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Berlioz the Bear

Language: English

Berlioz the bear and his fellow musicians are due to play for the town ball when their bandwagon becomes stuck in a hole in the road. The surprise that saves the day is the strange buzzing in Berlioz’s instrument. LeVar takes this book and has viewers go with him on a musical journey through New York City, meeting many musicians who call the street their stage. He also takes viewers behind the scenes at The Boys Choir of Harlem to learn more about rhythm and the energy of music that draws people together.

Here are activities to do after watching this episode:

Pancake Bears!

You will need:

  • pancake mix
  • water or milk
  • griddle or pan
  • favorite toppings

Directions:

  1. Have an adult help you measure the amount of pancake mix and other ingredients you need into a bowl, and mix according to the package directions.
  2. When the griddle or pan is hot, have the adult make your pancake bear by pouring batter for one large round pancake with two smaller rounds for the ears.
  3. Eat your pancake plain or with your favorite topping. Try using raisins for eyes, a banana slice for a nose, and berries to form a mouth.
  

Musical Shakers

Make a mini maraca
You will need:

  • empty film canisters with their lids
  • popcorn, rice, or small dry beans
  • colored tape, like electrical tape
  • stickers

Directions:

  1. Put a little bit of corn, rice, or some shakable noisemaker into the film canister and snap on the lid tightly.
  2. Use tape to seal the lid by pulling the tape along the edge where the lid and container come together.
  3. Use different colors of tape or stickers to decorate the canister.
  4. Time to shake, rattle, and roll!

Make a pie plate tambourine
You will need:

  • aluminum pie pan
  • keys, paper clips, buttons, jingle bells, metal washersor bolts, or any other small objects that will clank or rattle
  • hole puncher
  • wire tie twists

Directions:

  1. Punch holes around the side of a pie pan.
  2. Pass a wire tie twist through each hole to attach a small object to the pan. The more objects you attach the louder the noise.
  3. Time to shake, rattle, and roll!

Check out some of these books on your
next trip to the library:

  • Georgia Music by Helen V. Griffith
  • The Science Book Of Sound by Neil Ardley
  • Introduction To Musical Instruments Series: Brass/Percussion/Strings/Woodwinds by Dee Lillegard

READING RAINBOW has a resource library that includes teacher guide materials as well as reading programs for use in the public libraries. You can download these resources from GPN at:
www.gpnresources.com

If you would like more information about READING RAINBOW or if you would like to learn more about other educational products please visit the GPN web site.

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