Baumgart, Klaus. (1997). Laura’s Star. Noonan, Julia. (1992). Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, NY: Scholastic. Musical Connection: developing melody shaping Science Connection: creating magic wishing dust Positive Character Traits & Values: compassion; caring / nurturing Noonan’s interpretation of this familiar nursery rhyme song comes alive when children experience the story using magical stars! This interactive lesson helps children discover melody movement and shaping. Fourteen “magical stars” are traced and cut-out of tagboard. Children hold and arrange the stars at different levels to show the up and down movement of the melody to the first phrase of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” The activity demonstrates to children that they can be part of the melody line as they hold their “magical stars.” The activity may be repeated until every child has a turn. As children become accomplished using the “magical stars” to shape the melody of the song, handbells, melody bells, and boomwhackers may be added providing a tonal quality to the tune while encouraging listening and performance skills. Laura’s Star is a touching story of a young girl who displays compassion, caring and nurturing as she helps an injured falling star. She finds that she can share all of her thoughts and secrets with her new “special friend.” |