Bats in the Band
Bat Books Series
What’s inside...
A late-spring night sky fills with bats flocking to a theater, already echoing with delightful sounds of music. Bat music features plunky banjoes, bat-a-tat drums, improvised instruments, country ballads, and the sweet cries of a bat with the blues. Join this unique music festival as the bats celebrate the rhythm of the night and the positive power of music. Brian Lies's newest celebration of bats and their dazzling, dizzying world will lift everyone's spirits with joyous noise and cheer!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you think about the different instruments the bats played? Which one would you like to learn?
How did the bats work together to make music, and why is teamwork important?
What emotions did you feel when the bats were performing? Can you describe a time you felt the same way?
If you were to join the bat's band, what role would you choose and why?
How do you think the concert changed the bats’ feelings about being together?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on the book to model reflective thinking.
Encourage your child to describe their favorite parts of the book and ask why those stood out.
Discuss the importance of teamwork as shown in the book and relate it to your child’s experiences with friends or in school.
Use expressive questions to explore the emotional journey of the characters and connect it to the child’s world.
After the discussion, consider exploring music together, whether listening to different types, discussing instruments, or even playing some music.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: In 'Bats in the Band,' the bats come together to create music using various objects and settings. This collaboration showcases how each bat contributes to the harmony.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working together with peers on group projects or during team sports, understanding that each member’s contributions are vital for the team's success.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Innovation
Explanation: The story illustrates bats using unconventional items to make music, encouraging out-of-the-box thinking.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to use their imagination in play or in problem solving, understanding that creativity can transform the ordinary into something extraordinary.
Example Lesson: Persistence and Practice
Explanation: As the bats experiment with different musical sounds and instruments, they demonstrate that practice is essential to improve their musical abilities.
Real-World Application: This can remind children that learning any new skill, be it playing an instrument or a new sport, requires persistence and continuous practice.
Example Lesson: Joy and Passion
Explanation: The enthusiasm of the bats playing music highlights the joy found in doing what one loves.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to identify what brings them joy and to pursue those passions, whether in hobbies, learning subjects, or other activities.
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: Music from different backgrounds and styles are explored by the bats, promoting an appreciation for diversity.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children respect and explore various cultures through their traditional music and arts, fostering a more inclusive outlook.