Music Smart
Write Smart: From Rapping to Writing
May 16, 2011 in 13+ Teen, 9-12 Tween, Literacy Tips, Music Smart, Tip of the Week, Write Smart
A majority of rappers are not typically the kind of ‘artists’ a parent would be thrilled about their child trying to emulate or aspire to be. However, the idea of rap can be used in positive ways as a connection to poetry for children. Understanding that rap is merely poetry put to a beat can help eliminate some of the possible negative emotions children have about poetry and also help parents direct their child’s attention to more productive uses of rap and how to write personal or silly or even educational lyrics. Try suggesting that your child get together with a friend or a group of friends and write their own poetry and put it to a beat. They can even go so far as to make a music video with their self-written rap.
Try checking out educationrap.com where you can find examples of educational raps as well as good beats for children to put their own creations to. Teachers and parents can also read this article published on Scholastic.com by a sixth grade teacher and his experience with rap and poetry in the classroom.
–Lauren McMullan, BYU Student, School of Education
Older posts
Music Smart: Sealife and Music
March 6, 2011 in 0-4 Baby/Toddler, 5-8 Beginning Readers, Literacy Tips, Music Smart, Tip of the Week
Teach your child more about music and sea creatures at the same time! “The Aquarium” from Camille Saint-Saens’ musical suite The Carnival of the Animals effectively represents the light, floating sensation of fish in water. Here are several creative ways you can use this …
Music Smart: Movie Soundtracks
November 15, 2010 in 13+ Teen, 5-8 Beginning Readers, 9-12 Tween, Literacy Tips, Music Smart, Tip of the Week
Finding classical music your child will love can be difficult. Sometimes their short attention spans makes it hard for them to appreciate the nuances of the music. Try looking up the soundtracks of their favorite movies online. Many popular movies use …
Music Smart: Picture Books and Music
July 19, 2010 in 0-4 Baby/Toddler, 5-8 Beginning Readers, Literacy Tips, Music Smart, Tip of the Week
Many children learn to love all kinds of music at a young age. If your child shows an interest in classical music, why not use reading and music hand in hand? There are a number of picture books written about composers or …
Parents’ Choice
September 29, 2009 in 0-4 Baby/Toddler, 5-8 Beginning Readers, 9-12 Tween, Art Smart, Create Smart, Drama Smart, Featured Websites, For Adults, Literacy, Literacy Tips, Music Smart, Play Smart, Read Smart, Science Smart, Study Smart, Tech Smart, World Smart, Write Smart
Parents’ Choice offers caregivers “reliable unbiased information about tools to help their children learn, to explore new challenges, to discuss ideas and to pursue dreams.”
This first-rate website lists and reviews the Parents’ Choice Award-winning children’s books, audios, DVDs, television programs, …
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