French Songbook (Songbooks)
What’s inside...
The 'French Songbook' by Anthony Marks is a delightful collection of traditional and contemporary French songs, aimed at music enthusiasts and learners of the French language. The book includes a variety of tunes ranging from classic chansons to popular children's songs, each accompanied by musical notation, guitar chords, and lyrics in both French and English. Additionally, it features cultural notes and performance tips to enhance the understanding and enjoyment of French music. The book also offers simple versions of songs like 'Au claire de la lune' and 'Sur le pont d'Avignon', providing phonetic lyrics and background information on the songs' meanings and histories. It serves as an excellent resource for educators, students, and anyone interested in French melodies.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite song in the book and why did it stand out to you?
How do you think the characters in the songs feel? Can you describe their emotions?
What similarities and differences do you notice between these French songs and songs you usually listen to?
If you could create your own song from this book, what would it be about and what instruments would you use?
How do the illustrations in the book help you understand the songs better?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts by asking them to elaborate on their answers, fostering deeper understanding and connection to the book’s themes.
Utilize the musical aspect by listening to the songs, if possible, to create an immersive experience that promotes auditory learning alongside reading.
Discuss cultural aspects found in the songs to broaden your child’s perspective and appreciation for international music and stories.
Ask your child to draw or act out their favorite song from the book, merging creativity with comprehension for a dynamic learning experience.
Reinforce language skills by asking your child to think of alternate lyrics to their favorite song, enhancing vocabulary and syntactic skills in a fun and engaging way.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: The 'French Songbook' introduces children to a variety of French songs, exposing them to different rhythms, stories, and the French language itself.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing interest in and respect for different cultures and languages they encounter in school or their community.
Example Lesson: Musical Expression
Explanation: Through engaging with the songs presented in the book, children learn how music can express emotions and tell stories.
Real-World Application: Kids can use music as a way to express their own feelings and thoughts, whether in school projects, sharing with family, or in creative play with friends.
Example Lesson: Memory Skills
Explanation: Learning and remembering lyrics in a new language, as facilitated by this songbook, enhances cognitive development and memory retention in children.
Real-World Application: Children can apply improved memory skills to academic learning, remembering instructions, or recalling names and important details.
Example Lesson: Listening Skills
Explanation: Listening to and learning songs require careful listening, which can improve a child’s auditory processing abilities.
Real-World Application: Enhanced listening skills can help children follow directions more accurately, understand conversations better, and improve social interaction.
Example Lesson: Language Skills
Explanation: Singing in French provides children with basic language skills, introducing them to new vocabulary and pronunciation.
Real-World Application: This introduction to a new language can spark further interest in language learning, offering a foundation that might lead to more formal education in French or other languages.