What's in a Book?

I recently attended my state's music education conference, which was fantastic. I noticed a lot of good clinics on children's books, and was talking about with some teachers from my district. I happen to love it and use books as often as possible, but I know some teachers are wary of using books in the music room. One concern I heard about books was how to choose them, and what you should look for. I definitely struggled with this at first, but thanks to several hours in thrift stores and the library I know what I want in a book. Here's my list:

1.) Type of activity

There are as many types of books in the music room as there are activities. Books to accompany major works or composers, books that lead the kids to instruments, books that lead to singing or speaking, and books that lead to movement are some of the major categories I keep in mind as I thumb through stacks at the thrift store or library.

2.)  Reading Level

Think about it: Even with fourth or fifth graders, every word in the book will need to be read out loud, or summarized quickly. So keep it simple. I keep my books at a primary reading level; the older kids won’t mind as long as the lesson is engaging. If they are taking some convincing, have them create a recording for the kindergarteners so the intended audience is younger.

3.) Repeated Structures and Refrains

Simple structures and refrains allow students multiple opportunities to move or make sound, and allow them to know what’s coming next without constant reminders. Rhyming can also help, though it isn't always necessary.

4.) Onomatopoeia

Sound effects are very easy to transfer to instruments. This is especially effective for K-1. I like to have students explore the sound effects and then choose which instrument fits, which increases rigor. (Plus, the students think it is very fun!)

5.) Vocal Exploration Opportunities

You pretty much can’t go wrong with a roller coaster. Animal sounds are also good opportunities to explore.

6.) Connection to common or folk songs

If you find a book about a lost cat, it is simple to connect it to “Ding Dong Digga Digga Dong”.  A star book can be connected to “Twinkle Twinkle,” and the list goes on and on.

7.) Lots of verbs

This can lead to movement activities, or can lead to making noises that represent each movement on instruments or with sound effects.

8.) Abstract books without words, or books that focus on a line or simple shape

                The possibilities are endless! 

9.) Common Themes

There are some themes that do a good job of lending themselves to onomatopoeia and folk songs. They include (but are certainly not limited to):

·         Farm Animals

·         Stars and Moon

·         Trucks, Cars, and Trains

·         Cats and Dogs

·         Rain

·         Sleep, Lullaby

·         Halloween

·         Opposites

·         Eric Carle

Complete Lit Lessons

                Here are books I have posted about, complete with lesson ideas. 

·        Ghost Story, by Bill Martin Jr. (lesson here)
·        Listen to the Rain, by Bill Martin (Lesson here)
·        Blue Hat, Green Hat, by Sandra Boynton (Lesson Here)
·        The Jigaree (Lesson here)

·         Going on a Lion Hunt, David Axtel (lesson here)

·         Wide Mouthed Frog, Keith Faulkner (lesson here)

·         Tikki Tikki Tembo, Arlene Mosel (lesson here)

Starter List

                Here are some additional books I've had success with in my classroom:

·        Muncha Muncha Muncha, Candace Fleming (Instruments, gardening songs)

·         From Head to Toe, Eric Carle (movement)

·         Blue Hat, Green Hat, Sandra Boynton (instruments, pattern, quarter/eighth notes)

·         Mortimer, Robert Munsch (Instruments, up/down patterns, np perc., words for song in book)

·         How to Speak Moo, Deborah Fajerman (Vocal Exploration and head voice)

·         The Squiggle, Carole Lexa Schaefer (Movement)

·         Tanka Tanka Skunk, Steve Webb (Drumming, Quarter/eighth notes)

·         The Jigaree, Joy Cowley (Movement)

·         The Wide Mouthed Frog, Keith Faulkner, Jonathan Lamber (instruments)

·         Grump Groan Growl, Chris Raschka (Sound effects, instruments)

·         Bear Snores On and Bear Feels Scared, Karma Wilson (Instruments, sound effects, dynamics)

·         Fortunately, Unfortunately, Michael Foreman (Vocal exploration, instruments

·         Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What do you hear?/Brown Bear, What do you See? Eric Carle (Singing)

·         Down By the Station, Will Hillenbrand (Folk Song, Singing)

·         Hush! Minfong Ho (Singing, lullaby, instruments)

·         Where the Wild Things Are, Maurice Sendak (instruments, dynamics, singing)

·         A Frog in the Bog, Karma Wilson (Instruments, dynamics)

·         Rain Drop Splash, Alvin Tresselt (Instuments, Movements, dynamics)

·         Cat Skidoo, Bethany Roberts (instruments, movement)