STOMPIN' AT THE SAVOY with Moira Donohue

Tons of Writing Tips and More with Moira Donohue
STOMPIN' AT THE SAVOY

What a fun conversation with Moira! Y'all come on in and check it out! This book is full of amazing facts and great stories! Moira packed this conversation full of great writing tips. It's a master class itself, and she shares so much good information. Plus which, she is delightful to talk with! Hop on in and join the conversation!

STOMPIN' AT THE SAVOY

This picture book biography shines the spotlight on Chick Webb -- specifically focusing in on one major event that propelled Chick Webb to the heights of stardom -- even though he was only 4'11".  Author Moira Donohue uses music, rhythm, and onomatopoeia to tell a compelling story of a young man who persevered, making the most of challenging circumstances and even using them to his advantage. The book shines a light on one specific competition -- Battle of the Bands at the Savoy.  It is chock full of fabulous language and a story that begs to be told -- and told well. The author delivers, supported by wonderful illustrations by Laura Freeman.  This book is perfect for the young drummer, the kid who thinks he's too small, the kid with a tough diagnosis, but it's also perfect for the seasoned percussionist, the fan of big band music and the history buff. This book has something for everyone!

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

Here is a recording of Chick Webb and his group playing the song "Stompin' at the Savoy". I couldn't think of a better piece of music to highlight for this episode. . . .  There are additional pieces in the YouTube playlist in the links section.

Teacher Tips, Tricks and Topics

ELA topics and tips:

• Onomatopoeia -- This book is FULL of it!  Great examples to share as mentor texts for kids or to help them understand what it is.
• Strong verbs -- tapped, banged, slapped, hammered, spied, raced, etc.  This text is fabulous for a verb scavenger hunt or to mentor students in how to utilize strong verbs of their own.

SEL

• Perseverance/overcoming challenges
• Being teased/bullying

Math/Social Studies

• Timelines
• Create story problems based on timeline or selling newspapers for whatever skills you are working on.  
  • If Chick sold 10 newspapers at 25 cents each, how much money did he collect?
  • If Chick delivered 25 newspapers in one week and 35 the next week, how many did he deliver?
  • If Chick was born in 1905 and started selling newspapers at 9 years old, what year was it when he began selling?
  • If Chick made $2 each week, and the drumsticks cost $10,00, how many weeks did it take him to earn the money?
  • If the drumset was $50, how many weeks?
  • etc.

Art/Music

• ​DIY Drums (Create/decorate drums)

Tips and Topics for Music Teachers

• Swing Music (listening, rhythm play-alongs, recognizing it in movies -- Aristocats, Monsters, Inc, etc.)
• History and sub-genres of Jazz music
• Big Band era and key musicians
• Chick Webb/Duke Ellington/Ella Fitzgerald/Benny Goodman interactions
• Drumming (various kinds depending on ages and stages of kids)
• Dance connections -- swing and Lindy Hop
• History of Savoy Ballroom and impact on music and dance
• Compare versions of songs by Benny Goodman and Chick Webb
• DIY Drums (in conjunction with art teacher perhaps)

Writing Tips from Moira

Here is a link to Moira's page with writing resources and tips. Check it out, along with the video interview where she shares a ton of great writing tips.

Writing Prompts from Tonnye

1. Write a letter to Chick Webb telling him 3 reasons you admire/appreciate him.
2. Listen to Benny Goodman's version and Chick Webb's version of  Stompin' at the Savoy and write a comparison of the two.
3. Write an acrostic poem using one of these words or phrases: Chick Webb, Big Band, Swing, or Savoy.
4. Write a report about the importance of the Savoy Ballroom.
5. Write a timeline of Chick Webb's life.
6. Write about a time you were called names or bullied.
7. Write a "How to" story about how to play drums, or how to overcome a challenge or how to deal with people calling you names, how to create a drum, etc.
8. Write your own math problem using ideas from the story.
9. Write a letter to Chick Webb from Benny Goodman's drummer.
10. Have you ever had a "battle"?  Write about it.
11. Write about an experience you had learning something new.
12. Have you ever played drums?  Write about that.
13. Make a list of at least 10 strong verbs for walked.
14. Write a story with onomatopoeia about music.
15. Write a letter to the author telling her at least 3 things you enjoyed about this book.

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!
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YouTube playlist with the interview, read alouds, music from Chick Webb, bio videos of Chick and more!

Pinterest board with flyers, photos, teacher activities and more!

Guest Links and Giveaways

Moira's website

Email

Instagram

To buy STOMPIN AT THE SAVOY, check out the Goodreads page with lots of options.


​Moira is generously offering a copy of STOMPIN' AT THE SAVOY to one lucky winner. To be entered, leave a comment below by 11:59 PM EST on Wednesday, March 19.