CHILDREN'S LITERATURE - BOOKS TO SING

The Scarecrow's Dance
Written by Jane Yolen
Illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline
ISBN: 978-1-4169-3770-8

This beautifully illustrated story tells the tale of a scarecrow who slips off his post one evening to frolic around the farm.  The story does include a strong inspirational message as the scarecrow observes a small boys prayers, but these pages can be omitted in sharing if necessary.

The story is told in rhyme and can be sung to an adapted melody of "Ghost of John."  Read through the book a few times as there are a few adjustments in the rhythm pattern of the words that will be needed to sing to the familiar melody.  Sing the first 4-line stanza to the words, "Have you seen the ghost of John? Long white bones with the skin all on."  The "oooo" pattern from "Ghost of John" is still included as it connects the first and second 4-line stanza on each page.  The second 4-line stanza is sung to the melody pattern of "wouldn't it be chilly with no skin on."  This last melody line of "Ghost of John" must be sung twice so that the second 4-line stanza can be sung.

Here is the Amazon link for this book.
http://www.amazon.com/Scarecrows-Dance-Jane-Yolen/dp/1416937706/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320166348&sr=8-1

Enjoy the story and keep singing. :)

MELODY

TO BE POSTED SHORTLY.

STEADY BEAT - RHYTHM BLOCKS

Create rhythm blocks to use with children's book, I'm Coming to Get You by Tony Ross.  Each time the monster shouts, "I'm coming to get you!" children roll out the blocks and say/play the rhythms.  These blocks should include simply one-beat words "I will get you" and 4 quarter rests to reinforce ta rest.

MELODY - MELODY BLOCKS

This week, I want to focus on new-note do.  I also wanted an manipulative that I could use in upper grades to reinforce chord structure.  Purchase wooden blocks at your local craft store.  The 1" size are probably the best to work with.  Some craft stores sell them in bags of 12 or 24.

For primary grades, write do, mi, and sol on the side of the cubes 2 times -- this will give you a pitch on all 6 sides of the cube.  Have chidlren create simple melody lines to create an interlude to familiar Level 1 singing games to reinforce new-note do.

For upper grades, write do, re, mi, fa, sol and la on each side of the cube.  Ask children to create a simple 4-beat or 8-beat measure with the blocks.  Reinfoce Tonic (I) chords by asking children stack the cubes 3 high to create chords on all do blocks.  Challenge chidlren to play their melodies.  Use a dulcimer or autoharp to play the I chord when it is found in the melody.

STEADY BEAT