Exploring the Connection Between Children's Literature and Music
Carlow sees music as part of developmental human activity and issues a plea to introduce it as direct participation, not simply as manipulation of technology. This collection of methods and lessons encourages adults to broaden the possibilities of interacting with music, thereby using it to introduce young children to language, literature, and culture. Text is divided into chapters on singing and other ways to be musical, such as echoes, chant, rhythmic speech with "found" or unconventional instruments, repetition and rhymes, choral speaking, jazz chants, body movement, and rhythms with body percussion and sound carpets. The succeeding chapters are devoted to specific grade levels: preschool, primary grades (K-2), and intermediate grades (3-5). Each chapter includes an explanation of methods appropriate for the age group, followed by numerous lesson ideas for classrooms. The organization of this book makes it a solid addition to enhance curriculum materials. Above all, the inclusion of helpful methods creates a useful library resource.—Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TXCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.