World Music

Kids LOVE listening to world music and I love teaching it. Not only can I bring some exotic sounds into the classroom, I can also tell my students about things I've read about other cultures. I was amazed by how focused they are when I tell them about the sad story behind an Ethiopian-Israelite song or how a traditio...nal Bolivian instrument is made of Armadillo shells. I like watching them when I introduce a new piece in class - they listen with great focus, they frown when a sad motif passes by, they laugh when they hear funny pronunciation of a language they don't understand, they start moving when the beat and rhythm becomes clearer to them and most of the time, they'd keenly ask me to play it for them again and again.

The more we know about the differences and similarities of other cultures, the more we'd understand our own. We are keen to insert citizenship education and globalization units into the curriculum. All subject teachers can play a role in it. As a music teacher, I start with showing my students what's out there first.

I'd like to recommend a site called Panwapa. This site does not have a strong music-base, but it's a cute site for young children to know about countries and cultures. (produced by the Sesame street team, so animation quality is good, kids should like it!)

Shadow Puppetry

Through shadow play, children realize what amazing things their hands can do. We all know how to make a shadow of a bird, or a dog or a rabbit with our hands. Hand puppet masters have taken this form of art further. Here's a video of a shadow puppet performance set to the song What a wonderful world.


Shadow Puppetry is an ancient form of storytelling in many Aisan countries. I really appreciate this site below which promote this famous form of performing art:

Dear Daddy

Parenting resource online are mainly designed for moms, or, though I don't have academic proofs, writers and critics are usually writing from a female's perspective.

One of my close girl friends just gave birth to a baby boy and instead of sending HER parenting tips and websites (which I think she doesn't need as she has been doing all kinds of reading and attending courses during pregnancy), I send her husband this website:

http://www.dadlabs.com/

A bunch of macho men host the show and share parenting tips like "how to change a diaper." or "How to make an ice crystal ball." =)

I personally find this site very amusing, and I'm sure dads will appreciate the men's talk during each episode. The site is sponsored by a well-known baby carrier brand (I think), so I would say it's quite reliable.

As a music teacher, I'd like to share this episode about "Teach your kids about music using Apple's Garageband."

ENJOY THE SHOW~