I Got the Rhythm



Last updated Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Author: Connie Schofield-Morrison
Illustrator: Frank Morrison
Date of Publication: 2014
ISBN: 9781619631786
Grade Level: Kindergarten    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Mar. 2022

Synopsis: On a simple trip to the park, the joy of music overtakes a mother and daughter. The little girl hears a rhythm coming from the world around her - from butterflies, to street performers, to ice cream sellers - everything is musical! She sniffs, snaps, and shakes her way into the heart of the beat, finally busting out in an impromptu dance, which all the kids join in on!

Note to readers:
•  This is a VERY short book. Take your time looking over the pictures and plan to spend time in conversation.
•  Be ready to dance! 😊

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What is rhythm? Demonstrate a slow beat and a fast beat by clapping your hands or snapping your fingers.
•  Ask the kids to think of all the ways they can make sound and demonstrate (clapping, snapping, vocal, stomping …).
•  Explain the five senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch. Ask the children to think about how they use their eyes, ears, nose, mouth and hands to experience something.

Vocabulary:

•  Rhythm – a regular, repeated pattern of sound or movement
•  Beat - the speed of the rhythm (one…two…three…four or one-two-three-four)
•  Stomp – heavily stamping your feet
•  Pop and lock – a way of dancing with distinct movements

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Point out how the little girl is using her ears, eyes, nose, mouth, hands to find rhythm.
•  Notice the drummer using buckets as drums. Do you need a musical instrument to make music?
•  Point out the boombox in the book. There are different ways to listen to music. We didn’t always have phones and air pods.
•  Go back through the book trying to repeat the words with different rhythm: blink-blink- blink and blink…..blink…..blink; clap-clap-clap and clap…..clap.....clap …
•  Can you think of something you might see every day and don’t notice? What might you see if you look closely and listen?

Craft ideas:
•  Make a tambourine. Kids will need paper plates, stapler or glue, crayons, and something to make noise inside (dry beans or pasta work well. Decorate the outside/bottom of the plates, put the filling on one and attach the other with glue or staples.
•  Find a plastic container with a lid, like a Tupperware, and put some dry beans, pasta or rice in it. Use this a shaker.
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/march-2022-music-entertainment//
•  Check this website for more suggestions: http://readingtokids.org/ReadingClubs/CraftTips.php

Special activities:
•  We have a special video to share at our March 12, 2022 reading clubs! Volunteers for those clubs will receive the link to that YouTube video in their "Final Reminder..." email on Friday, March 11, 2022, along with directions on how to share a YouTube video on Zoom.
•  You don’t have to make noise to keep rhythm. Try nodding you head or moving your hips with rhythm.
•  Have the kids find something in their house that they can use to make noise. Maybe a bucket or pot with something like a wooden spoon. Everyone try to play the same rhythm together.
•  Watch part (or all) of a STOMP video together. Like this one: Stomp- Stomp Out Loud - YouTube

*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!