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! Chatting with Kimberly Gordon Biddle about Double Dutch dreams and music and more!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! PB (Picture Book Tasting) DARLENE'S DOUBLE DUTCH DREAMSThe 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! A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind) Darlene the Double Dutch QueenClick 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! Teacher Tips, Tricks and TopicsI hope you enjoy working Kimberly's book into your classroom! Here are some options:
Tips and Topics for Music TeachersRhythm 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:
Tips for authors from Kimberly 1. Write from your heart and what you love. 2. Always keep learning and honing your craft. 3. Publishing a book is a long process. 4. Keep hope alive! Writing Prompts from Tonnye1. 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? Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!
PBJamz SnackIf 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! Guest Links and GiveawaysKimberly's website
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.
9 Comments
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! Interview with Jeni Chen, author/illustrator of EMET'S BOXThis 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! :-)) PB (Picture Book Tasting) EMET'S BOXWhat 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 Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind) |
Here are the photos of my attempt. This one was gluten free (made with a GF yellow cake mix. Rather than make an extra frosting , I just swirled the rest of the peanut butter and jelly over the top. It was delicious! I used homemade plum jelly that I had on hand, too. It was yummy and didn't need the frosting, but we do plan to try it again with the frosting. |
Guest Links and Giveaways
Annette's info:
Twitter
Website
Annette is giving away a 30 minute Zoom call! Teachers, homeschool parents, etc. may choose to use the zoom call for an author visit, or authors may choose to use the 30 minutes to chat about books, publishing, etc.
To be eligible, simply leave a comment below on this blog post, and thanks so much for stopping by!
Website
Annette is giving away a 30 minute Zoom call! Teachers, homeschool parents, etc. may choose to use the zoom call for an author visit, or authors may choose to use the 30 minutes to chat about books, publishing, etc.
To be eligible, simply leave a comment below on this blog post, and thanks so much for stopping by!
K Yin, congratulations!!! You were winner #1!!! You have won a copy of FIRST NOTES OF SPRING by Jessica Kulekjian!!
Gennie Gorback, congratulations!!! You were winner #2!!! You have won a copy of A HOME NAMED WALTER
Thanks again to Tara Trudel for the generous prizes and a fabulous interview!
Gennie Gorback, congratulations!!! You were winner #2!!! You have won a copy of A HOME NAMED WALTER
Thanks again to Tara Trudel for the generous prizes and a fabulous interview!
Video interview with Annie Lynn and Jolene Gutierrez
I hope you'll join us for a conversation that encompasses so much -- music, guinea pigs, SEL, teaching, writing songs, singing, integration, the power of the arts, and other stuff, too ;-). These two ladies have become more than writing colleagues, and Kidlit pals. They have become friends. Come hang with us for a while. You might learn something new, or you might not, but you're bound to have fun! We sure did!
PB (Picture Book Tasting)
MAC & CHEESE & THE PERSONAL SPACE INVADER
Mac and Cheese are delightful secondary characters that are sure to steal your heart, as they did Oliver's! He wants to learn to be a good friend, and who better to serve as models than Mac and Cheese! They're BFFs for sure! Unfortunately, when Oliver applies his scientific observations on the friendship of guinea pigs to his own budding friendships, things don't go quite so well. A book of friendship, being an action scientist, SEL strategies, honoring personal space, and more! There's a bit of Spanish, a lot of guinea pig love, and a lesson to learn with a hula hoop! Check out the teaching tips below and the links section for so many amazing ways to use this book in the classroom, the music classroom, your family read-aloud time, or your homeschool.
MAC AND CHEESE AND THE PERSONAL SPACE INVADER
written by Jolene Gutierrez
illustrated by Heather Bell
published by Spork publishing
MAC AND CHEESE AND THE PERSONAL SPACE INVADER
written by Jolene Gutierrez
illustrated by Heather Bell
published by Spork publishing
A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)
Space Creator (an SEL song)
Using bubbles to create space, being a friend, what it means to have, honor, and maintain personal space! This song is full of great tips, fun motions, call and response which makes it easy for kids to join in right away so they can learn and internalize what it means to be a "Space Creator"!
Teacher Tips/Curriculum Tie-ins
- Jolene has a great teaching guide and other resources for teachers here!
- Integrate SEL -- Personal space/friendship strategies
- Friendship unit
- Integrate Science -- Guinea pigs
- Life cycle
- Pet care
- Classification
- Bring in guinea pigs for observation (if allowed by your district)
- Compare and contrast with Mac and Cheese
- Venn diagram
- 2-column chart
- writing activity
- Compare and contrast with Mac and Cheese
- Integrate Science -- Scientific observation/notetaking
- Integrate PE
- Hula hoop activities
Tips and Topics for Music Teachers
- Use the song "Be a Space Creator" (linked above).
- Sing along
- Add movements
- Add instruments
- Other personal space songs (see the YouTube playlist in the links section)
- Friendship songs (see the YouTube playlist)
- Guinea pig songs
- Hula Hoop songs/acitivites (see the YouTube playlist)
Writing Prompts/Author Tips
Writing Prompts from Tonnye:
Writing Prompts from Jolene:
Writing Advice from Jolene for those of us trying to get published:
Immerse yourself in books! Visit your favorite independent bookstore or go to your library and find recent books in the genres you write. I read these books to myself, I read them aloud to kids, and I type up the text of my favorite mentor books to get a feel for rhythm, language, and page turns.
Immerse yourself in the KidLit community! The KidLit community is active in a variety of places across social media, around the Internet, and locally, if you’re lucky. Look for critique groups, join SCBWI, find KidLit contests, etc. These are all amazing ways to connect, learn, and grow!
Give yourself grace. The world is tough enough, so don’t be tough on yourself. You may not be able to write every day. That’s OK. You’re a rockstar for following your dreams!
Reject the idea of writer’s block. If you feel stuck in your writing, consider trying to write a different genre, level, or topic. Or do other work, like creating your author website, researching a new idea, or critiquing someone else’s writing.
Songwriting Advice from AnnieLynn:
Annie asked me to repost Tara's excellent songwriting tips, and states that she totally concurs with Tara's suggestions. Annie shares a couple of addendums at the bottom of Tara's tips:
A Simple 6 Step Songwriting Method from Tara Trudel:
1. Find the Hook - I like to start with a title. Song titles can create a strong feeling, express an opinion, establish a time/place/memory, or just be fun to say. A great title immediately gives your song a topic and a short, punchy lyrical phrase to build your chorus around.
2. Brainstorm - Once I choose a title, I create a word bank where I write a list of words or short phrases related to my title. When I have a lot of options, I go back through this list and look for possible rhymes to play with in the lyrics.
3. Write the Chorus - A simple chorus can be really effective. Repetition is a powerful songwriting tool, especially in the chorus. (Just think about how many times you've had "We Don't Talk About Bruno, no no no/We Don't Talk About Bruno" stuck in your head!)
4. Keep the Verses Consistent - If you're new to songwriting, it's best to write verses in groups of four lines. Verses typically have the same rhyme scheme and a similar line length in each repetition.
5. Break It Up With The Bridge - The bridge is a section where you can switch up your rhyme scheme and melody and experiment with something new. This shift in the lyrics and melody helps drive the song home to its final chorus.
6. Collaborate - Songwriting is often a collaborative art form. If you don't have a music background, you can always work with a musician to set your lyrics to music. I've also had a lot of success following the above formula to write group songs with students in the classroom.
Addendums by Annie Lynn:
3. Write the Chorus - A simple chorus can be really effective. Repetition is a powerful songwriting tool, especially in the chorus. (Just think about how many times you've had "We Don't Talk About Bruno, no no no/We Don't Talk About Bruno" stuck in your head!) Annie adds: The chorus is also a great place to put the takeaway message since it is repeated often. 4. Keep the Verses Consistent - If you're new to songwriting, it's best to write verses in groups of four lines. Verses typically have the same rhyme scheme and a similar line length in each repetition. Annie adds: I recently found that writing verses for non-fiction requires a minimum of 8 lines (probably for 2nd grade & up). I ran into the same problem that NF writers have…too much “important” info is “needed” to tell the story! Is there such a thing as Musical Back Matter? Actually yes….and Front Matter too. I like to encourage Students to write a spoken dialogue in the beginning of the song, to set up the scene & use any info still needed that didn’t make it into the musical part of the song. This can also be done at the end of the song. This is where humor works great. A funny parting line will all but ensure that they remember the song and its contents. Sometimes this process leads to writing a mini musical. There are kids who would love to take that concept and work on it with other Student collaborators (I was one of them as a kid) including writers & artists that enjoy set design and costume making. You’ve got magic to make! You can do it!
- How to Be a Friend
- Why is personal space important?
- (non-fiction) Guinea Pigs
- If you could rename Mac and Cheese, what would you call them and why?
- Would you be friends with Oliver? Why or why not?
- How to Hula Hoop
- Write about a special friend.
- Write about a time you had difficulty with friendship
- Write about a time you didn't honor personal space or someone didn't honor yours.
- Write about why you think the hula hoop helps with personal space.
- Title: THE GREAT HULA HOOP MISADVENTURE
- Title: THE CLASS PETS
Writing Prompts from Jolene:
- · Write about a friendship mistake you’ve made.
- · “How to” be a good friend.
- · “How to” practice respect for others’ personal space.
- · If you have access to animals, observe them. How is their personal space bubble different or the same to yours?
- · Write about a time when a teacher gave you advice.
- · Write about your favorite animal.
- · Create your own Spanish dictionary with words from the book or other words you know.
- · Write a letter to Oliver or to Mac and Cheese.
- · Create a recipe for a snack that Mac and Cheese would like.
- · Write your own personal space song.
Writing Advice from Jolene for those of us trying to get published:
Immerse yourself in books! Visit your favorite independent bookstore or go to your library and find recent books in the genres you write. I read these books to myself, I read them aloud to kids, and I type up the text of my favorite mentor books to get a feel for rhythm, language, and page turns.
Immerse yourself in the KidLit community! The KidLit community is active in a variety of places across social media, around the Internet, and locally, if you’re lucky. Look for critique groups, join SCBWI, find KidLit contests, etc. These are all amazing ways to connect, learn, and grow!
Give yourself grace. The world is tough enough, so don’t be tough on yourself. You may not be able to write every day. That’s OK. You’re a rockstar for following your dreams!
Reject the idea of writer’s block. If you feel stuck in your writing, consider trying to write a different genre, level, or topic. Or do other work, like creating your author website, researching a new idea, or critiquing someone else’s writing.
Songwriting Advice from AnnieLynn:
Annie asked me to repost Tara's excellent songwriting tips, and states that she totally concurs with Tara's suggestions. Annie shares a couple of addendums at the bottom of Tara's tips:
A Simple 6 Step Songwriting Method from Tara Trudel:
1. Find the Hook - I like to start with a title. Song titles can create a strong feeling, express an opinion, establish a time/place/memory, or just be fun to say. A great title immediately gives your song a topic and a short, punchy lyrical phrase to build your chorus around.
2. Brainstorm - Once I choose a title, I create a word bank where I write a list of words or short phrases related to my title. When I have a lot of options, I go back through this list and look for possible rhymes to play with in the lyrics.
3. Write the Chorus - A simple chorus can be really effective. Repetition is a powerful songwriting tool, especially in the chorus. (Just think about how many times you've had "We Don't Talk About Bruno, no no no/We Don't Talk About Bruno" stuck in your head!)
4. Keep the Verses Consistent - If you're new to songwriting, it's best to write verses in groups of four lines. Verses typically have the same rhyme scheme and a similar line length in each repetition.
5. Break It Up With The Bridge - The bridge is a section where you can switch up your rhyme scheme and melody and experiment with something new. This shift in the lyrics and melody helps drive the song home to its final chorus.
6. Collaborate - Songwriting is often a collaborative art form. If you don't have a music background, you can always work with a musician to set your lyrics to music. I've also had a lot of success following the above formula to write group songs with students in the classroom.
Addendums by Annie Lynn:
3. Write the Chorus - A simple chorus can be really effective. Repetition is a powerful songwriting tool, especially in the chorus. (Just think about how many times you've had "We Don't Talk About Bruno, no no no/We Don't Talk About Bruno" stuck in your head!) Annie adds: The chorus is also a great place to put the takeaway message since it is repeated often. 4. Keep the Verses Consistent - If you're new to songwriting, it's best to write verses in groups of four lines. Verses typically have the same rhyme scheme and a similar line length in each repetition. Annie adds: I recently found that writing verses for non-fiction requires a minimum of 8 lines (probably for 2nd grade & up). I ran into the same problem that NF writers have…too much “important” info is “needed” to tell the story! Is there such a thing as Musical Back Matter? Actually yes….and Front Matter too. I like to encourage Students to write a spoken dialogue in the beginning of the song, to set up the scene & use any info still needed that didn’t make it into the musical part of the song. This can also be done at the end of the song. This is where humor works great. A funny parting line will all but ensure that they remember the song and its contents. Sometimes this process leads to writing a mini musical. There are kids who would love to take that concept and work on it with other Student collaborators (I was one of them as a kid) including writers & artists that enjoy set design and costume making. You’ve got magic to make! You can do it!
Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!
YouTube playlist with songs and activities related to MAC AND CHEESE AND THE PERSONAL SPACE INVADER (Hula hoop songs/activities, Personal space songs, guinea pig music, and friendship songs!)
Pinterest board full of more activities to teach, practice, and apply friendship strategies, personal space, guinea pigs, hula hoops and more!
Jolene's teaching guide/teacher resources
Pinterest board full of more activities to teach, practice, and apply friendship strategies, personal space, guinea pigs, hula hoops and more!
Jolene's teaching guide/teacher resources
PBJamz Snack -- Peanut Butter & Jelly Granola Bars (Make ahead for a perfect school morning breakfast!)
If you're heading off to school like Oliver, you need a delicious and nutritious breakfast. These healthy granola bars fit the bill perfectly! Make a batch ahead so they are ready to grab on the way out the door or pack up for a healthy snack in your little's lunch box. Better yet, make it a weekend cooking activity WITH your littles and then breakfast is done for the week, you've spent quality time, instilled a love of being in the kitchen and cooking healthy food, AND taught a bunch of skills in context (like measuring, small & large motor skills, mixing, pouring, etc. Oh, and vocabulary too! ;-). Way to multi-task! You rock at this parenting thing!
Recipe
Recipe
Guest Links and Giveaways
TWO Awesome Giveaways! TWO Lucky Winners!
To be eligible, comment below on this blog post. Winners will be drawn at random from comments. Please indicate in your comment if you are a teacher/homeschool teacher to be entered in Annie's giveaway.
From Jolene: Your choice of
a copy of MAC & CHEESE & THE PERSONAL SPACE INVADER or
a PB manuscript critique (less than 800 words)
or
Zoom call (class visit for a teacher or publishing chat with author)
From Annie Lynn: A jump drive with Space Creator song and lots of other amazing kids' songs that are perfect for use in the classroom or your homeschool!
To be eligible, comment below on this blog post. Winners will be drawn at random from comments. Please indicate in your comment if you are a teacher/homeschool teacher to be entered in Annie's giveaway.
From Jolene: Your choice of
a copy of MAC & CHEESE & THE PERSONAL SPACE INVADER or
a PB manuscript critique (less than 800 words)
or
Zoom call (class visit for a teacher or publishing chat with author)
From Annie Lynn: A jump drive with Space Creator song and lots of other amazing kids' songs that are perfect for use in the classroom or your homeschool!
Huge congratulations to Janet Smith! You have won a copy of HERE WE COME! from last week's episode of PBJamz! It's a lovely book, and we know you will enjoy it very much! Thanks for tuning in for PBJamz and sharing the great things happening here!
Video interview with Tara Trudel
I enjoyed chatting with Tara very much! She is not only a wonderful songwriter who's done work on a variety of music projects, but she's also an author in her own right. And, she taught music as well, so she has a wealth of information to offer! If you're not following her on social media, check out all of her links at the bottom of this post!
PB (Picture Book Tasting)
Walter is a lovely home and enjoys his family. When they move out, Walter's heart is broken and he shuts his doors on family and love and living. When a new family moves in, Walter has to decide if he will allow them to move into his heart or if he will encourage them to move on elsewhere. My husband and I live in an old Victorian farmhouse, built in 1882, and I'm sure our home felt a little forlorn as she was relegated to office space and then slated to be torn down if no one bought her to move. Thankfully, we fell in love with her, moved her out to my dad's farm and have been fixing her quirks for 30 years this November. I'm thankful Walter found someone to love him too! Don't miss this beautiful book by Chelsea Lin Wallace, illustrated by Ginnie Hsu, and published by McMillan Publishers.
A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)
And then there was a song. . . named Walter. . .written by Tara Trudel. Such a sweet anthem to go along with a very sweet book. The two together are a perfect pair whether you teach in a regular classroom, a music classroom, a daycare setting, or a homeschool. This book and song are also perfect to share at home to talk about all the things that make your home and family special. Keep reading below for so many tips and ways to use WALTER (the book and the song) to get kids excited and learning about their homes and others.
Teacher Tips/Curriculum Tie-ins
WALTER is full of great topics and tie-ins for teachers. Check these out, and if you have other ways you're using it, please comment below. Share the knowledge and share the love!
- What makes a house a home? (great tie-in for BOY as students and teachers are getting to know each other. Writing/discussion about each others' homes and families)
- Different kinds of houses/homes (wonderful social studies tie-in to talk about different types of houses/homes around the world.)
- Feelings/Emotions (excellent SEL tie-in) Talk about how to deal with feelings
- role-playing
- collaborate with school counselor
- integrate meditation
- Emojis!
- Emotional check-in in the mornings
- Mapping/reading maps -- have students create a map of their home after looking at lots of examples. (social studies tie-in with map reading, compass rose, etc.)
- STEM/STEAM activities -- building a house using various materials: popsicle sticks, cards, etc.
Tips and Topics for Music Teachers
There are a couple of options for music teachers wanting to use this book in the music classroom.
- One direction you could take is to focus on our personal homes and families. There are lots of songs about houses/homes and families that you could use to integrate. (Taras song above would work beautifully with this approach!)
- Another direction you could take is to take a global approach and talk about homes and families around the world and the different kinds of houses people live in.
- Thirdly, you could use videos like House of Sound and Melody Street and approach it from a musical house point-of-view. Talk about families of instruments.
- Another musical approach is a song in the YouTube playlist that focuses on the elements of music. So you could build a lesson using that.
- A different direction you might choose (and another direction where Tara's song is a perfect fit) is to go in an SEL direction and use Walter and the song as a jumping off point for discussing and singing about feelings and emotions.
- Still another way you could integrate this into a musical classroom is to use the book and Tara's song as a discussion of songwriting, in conjunction with her songwriting tips below (and maybe another book/song combo or two from her collection). Have students choose a favorite book and try to write a song based on their favorite book.
- Check out the YouTube playlist for songs/activities to get you started -- or the Pinterest board.
Writing Prompts/Author Tips
Writing Prompts:
1. My Dream House
2. If I Built a House. . .
3. What Makes a House a Home
4. A Time When I was ____________ (Choose an emotion)
5. A Time when I moved/had to try something new
6. I think the song named Walter and the house named Walter match or don't match well because. . . .
7.My Favorite Thing to do in my house. . .
8. If I had to leave the place I live now, I would really miss ________ because. . . .
Songwriting Tips from Tara:
A Simple 6 Step Songwriting Method:
1. Find the Hook - I like to start with a title. Song titles can create a strong feeling, express an opinion, establish a time/place/memory, or just be fun to say. A great title immediately gives your song a topic and a short, punchy lyrical phrase to build your chorus around.
2. Brainstorm - Once I choose a title, I create a word bank where I write a list of words or short phrases related to my title. When I have a lot of options, I go back through this list and look for possible rhymes to play with in the lyrics.
3. Write the Chorus - A simple chorus can be really effective. Repetition is a powerful songwriting tool, especially in the chorus. (Just think about how many times you've had "We Don't Talk About Bruno, no no no/We Don't Talk About Bruno" stuck in your head!)
4. Keep the Verses Consistent - If you're new to songwriting, it's best to write verses in groups of four lines. Verses typically have the same rhyme scheme and a similar line length in each repetition.
5. Break It Up With The Bridge - The bridge is a section where you can switch up your rhyme scheme and melody and experiment with something new. This shift in the lyrics and melody helps drive the song home to its final chorus.
6. Collaborate - Songwriting is often a collaborative art form. If you don't have a music background, you can always work with a musician to set your lyrics to music. I've also had a lot of success following the above formula to write group songs with students in the classroom.
1. My Dream House
2. If I Built a House. . .
3. What Makes a House a Home
4. A Time When I was ____________ (Choose an emotion)
5. A Time when I moved/had to try something new
6. I think the song named Walter and the house named Walter match or don't match well because. . . .
7.My Favorite Thing to do in my house. . .
8. If I had to leave the place I live now, I would really miss ________ because. . . .
Songwriting Tips from Tara:
A Simple 6 Step Songwriting Method:
1. Find the Hook - I like to start with a title. Song titles can create a strong feeling, express an opinion, establish a time/place/memory, or just be fun to say. A great title immediately gives your song a topic and a short, punchy lyrical phrase to build your chorus around.
2. Brainstorm - Once I choose a title, I create a word bank where I write a list of words or short phrases related to my title. When I have a lot of options, I go back through this list and look for possible rhymes to play with in the lyrics.
3. Write the Chorus - A simple chorus can be really effective. Repetition is a powerful songwriting tool, especially in the chorus. (Just think about how many times you've had "We Don't Talk About Bruno, no no no/We Don't Talk About Bruno" stuck in your head!)
4. Keep the Verses Consistent - If you're new to songwriting, it's best to write verses in groups of four lines. Verses typically have the same rhyme scheme and a similar line length in each repetition.
5. Break It Up With The Bridge - The bridge is a section where you can switch up your rhyme scheme and melody and experiment with something new. This shift in the lyrics and melody helps drive the song home to its final chorus.
6. Collaborate - Songwriting is often a collaborative art form. If you don't have a music background, you can always work with a musician to set your lyrics to music. I've also had a lot of success following the above formula to write group songs with students in the classroom.
Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!
- YouTube playlist with tons of great songs and activities
- **disclaimer Please check each component you put into your lessons to be sure it is appropriate for your age level and context. Some songs may be faith-based and perhaps not appropriate for public school setting. There is a wide range of ages/stages and purposes represented in each playlist. I've collected them here for your ease, but please preview and pull items that you think are best-suited for your classroom and purposes.
- A Pinterest board with lots of ideas and links!
PBJamz Snack (PBJ Waffles!)
Waffles are one of my specialties. Today, I'm sharing with you more of a technique than a recipe. Get your favorite waffle mix -- whatever kind you like. Mix up a batch of waffles per the directions. Now, swirl in a generous amount of peanut butter. Then dollop a few patches of your favorite jam/jelly. With a butter knife or narrow spatula, swirl the peanut butter and jam/jelly throughout your waffle batter. Then cook in your waffle iron according to the directions. Even if you like frozen waffles, you can smear them with peanut butter and spoon on a dollop of jam/jelly. Spread or swirl and enjoy with or without syrup!
If you want to make your PBJ waffles extra special, mix some of the same jam/jelly with pancake syrup in a small pot. Simmer, stirring until the two are blended and serve over hot waffles. For some beautiful plating, add a dollop of peanut butter and a few crushed peanuts on top before pouring the syrup mixture. You could even add a fresh strawberry, blueberry or apple slice, etc. -- to match the flavor of your jam/jelly.
Dig in and enjoy! I did! And they were delicious!
If you want to make your PBJ waffles extra special, mix some of the same jam/jelly with pancake syrup in a small pot. Simmer, stirring until the two are blended and serve over hot waffles. For some beautiful plating, add a dollop of peanut butter and a few crushed peanuts on top before pouring the syrup mixture. You could even add a fresh strawberry, blueberry or apple slice, etc. -- to match the flavor of your jam/jelly.
Dig in and enjoy! I did! And they were delicious!
Guest Links and Giveaways
Tara Trudel:
Twitter
Website
SoundCloud
IMDb
GIVEAWAY INFO:
Tara has graciously offered 2 books. The first winner chosen will receive a copy of FIRST NOTES OF SPRING & the second winner will win a copy of A HOME Named Walter . To be entered into the drawing, comment below by 11:59 PM on Wednesday, April 27! All commenters will be entered into a random drawing to receive one of these lovely picture books!
Website
SoundCloud
IMDb
GIVEAWAY INFO:
Tara has graciously offered 2 books. The first winner chosen will receive a copy of FIRST NOTES OF SPRING & the second winner will win a copy of A HOME Named Walter . To be entered into the drawing, comment below by 11:59 PM on Wednesday, April 27! All commenters will be entered into a random drawing to receive one of these lovely picture books!
PBJamz
This page is the official space for PBJamz -- multimedia Jamorama celebrating all things PB (picture books) and Jamz (music), although we'll indulge in the other PBJ snacks where appropriate :-). Join us each Thursday for new content connecting picture books and music!
Archives
January 2024
November 2023
October 2023
September 2023
August 2023
July 2023
June 2023
April 2023
March 2023
February 2023
January 2023
November 2022
October 2022
September 2022
August 2022
July 2022
June 2022
May 2022
April 2022
March 2022
February 2022
Categories
Proudly powered by Weebly