Batsford Book of Music for Children
on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
The Batsford Book of Music for Children is a richly illustrated and informative book that introduces children aged 5 to 9 to the world of music. It covers various musical genres, instruments, and basic music theory. With the guidance of characters Trudi Treble and Barry Bass, the book aims to cultivate a lasting appreciation for music by teaching children the language of music, clefs, staves, notes, and rhythm. It includes engaging activities like making an edible stave with candy and learning to play popular instruments like the piano, guitar, and recorder. The book follows the same style of illustration and fun elements as Chess for Children, making the learning process enjoyable.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-9
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What kind of music did you find most interesting in the book and why?
How do you think music can help people express their feelings?
Can you imagine creating your own musical instrument? What would it look like and what sounds would it make?
Why do you think music is an important part of different cultures around the world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the musical concepts in the book to their everyday experiences, such as identifying sounds from various instruments they might hear in songs on the radio.
Use the book’s content as a springboard to explore various music genres together, perhaps listening to a few and discussing their characteristics and origins.
After discussing the book, collaborate with your child to create a simple homemade instrument, enhancing the learning experience with a hands-on activity.
Help your child to draw connections between emotions and music by discussing how different tunes can make them feel happy, excited, or calm.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciation of music
Explanation: The book introduces various musical concepts and instruments, fostering a foundational understanding and appreciation of music.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by exploring different types of music and learning to play musical instruments, which enriches their cultural exposure and personal development.
Example Lesson: Practice and perseverance
Explanation: Through stories of composers and musicians who practiced diligently, the book emphasizes the importance of hard work and perseverance in achieving mastery in music.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply these values in their academic and extracurricular activities, understanding that persistent effort can lead to success.
Example Lesson: Creativity and expression
Explanation: The book encourages children to create their own music, which helps in developing their creative thinking and emotional expression.
Real-World Application: This can be applied in everyday life as children learn to express themselves and solve problems creatively in various situations.