My First Classical Music Book



Last updated Tuesday, March 7, 2023

Author: Genevieve Helsby
Date of Publication: 2013
ISBN: 1843791188
Grade Level: 3rd    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Mar. 2023

Synopsis: My First Classical Music Book is a delightfully colorful introduction to classical music. Readers are asked to think about the different places in which we might hear music. Then, each of the major composers and musical instrument families are introduced and brought to life in a vivid and enchanting way. Throughout the book, children are referred to the accompanying audio CD so that they can hear examples as they read. You can also access the musical pieces at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2slG_dy4XMtGy1NMRNX9l-JIpCVSDF7l

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What is your favorite type of music? What are the different genres of music you can think of?
•  What music do you listen to?
•  Do you play any musical instruments/ sing?
•  Think about all the places you can hear music. Movies, shops, farmers markets, even in the bathroom! Music is everywhere.

Vocabulary:


Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  What is an opera and where are operas usually held?
•  What is a string quartet? Can you name the four instruments used in a string quartet?
•  What is music used for in theaters?
•  What are composers? Can you name some of them and some of their famous music?
•  What are some new instruments that you learned about today? Ask the children to talk about what instrument is the most interesting to them and why.
•  What is an orchestra? Who is the conductor and what do they do?
•  What is a choir? Would you want to be part of an orchestra or choir? Why?

Craft ideas:
•  Pick your favorite instrument or composer to draw! You can also mix and match ie. your favorite composer playing your favorite instrument!
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/march-2023-music-entertainment/
•  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)

*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!