Winter Quarter 2000
10 Carrot Diamond
Executive Producer: Charlotte Diamond
Musical Producer: Paul Glitz
Charlotte Diamond Music Inc. 1985 SOCAN
Hug Bug Records Box 58067 Vancouver B.C. Canada
10 Carrot Diamond is a CD that I would recommend to teachers and friends. The music is very up beat. I found it was very easy to teach the songs because they contained verses that the children would echo after you, many of the verses repeated several times, or the verses were very catchy and the children would have no problem getting the rhythm down, the beat, or the words. I also liked it because there were many songs that I feel could be used across the curriculum. Songs like "I am a Pizza" and "Octopus" are songs that have a chin of events like what is on a pizza or what animals are bigger than other and who eats who in the ocean are just some concepts I feel these two songs cover.
There are songs on this CD that I feel parents should listen to before they allow their child to listen to it such as "I Wanna be a Dog" and " zing, zing, zing" nothing bad just a few phrases, as a teacher I would not play these songs in the classroom that is my discretion. There are a few songs on here that are sung in other languages some of the translations are provided within the context of that song. I feel that the songs containing other languages should have a translation so that if a child asks you what that means, you can refer back to the cover of the CD there are also no notations on any of the songs that I have found or song books, the words are printed in the cover of the case that is all.
After eliminating songs that I do not feel are appropriate I did find many that were, I played them for a kindergarten class and they loved the songs they caught on fast and enjoyed singing them it is a great CD.
By Robyn Bashford
Art Kids Rule
It is a site for playing, learning, and creating for most ages. There are several topics relating to art. I chose to browse the "cool music" link. It was fun and entertaining, as well as educational and thought provoking. This site allows you to listen to your favorite radio station while browsing its contents. There is a section called, "Can you guess the instrument?" which is challenging and fun for all ages. Once you guess the particular instrument, you can then email for the auto answers. In addition, there are several links, which cover an array of subjects from scout songs to music in the schools throughout the world. There are all sorts of cultural themes and links on this site. For instance, you can learn about an African musician and choreographer and also find out about the Anlo-Ewe culture in Africa.
Included on the site are stories, pictures, sounds, concerts, music for sale, and music writing tips. Art Kids Rule also has a virtual keyboard, which is an interactive keyboard that allows you to play a note and hear the pitch. The different genres of performing arts music include jazz, classical, theater, dance, artists, instruments, and labels.
By Jennifer Christiansen
Kididdles
Copyright: 1998
This web site is a wonderful web site where you are able to find almost any kinds of lyrics to children's songs. There are many things that the site includes like "Fun' n Games", "Trunk o' Tales", "Song of the Week" and many more. This allows you to have access to many lyrics of songs. You can search for the songs using many different types of search engines. It has many links that can be of help, if this web site can not help you. You can also listen to the song, while looking at the lyrics. There is a icon where you click and it will play the song for you. The lyrics also include all the information about the song such as the writer and the composer and when it was written. The site is very easy to understand. It is easy for a child or an adult to use.
I think the only bad thing is the fact that there are no music notations for the songs on the site, but there is a link to a page, which will allow you to purchase the item.
By HaI Mee Chung
Wee Sing Children's Songs and Fingerplay
Written by Pamela Conn Beall and Susan Hagen Nipp
Illustrated by Nancy Spence Klein
Copyright 1979
Published by Price Stern Sloan, Inc.
New York City, New York
PSW-3807-06
Retail Price: $2.99 U.S. includes a cassette tape
I am not the only one who enjoys this selection. My whole family enjoys listening to it, too. The reason why it has become so popular in my household is because my family has become so familiar with the songs and the fingerplays. I have had this selection for more than ten years. I used it to teach my eldest son who is now eleven, his cousins, and now his baby brother. I have used it to teach my Egyptian husband who knew nothing about english children's songs when we first met. Actually, he barely knew any English at all. He did not even know the ABC song until only recently when he had no choice...my youngest son asked him to sing it with him.
The cassette tape combined with the songbook and its illustrations are really a great way to help children develop love for music. It is also a great way for adults to develop knowledge of children's music. The music notes that are listed in the book makes it so easy to follow that I was even able to teach my eldest son to play and sing it with me with piano accompaniment. The cassette tape includes songs that are sung by children, which allows the listeners to follow the song easier. Fingerplays are also taught from this songbook and cassette tape. What a great value!!!
Overall, this is a songbook I recommend to all children, their parents, and to teachers who want to expose their students to good quality and selection of children's songs that this songbook has to offer. Unlike Siskel and Ebert who would give this songbook two thumbs up, I will give it more than that.....eight extra fingers, twenty happy claps, ten nods of approval, and a loud shout of ....hhhhhoooooorrrrraaaaaaayyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!
By Rosemarie Dahdouh
The Mozart Effect, Music for Children: Volume 2, Relax, Daydream & Draw
Compiled by: Don Campbell
Copyright: 1997
Publisher: The Children's Group Inc., Pickering, Ontario, Canada
UPC Code: 06847-84292-2
I enjoyed this tape quite a bit. This tape really calmed me down and kept me focused on what I was doing. The songs are very soothing and somewhat mystical.
I had a negative view of this selection going into it, but that quickly changed. The only problem is I am an adult listening to it, not a child. My negative feelings came from my mom's opinion of the tape. She bought this for her class and did not find it affective. This could just be her taste in music or particular mood that day. I found the songs sparked by creativity and helped me stay on task. When I was done with my work, I just sat back and listened to the rest of the songs. I was able to close my eyes and not fall asleep. When the tape was over, I felt rested and continued my day.
I would definitely recommend this tape to others, teachers and parents. There are other volumes that are aimed at specific moods. This might not work in every classroom, but it is worth a try. I am even going to tell my mom to give it another chance.
By Adrienne Gregorek
Perpetual Preschool
http://www.perpetualpreschool.com
Edited by Daylene (no last name)
Published 1997-2000
This web site contained a lot of information. The heading relevant directly to this course is music/movement. Perpetual preschool is a very enjoyable and educational web site.
Under the title of music/ movement was an array of fingerplays, holiday songs, theme songs, music activities, and directions on how to make musical instruments with students. Since various people are constantly updating this web site it is always interesting and never out of date.
I found this web site to be a treasury of ideas and activities and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in education through music techniques.
Valerie F. Gutierrez
Getting Better at Getting Along - "Kid's Peace Song"
Composed by Peter Alsop
Hop 2 It Music - 1998
Published by BMI Hop 2 It Music, Clearwater, Florida
UPC 36723 78901
I really enjoyed this song and would highly recommend it for teachers to use in their classrooms based on several concepts it places emphasis on. Concepts not only dealing with musical ideas but also physical features and emotions. The song is very simple but can teach the students quite a lot of important issues if you choose to go into depth. It is very up beat and cheerful yet its words can bring up discussions many students may have never thought about before in this way.
I mentioned a few of the concepts, which are mentioned in the song and would like to elaborate on a few of those. First of all, the music methods taught in this are really helpful for teaching children a new song. It starts off with the adult singing and then the children repeat after him. This is method is is applied throughout the entire song, and the adult always states when it is time for the children to join in and repeat what he has just sang to them. Once they have completed the song, then they sing it all together. This simply helps them feel more comfortable with the words and the tune. There is also a consistent beat throughout the song and although it is up-beat, it is not too difficult as far as the range of notes sang. Secondly, I mentioned the fact that it discusses physical features. I really like how they incorporated the different body part, yet at the same time expressing the fact that every one looks different. Which could definitely lead into a great lesson plan on cultures and ethnicities. Just an easy way to bring up the topic in the classroom where there are a variety of cultures and ethnicity's sitting right before you. Lastly, the song also covers a few emotions. It mentions how on the outside we are all different, yet on the inside we really are all the same. Also, the importance of living in peace and harmony. The fact that we are all full of feelings and when we are sad we often have tears that will show. Which allows children the chance to hear someone express that feelings and emotions are natural and are felt and expressed by everyone.
This is a great tape of songs dealing with the frustrations often felt by children interacting with each other in a classroom. Although they may look different on the outside, they still have the same feelings and emotions as everyone else. So, not only can you teach them a new cheerful song to help them with their body parts and repeating words and notes after someone but also they can realize how similar everyone is too. Definitely one that would be used year after year. Even if you knew of someone that would consider buying it, one could buy it and tape it for the other and divide the cost evenly is you would like to save some money.
By Kim Kunkel
Sing Alongs
Written by Ardis, Marcia
Illustrated by Johnson, Linda
Eedited by Ardis, Colby
1999 by Literacy Links
Published by Literacy Links, Glen Carbon, IL
ISBN: 0-9667936-0-9
This book has many song selections on how to help a child learn to read. It gives many great ideas on how to tie music into the reading curriculum. I have really enjoyed reading through this book.
The reason why this book is such a great source is because it gives so many great ideas on how music can engage a child into reading, and how music can help a child learn to read. Some of the ideas the book gives about how to teach reading through music is to sing and touch the words on a poster board as you go along. This allows children to pick up the beat and rhythm of songs, along with exposing children to print. One of the best examples the book gives is to have children clap the words in a song that have more than one part. This not only gets children involved in the song, but also helps them learn syllables. Like I said, this book has many great ideas. Not only does it give ways to tie reading into music, but it also has pages and pages of song ideas. The songs are to the beat of a familiar song, but use new words that children may need help on. For example, there is a song listed in the book that goes to the tune of ?Are you sleeping? but has replaced the some of the words with words that begin with ?sh?, which a child could be learning in a reading class. The book also gives many song example using different themes. The songs the book gives as examples are still sung to a familiar tune, they just replaced the song with new words to a particular theme, such as leaves. This book has so many creative ideas, that are easy to integrate into the reading curriculum. The great thing about this book is that many children are not exposed to music, and this book gives a teacher no reason why he/she cannot integrate music into subject areas.
My obvious recommendation for this book is that it is great. It is a wonderful resource for any elementary school teacher. I am definitely going to use it to help me in my classroom, so that I can assist my students in reading and expose them to music. It has so many wonderful ideas, that are easy to apply in the classroom.
By Nicole LaFayette
Kididdles
This is a website that I found interesting and helpful especially for music educators. This site includes a musical museum, Trunk o'tales, games, children's musical composition, story, jokes, etc. This is not only suitable for music educators who are looking for teaching resources, but also it could be a fun site for young children to explore.
The most interesting part of this site is the musical museum. I've used that for school activities and the source for MU 402's music project. A long list of songs is provided with the lyrics. Users may search for a desired song by alphabetical index, subject, specific song title, song of the week etc. Over half of the songs include an audio music file that can be used to listen to the song. Some of the songs also include motions that can be used to make the music lesson more interactive and fun. The negative part of this website section is that the song only provides the music, and no singing voices, which could be difficult for the user to know where the words fit in.
Personally, I would recommend others to use this site as a guide and a resource to aid to their lessons. This site has very bright decorations and a very cheerful atmosphere. Teachers would find a good amount of songs to teach to students, and the children may be excited to have their compositions or art works posted onto this website.
By Shirley Lin
Miss Mary
Text Copyright 1998 by Mary Ann Hoberman
Illustratedby by Nadine Bernard Westcott
Published by Scholastic Inc., 555 Broadway, New York, NY 10012
Scholastic Cassette: Miss Mary Mack
0-439-06086-9
Sung by Eden Riegel, Megan Blane, Rebecca Blane & Emily Lucas
Music Composed by Steve Blane
Produced by Blane & DeRosa Productions, Inc.
Text Copyright 1998 by Mary Ann Hoberman
1990 Scholastic Inc. Manufactured in the U.S.A
I really like this song book a lot as do children. It is a hand-clapping and a rhyme book. On the cover page it tells you how to play a clapping game with the children. It not only tells you what to do but also shows pictures of children acting out the clapping game of the song. The illustrations of the text are very colorful which catch children's eyes. It would make this book better if the print was done in a bigger font. All the children enjoy singing along as they go along with the story. The story is about Mary a young girl who asks her mother for fifty cents to see an elephant. Through out the story the children get to see Mary go through an adventurous trip with the elephant. Mary ends up keep the elephant.
I also like the cassette because it not only sings the song but you can also hear the children clapping to the beat in the background. I think the cassette makes the book more interesting, but it also depends whether you as a teacher has a good voice or not. If you can sing and have a good voice, then you do not need a cassette. But, those like me who can't sing, the cassette comes in handy. I recommend for all teachers to purchase this book for less than $3.00 at the scholastic store. Children kindergarten up to second grade enjoy hearing this song and singing it.
By Rosa Mendez
De Colores and Other Latin American Folk Songs for Children
Written by Jose- Luis Orozco
Illustrated by Elisa Kleven
Published by Dutton Childrenís Books. New York, New York. USA.
Call Number: Juvenile M1997.0664.1994
The music in this children's songbook is just as colorful as its illustrations. The book is filled with songs from all over Latin America. It includes 27 songs, chants, and rhymes. All of the songs are in Spanish and are translated in singable English. There are also instructions given on movements or games that accompany the songs. The compilation of songs range from holiday celebrations, food, bedtime and other occasions.
I enjoyed every page in this book whether it is the culturally enriched songs or the amazing illustrations that allow for a visual picture of the song itself. The songs definitely represent different Latin American cultures; I have heard several of these songs while growing up, and I have also heard children singing some of these songs. I have found myself growing attached to the book because it reminds me of my own personal childhood. The book will give children a chance to experience a culture they may never have become familiar with, and music is a wonderful method of exploration.
Each song comes with its own explanation of origin, which is helpful if pointing out to children where that area is. The illustrations also aid in capturing the mood of the songs. The colors are bright and inviting, and the detailing of the boarders extends the pages and brings character making each page a story of its own.
I would recommend this book to all ages. Orozcoís book can be enjoyed in a family atmosphere or in class of students. Music notation is provided for piano, voice and guitar along with the verses of the songs. Though there is English translation provided I think that the songs sound better if left in their original Spanish form. The folk songs are a representation of different cultural music that brings fun to any occasion.
By Jennifer Mercado
The Monty Harper Song Book
http://www.montyharper.com/MHP/songs/HMD.html
Written by Monty Harper
Copyright: 1998 by Monty Harper Productions.
ID: Monty's Home Page, Monty@cowboy.net.
Monty's online song book had a good source of songs written by Monty Harper. I thought the selection was good but not entirely effective in incorporating other useful things such as illustrations and notation.
Monty's song book listed all his songs in alphabetical order. It had a symbol that helped me look up new selections which included the lyrics but not the notation. In order to listen to the actual song, it is necessary to download a RealAudio Player if not already in your computer.
Overall, I found that Monty's Song Book was a good source of new songs written by Monty. It was helpful to listen to the music as well as hear the music since there was no notation for the songs included. Since there was no notation included it may be difficult to incorporate some of the songs into a lesson plan unless the song has a familiar tune to associate it with.
By Laura Montalvo
Children's Songs and Finger Plays
I searched through the web and I found a web page that tells you all the types of search engines and which are best for different purposes. The address is http://NuevaSchool.org/~debbie/library/research/adviceengine.html. This made my search for a website much easier and faster. It is helpful to know that this webpage is able to pinpoint your search. It is also very helpful for students who are doing research papers because it can narrow your search. I went into the website Children's Songs and Finger Plays, http://w3.gorge.net/cannon. In the site I found many children's song that are helpful in the future for teachers or parents to learn, I read through some songs that I really wanted to learn the lyrics to. I was finally able to find it on this site. Some songs are pretty old and it was easy to locate too. They categorize each title of the songs from letters A through Z. All you had to do was click on to a letter and type the title of the song. If you have forgotten the title you can click onto pinpoint keywords, which helps limit your search. For example if you wanted songs about frogs, FROGS would be you pinpoint keyword. I feel that this site it helpful to locate lyrics to songs that are popular in classrooms. I was also able to find poems in the site. Alot of children poems were very interesting to learn. It can help students to learn about rhyming words. This website is a good resource for teachers to help students discovery new songs and poems. Young children can also go into this site for fun. They are also able to click onto songs that they want to listen to.
By Jane Ngu
Language Through Music (Book 1; Pre-K-2nd Grade)
Written by Vena Luthey, Audrey McPherson, Paulette Miller, & Julia Ray
Illustrated by John Brooks Miller
Visual Concepts by Julia Ray, Audrey McPherson, & Paulette Miller
Published by Language Through Music 1992, Pasadena, California
I really enjoyed this book. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is planning to teach grades K through 2nd grade. It is full of so many great ideas that you could easily incorporate into your classroom. It also has many suggestions of how to incorporate music with art.
This book is great because it has ideas that teach about more than one concept. For example, through these songs, children will learn greetings in 6 languages other than English, how to work together, numbers, shapes, time, the calendar, spatial concepts, Halloween, critters, Easter, transportation, Thanksgiving, colors, and winter holidays. Along with each song are suggestions of activities, suggested motions, partner actions, enrichment activities, and ideas for extending each lesson. There are also shapes and other related figures to cut out to go along with each lesson. For Valentine's Day, there is a cut out of hearts with numbers on them so you can make a calendar. It is really cute.
One fun song is called The Witch in the Dark, sang to the tune of the farmer in the dell. It is a great song to sing around Halloween time because it has Halloween characters participating in the song. It begins by singing about the witch in the dark. She takes a cat, which takes a bat, which takes a vampire that takes a skeleton that takes a mummy that takes a ghost. The last verse that is sung sings "Hi, ho on Halloween, the mummy takes a ghost - BOO!!!" (Children are encouraged to increase the loudness of their voices when they say boo. They really like that part.) Along with this song are visual pictures that the children can color and cut out, and used as props to sing the song. Children will use them to sing and remember each verse, and what comes next.
I definitely would recommend this book to anyone teaching young children. Personally, I would buy it, but if you don't want to, I would suggest borrowing it from someone who already has it and photocopy it. It has a lot or really cute ideas.
By Suzy Pruszynski
Wee Sing: Children's Songs and Fingerplays
Written by Pamela Conn Beall and Susan Hagen Nipp
Illustrated by Nancy Spence Klein
Published by Price Stern Sloan, Inc. Los Angeles, CA 1977
ISBN 0-8431-0676-X
I felt that the Wee Sing: Children's Songs and Fingerplays was filled with great songs that children would benefit from learning. The problems that I had with the recording to the songbook were that there was not enough dialogue between songs. I thought that it would have been much more interesting if the children on the tape talked more between songs. I also noticed that the book and the recording did not always coincide. At times the words were different or a song was skipped in the songbook that was on the tape. Overall I liked the songbook, it had pictures that were related to the songs, and the songs were fun. I especially enjoyed the songs about rain. On the tape, the children demonstrated rounds in singing with the different songs. I thought that this was a great and useful tool for teaching kids songs.
I would recommend this songbook and recording.
By Lauren Sukkari
MIDI's for KIDDIES
http://www.concentric.net/~Gamba
By D.F.Saphra
Published by Edumus Web Ring, Irvington , NY
This site is eye catching due to the use of color. Most of the other sites I viewed were done in dark colors, usually having black as the background color. This site uses a subtle blue back ground with the colors of the writing ranging from black, pinks, magenta, red, greens, and blues, making the site fun to view.
This site contains many various bits of information ranging from information on the author to links for other sites dealing with children's music. The links are to other sites dealing with music education and bulletin boards in which people can exchange ideas and information with each other. I found the most of the links interesting and informative. They contained different ideas on children and music education. It even has a job announcement for an opening on the site.
This site contains many downloads of songs for the music teacher with a brief explanation of the song or its purpose. Each also contains lyrics and music sheets for the song. There are links for everything from songs on drug use to holidays to health and history. It even has a link to songs and games to be played to make teaching music fun.
I would recommend this site to others. It is interesting and contains a vast amount of ideas and information that any teacher can incorporate into his or her classroom and aid in the teaching of music to children. The site was fun and I think anyone who views it will enjoy it.
By Pattie Tetzlaff
Singin' the Red, White, and Blue!
Words and Music by Robert Mantzke
Arranged and Produced by Dwight Elrich
Copyrighted and published by: Amalgamated Talents, 1986
This recording is very entertaining for small children. I really enjoyed it. It had humor that all ages can enjoy, with simple, diverse songs. It also contained many facts about the history of the United States.
The characters' slow speaking makes it easy for small children to understand and think about the information as it is presented. The simple words used and explanation of the other, complicated words explain the meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance and a short explanation of the general history of the beginning of the United States. The short songs allow children with short attention spans to learn them quickly and pay attention.
The general statements made about inflation, crime, and the wasting of earth's natural resources make it easy for children growing up in different time periods all relate to the recording and understand that these are always current issues. This can also bring to light some of the things that teachers may want to address within the classroom.
One of the most pertinent issues today is the differences between people of different races. One song, "How Many Kinds of People" highlights these differences is a positive light, and brings them under the umbrella of all being Americans. This song can help students see the common traits when studying different cultures.
The short, simple songs contain facts and dates about America's history that even small children can learn. They are fun to sing and have good, steady rhythms. This recording can be useful in two ways. First, to perform a school play, where the students learn about United States history while having fun, and second, by listening repeatedly. The small jokes within the dialogue, and even the songs, make it a recording that a child can listen to over and over.
I would recommend this recording for parents to have for car rides for their children. It would also work best as a school musical. Short songs taken from the tape can accompany certain lessons about the Statue of Liberty and the diversity of people.
By Kristin Voorheis