Change Sings: A Children's Anthem



Last updated Tuesday, March 7, 2023

Author: Amanda Gorman
Illustrator: Loren Long
Date of Publication: 2021
ISBN: 0593203224
Grade Level: Kindergarten    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Mar. 2023

Synopsis:
"I can hear change humming
In its loudest, proudest song.
I don't fear change coming,
And so I sing along."

In this stirring, much-anticipated picture book by presidential inaugural poet and activist Amanda Gorman, anything is possible when our voices join together. As a young girl leads a cast of characters on a musical journey, they learn that they have the power to make changes - big or small - in the world, in their communities, and in most importantly, in themselves.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What do you like to sing?
•  How would you make change in the world?

Vocabulary:

•  Anthem - A song of praise or patriotism
•  Windmill - A machine that uses energy from the wind to turn a large wheel (to pump water or generate electricity)
•  Strum - To play by running the fingers or a plectrum in a light way acress the strings

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  What do you think the girl in the book wants to change?
•  How does the girl in the book make Change?
•  What do you thing Change Sings means?

Craft ideas:
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/march-2023-music-entertainment/
•  The children could make guitars or banjos out of paper plates. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/629448485439993629/
•  The children could draw a mural.
•  St. Patrick’s Day Is March 17th and Easter Sunday is April 9th. Make a greeting card for someone. (Remember: Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day)

Special activities:
•  After reading the book, the children can sing the book.
•  Listen to the Star Spangled Banner at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQzYsRotYTo
•  The children can listen to other anthems. Alica Keys, "Lift Every Voice and Sing" at https://youtu.be/i30SdcfEpSE (this one is beautiful);
Gloria Gaynor singing "I Will Survive" at
https://youtu.be/8f4mytaXttw and
Rachel Platten singing "Fight Song" at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xo1VInw-SKc

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!