night at the theater or a musical performance, a late night milkshake is the perfect go-to.  You could grab one at  your local drive-through or craft your own at home.  This amazing PBJ milkshake comes to you courtesy of hip2save.com, and is inspired by a Disney shake.  They give lots of options for personalizing your own PBJ shake.  You can find the link to the recipe below:

​https://hip2save.com/recipes/peanut-butter-and-jelly-shake/

​Or, just let your imagination run wild and compose your own PBJ shake worthy of an encore performance at Carnegie Hall.

Megan has generously donated a Picture book manuscript critique, so make sure you  comment below if you're a writer who would like Megan's eyes on your manuscript for some constructive feedback.  If you're NOT an author, feel free to comment as well.  Just let me know you don't want to be entered for the prize.

Here are some ways to access Megan and her beautiful book(s):
Website for Megan
​Twitter 
Instagram
Megan's Amazon page

To purchase THE GREATEST SONG OF ALL;
Amazon 
Barnes and Noble 

GoodReads page

Congratulations, Steena Hernandez!  You are the winner of the Zoom session with Jeni Chen!  

and. . . .

Congratulations, Jany Campana!  You are the winner of digital art from Jeni Chen!

I'll connect you all so you can work out details! Thanks for your support of Jeni and PBJamz!  Enjoy your prizes!

I sat down, via Zoom, with retired professor, author, and musician Kimberly Gordon Biddle.  Kimberly has written 3 picture books (linked in Guest Links and Giveaways section), along with some textbooks in her field of child development.  She also challenges herself to write a song to go with each book, including the one we're focusing on for the next couple of weeks!  Check the song out in the Jams section below!  Make sure you comment on the blog post to enter to win a signed book or a Zoom visit with Kimberly!

And stay tuned next week to the blog for part 2 -- teaching tips, writing prompts and more -- all related to Kimberly's book and her accompanying song!

The Double Dutch competition is at stake.  Can Darlene become the Double Dutch Queen?  Her feet get tangled and she keeps messing up.  But when push comes to shove, can Darlene do it?  With the right motivation, Darlene learns to step in to hard things and stay one jump ahead in this picture book by Kimberly Gordon Biddle. Kids who love jumping rope, whether they're double dutchers or not will enjoy this story full of can-do attitudes, and stepping in when people are counting on you.  Darlene not only becomes the queen, but the hero, too, of her own story!

Click on the link to get to the song Kimberly wrote for this story called Darlene the Double Dutch Queen

​Enjoy the song and the other resources available via Kimberly's website!  

I hope you enjoy working Kimberly's book into your classroom!  Here are some options:

• SEL -- Discuss how you handle/ new strategies for:
  • When you can't do something well
  • When pressure is high
  • When you need to perform well and you're nervous
• SEL -- How did dreams help Darlene?  Why are things easier in our dreams? How can we make our positive dreams come true?
• Social Studies -- History of Double Dutch
• Phys. Ed. -- Try some Double Dutch techniques
• Reading --
  • BME (Beginning/Middle/End)
  • Problem/Solution
  • Character sketch of Darlene 
• Language use
  • Onomatopoeia
  • Figurative language
  • Strong verbs (twirl, jump, dream, etc.)
    • Locate them
    • Act them out
• Comprehension
  • Drawing inferences -- what is the situation with the mom?  How do you know?  Cite text evidence.

Rhythm is really the musical key to everything in this story!  Rhythm is ever-present: the rhythm of the chants, the rhythm of the ropes, using the rhythm/internalizing it to be able to jump.

This book would be a great way to introduce and talk about the difference in rhythm and beat (or jump rope in general.). The rope must maintain the steady beat.  If it's not steady, it will mess up whomever is jumping and they won't be able to jump well.  It must be steady, even, and consistent.  The chants are where the rhythm comes in.  They have long and short sounds, pauses, and words overlaying the steady beat of the rope.  

Possible lesson ideas:

• Write your own double dutch (or jump rope) chants.  Take turns jumping each person's chant.
• Analyze well known chants; match them up to musical rhythm with sounds or notation.
• Discuss how chants differ from songs or poems, etc.
• Watch Double Dutch routines.  Point out the steady beat vs. rhythm
• Let students try their hand at Double Dutch.
• Allow students to tap the steady beat along with Double Dutch chants/performances, etc.  Or allow them to use simple percussion instruments.
• Use Kimberly's song in class to reinforce the story, or to sing along.
• After listening to the author's song, allow students to try their hand at a chorus or verse and chorus of their own based on the story.
• Do a variation on the author's melody.  What if you changed the style? Tempo? Rhythm?

1.  Write about a dream you have -- something you'd like to be able to do, but you can't -- YET.
2.  Write about a time you were sick or someone close to you was sick.
3.  Darlene was the middle child in her family and she didn't feel like there was anything special about her.  Write about your place in your family and what makes you special.
4.Write your own jump rope or double dutch chants.
5. Write your own song to match the story.
6. Write a letter to yourself, telling how to do something that is hard for you.  What strategies should you try?  What should you do when you feel like giving up?
7.  Write a how-to article for "How to Jump Rope" or "How to Do Double Dutch"
8. Write an acrostic poem using your name.  Each line should begin with one of the letters of your name.
9. Make a list of 10 things you can do when things aren't going right and/or you're feeling overwhelmed.
​10.  Write about an interesting dream you had.
​11. Write about why you think Darlene was finally able to double dutch.  What changed?
​

If you're going to spend  some time double-dutch jumping, you might need a yummy hand-held snack.  This one fits the bill -- and it's vegan and gluten-free, too!  A delicious way to build up your strength for some serious jump-time.  PBJ all the way. Jump in, jump out. Hey, hey, hey!

​You can find the recipe here, courtesy of Sarah Bakes Gluten Free.  I haven't tried these ones on my own yet, but they look quite delicious!  If you give them a try, leave a comment below and let us know  how you like them!

Kimberly's website

Twitter

Facebook

​Instagram

​Goodreads

Amazon links for Kimberly's books


Kimberly has offered 2 prizes for this episode of PBJamz, which will be available through 11:59 PM EST on Wednesday, July 6.  To be eligible for giveaways, leave a comment on this episode any time before then.  I will draw 2 random winners for a copy of (any one of) Kimberly's picture book, and a (separate winner for a) Zoom  session with her.

Angel Gantnier, you are the winner of a signed copy of ROCK STAR RECESS!
​
Nelly Nunez, you are the winner of a zoom session with Patrick and Emily!

Congratulations to BOTH of you!  Thanks so much to Patrick and Emily for joining me and sharing about ROCK STAR RECESS!  You both ROCK, too! :-). I'll connect you all and hope you enjoy your awesome prizes!


Starting this week, episodes of PBJamz will air in segments. This episode will begin Thursday, June 9 and will conclude Wednesday, June 22, which means you have 2 weeks to get your comments in and enjoy this episode before a new one airs! Stay tuned next week for tips for elementary teachers, and music teachers, writing prompts, and a yummy PBJ recipe!

This is a creative conversation you do NOT want to miss!  Not only is Jeni absolutely charming, but she is full of great information and beautiful insights about finding our spark! We talk art, music, writing, teaching, and more.  If you've lost your creative spark, if you're a music teacher, artist, art teacher, if you haven't yet found your "element" (Watch the video to see what I mean), this one is for you!  I'm pretty sure you'll be blessed!  Be sure to leave a comment to be eligible for Jeni's prizes (Yes, plural!  There are two prizes!  Check out the Giveaway section to see what Jeni is offering! :-))

What a lovely book!  Jeni helps us see the world through Emet's eyes -- at first full of color, zest, vibrance, and LIFE.  Then, as he loses touch with his artistic creativity, his world changes to grayscale -- literally and figuratively!  When his grandparents give him an art set, he 's reminded of how much he loves art, and rekindles the spark.  Once his world is full of color again, he's equipped to help others regain their own zest for life. It's a wonderful book for kids, but it's also a wonderful book for adults!  Whether your zest/element/passion is art, music, handcrafts, welding, travel, gardening or something totally different, my wish for you is that you find and maintain your connection to your creativity -- whatever that looks like.  This book will inspire you to do just that!

A fun little movement song whose lyrics and movements inspire you to be creative and use your imagination.  Check out the YouTube playlist for more songs, activities, music, conversation, and art to light the spark in your classroom, your family, your home, your art studio, your music-making area . . . bring on the creativity, and then let it flow, and don't ever let it go!

This book is all about creativity, arts, and imagination!
I highly encourage you to watch the TedTalk that Jeni refers to and reflect on your own teaching practice.  I'm definitely looking at changing some things up to foster more creativity in my students in the coming years.

• Integrate the arts 
  • music
  • visual art
  • drama
  • dance
• Offer student choice as much as possible
• Allow open-ended activities and out-of-the box problem-solving
• Excellent article with tips for creativity
• Another helpful article about fostering creativity
• Here's an article for you, as teacher, to foster and develop your own creativity
• There are lots more tips in the Pinterest board and in the YouTube playlist.  Access them in the links section below!

This book presents the perfect time to do an arts mash-up to explore creativity on a whole new level.  In addition to the specific ideas in the YouTube playlist and Pinterest board, consider these ideas for using EMET'S BOX in the music classroom.

• Since the girl in the book plays violin, it's a great time to listen to some beautiful violin music.  You could do a comparison between classical violin and Lindsay Stirling, or just focus on some of your favorite violin music.
• To add another artistic/creative level, give students art supplies and allow them to create based on the music.  There are lots of ways to do this.  One of my favorites is to play a minute or so of music, giving students a black crayon to move it across the page with swirls and flourishes, crossing over, however the music moves them.  Then, continue to play music and allow them to color each section a different color or however the music sounds to them.  Check out the Pinterest board for other ways to blend art and music.
• This book also creates a great space for allowing students to create in many other ways
  • Let them create their own scarf/ribbon/plate routine to a piece of music.  (I did this last year with the same  piece of music over 3 weeks.  You could extend it even longer if you wanted.  The first week, they explored and played around with different moves, but as they got more familiar with the music, their moves matched better and better.  By week 3, lots of them had really nice little scarf routines.
  • You could do the same thing with movement.  For younger kids, you could teach them 3-4 moves, but let them put them together however the music moves them.
  • For older, more advanced kids, they could create a movement sequence.  You could allow them to group themselves or you could group them and give each group a section to choreograph.  This would tie in beautifully with a study of form.
• Another fun way to explore creativity is to sing songs in different ways/voices:
  • like a mermaid
  • like a grumpy old man/woman
  • like a chipmunk
  • etc. . . .
• Composing is a natural expression of creativity.  In lower grades, using shapes, colored stickers, or musical notation if they're ready, allow them to create  their own measure.  Put the measures together to create a rhythmic song, or switch this up a bunch of ways: 4 measures, choose instruments, layer instruments, etc.
• In older grades, with pitched instruments, let them use the note/fingerings they've learned to create their own melody.
• A very simple way to integrate creativity with listening is just to allow them to listen to a piece of music without telling them anything about it and ask them what they visualized or to draw what it made them think about.
• Take music outside if you have Ann area of concrete and use sidewalk chalk for self-expression.
• Play a simple melody and let them create words to go along.
• The idea is to allow students to be creative in ways you don't normally, to think outside the box.

Here are my top 3 tips for beginning author + illustrator
1. Learn the craft. 
After I had the idea for Emet’s Box, I took two picture book illustration classes at my local art school. I learned how to make dummy books and how page turns play an important part in the storytelling. Another thing I learned in my classes was the interplay between words and images. For example, the words can mean one thing and the pictures show a totally different thing. 
I also learned a lot about the craft of making picture books and about publishing by joining my local SCBWI. The support and encouragement of the people I met at my local SCBWI were invaluable.
2. Write down your ideas!
I wrote down the first draft of Emet’s Box at dawn, in the dark, on pieces of scrap papers. I didn’t work on the story until 2 years later. If I hadn’t written it down, I would’ve forgotten about it and it wouldn’t exist today as a published picture book. Another thing I learned from writing lots of proposals to artist calls is that people can feel it when your writing is coming from your heart. When it got tough and I almost gave up on Emet’s Box, I went back to my first draft and remembered why I wanted to tell the story in the first place. That initial inspiration helped me persevered and I think people can feel your heart in your story.
 3. Appreciate where you are now in your journey
I sent out a bunch of dummy books to publishers around the time the pandemic hit at the beginning of 2020. I hadn’t heard back for several months so I check the publishers’ websites and all of them said they stopped looking at submissions because of the pandemic. I remembered sitting at home, during lock down and appreciating the time I had to re-read all my favorite books and having my family with me.  It was a genuine feeling of satisfaction that stood out to me. Shortly after, Emet’s Box was picked up by my publisher The Little Press. 

​I believe that our feelings and emotions are energies that let us know if we are on the right track. When I am writing or drawing or just sitting on the sofa and if I feel that energy of love, inspiration, contentment, I know I am onto something.

I keep adding to Pinterest and YouTube, so feel free to save the boards and playlists or bookmark them to come back to later.

The Pinterest board is full of all sorts of creative activities -- art, music, a blend of the two, and more ways to cultivate and express your creative element. There are options for families, classrooms, music, and more!

The same is true for the YouTube playlist.  Choose whatever works for your situation, and enjoy diving into creativity -- again, or for the first time!

Here is the Ted talk that Jeni referenced in the interview.

The ultimate creativity foray for PBJ lovers -- make it into a snack board!  Here's one version:  https://thebakermama.com/recipes/pbj-snack-board/
All credit to the Baker mama for this photo and this fabulous idea!  You can check out her other recipes at: thebakermama.com
But, in true creative, imaginative style, you can do this one any way you want to.  Put out a bowl of peanut butter, a few selections of jams/jellies with various breads, crackers, fruits, chocolate, veggies, pretzels, popcorn, etc. and let everyone get as creative as they dare with all the PBJ loveliness!  What creations will you make?  How about your kids?  No holds barred.  Let your creativity run wild and see what amazing combos and creations you love!

Jessica Hinrichs
Congratulations!  You are the winner of a copy of CLARINET & TRUMPET by Melanie Ellsworth!  Thanks so much for all of your support for PBJamz!  I know you'll enjoy the book!  Thank you Melanie for joining me on PBJamz and for your generosity!  I'll connect the two of you on Twitter to arrange for prize delivery!!!

Join us as we talk writing, music, illustration, teaching, teamwork and more!  I had a great conversation with Patrick Baggatta (author) and Emily Mullock (illustrator) of the book ROCK STAR recess, published by Union Street Kids. Join three precocious kids and their friends as they explore their rock star dreams over recess!  There's something in this conversation -- and this book, for everyone.  Keep reading below for writing tips and prompts, teaching ideas for regular classrooms and music classrooms, and even a perfect concert snack below!  Rock on!

This book is a wide-open, colorful, rollicking story of  three precocious characters and a host of friends and how they tried to rock their dreams -- all at recess!  When the main character decides she's had enough "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star", she freestyles an idea to make things a bit more colorful and energetic, but with all the distractions and things screaming for their attention, they might have forgotten the most important part of their dreams. Will they pull off their rock star status or will the lights fade to a twinkle?

This is a fun little rockin' version of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.  There are more great music and videos in the YouTube playlist linked below in the Links section where you can choose your own favorite, share them with your favorite kids, integrate them into music lessons and more!

There are quite a few ELA objectives that you could use this book to target:

• Onomatopoeia
• Dialogue
• Drawing conclusions/inferences
  • "The Sensitive One"
  • "The Sensible One"

There are also some wider concepts that would be beautiful  to teach in a classroom setting:

• The Power of Teamwork
• Following Your Dreams
• The importance of preparation

Since the book focuses on "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star", pairing lots of activities for Twinkle Twinkle is a great idea!  Check out the YouTube playlist and the Pinterest board for lots of specific ideas to enhance the book experience using Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, including:

• singing
• dancing
• playing
  
  • Boomwhackers
    
  • recorders
    
  • piano
• variations
• rewriting lyrics
• note-reading
• history of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star (very fascinating, BTW)

Also, as you can tell from the title, the book focuses on an elementary school "rock band", so this would also be a great time to introduce Rock as a musical genre.  There are lots of ways you could do this:

• Create lessons based on individual rock stars: guitarists, vocalists, percussionists, etc.
• Focus on specific rock bands
• Trace the history of rock to its roots
• Discuss and share examples of rock as a genre and its coordinating characteristics
• Listen to rock  versions of kid songs (including Twinkle. . .)

It would be a good time to do a unit (or a lesson or two, depending on the age range) of creating variations.  There are lots of great variations on the melody of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star!  You could listen to a lot of different variations, talking about which musical elements were changed in each.  Did they change the tempo?  The rhythms?  The instrumentation? The pitches?  How can you recognize a "theme" amidst the variations?  Allow students to change something to create their own variation on Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.

YouTube Playlist full of amazing varied versions of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, classical music connections, and fun activities for young aspiring "rock stars"!

Pinterest board full of tons of rock star fun, teaching tips, music activities and so much more!  Check it out here!

The History of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star:​ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twinkle,_Twinkle,_Little_Star

​I'm including this link here because it is FULL of great resources for Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, but please realize there is some misinformation, particularly  in her explanation of the meaning and alliteration.  (Alliteration is actually using the same beginning sounds in close proximity [Think of tongue twisters]. What I think the author was trying to refer to was similes -- figures of speech that compare unlike things using like or as. "like a diamond in the sky" is comparing the star with a diamond.). But she did amazing work putting together the resources, so do please go check this one out! 

A great summer project:
Go to a concert as a family.  Talk about the prep it must take and all of the people involved to make the concert happen.  *Can be any genre of music.  :-)

What better snack for a rock star concert than a yummy popcorn?  Well, I found the perfect PBJamz version of this snack -- PBJ popcorn!  You can try out the  recipe here from Something Swanky!  Enjoy it at a concert, with a movie, or just for an afternoon or evening snack.  Let me know in the comments if you try it out! :-)

Emily and Patrick have graciously and generously offered two prizes!  Comment below for a chance to win:
a signed copy of ROCK STAR RECESS -or-
a Zoom session (classroom visit for a teacher or a publishing conversation with author or illustrator)

Social Media Info: 

• Twitter: @EmilyMullock @pbaggatta77
• Instagram: @rockstarrecess 
• Website: www.friendsonthemoon.com

To purchase your very own copy of ROCK STAR RECESS

​Patrick began his writing career as an editor for popular magazines and websites such as Game Players, Next Generation, CNet, and PC Gamer. From there, he went on to write, edit, and contribute to multiple videogame narratives for Disney and other renowned publishers. Currently, Patrick and his creative partner are developing and writing scripts for original kids’ animation projects with major production studios. Rock Star Recess is his first children’s book, which is also in development as an animated special.
 
Emily has published two original children’s books called Go Away, Unicorn! and the sequel, Go Away, Unicorn! Doggone Magic, both of which are published by McKellar Martin and picked-up by Scholastic. Go Away, Unicorn! went on to become a TV series for Disney Channel. Emily also illustrated the children’s book Dude, published by Benjamin Brown Books. Emily has recently co-developed the story for Rock Star Recess. She is currently developing pitch bibles and co-writing scripts for original animated series in development with eOne, Nelvana, Wonderstorm, Toon2Tango, and Boat Rocker.

I'll keep adding fabulous articles to this post as I find them, so feel free to bookmark it or subscribe for updates.

Edutopia article "How Music Primes the Brain for Learning"
​