My fifth graders were listening! After the read aloud was over, one piped up immediately about wanting to share a song he wrote as part of a music assignment using the Chrome app, songmaker. Of course! It was a synthesized song with a good beat. Then the other two wanted to share their songs, too. I loved dancing around in my chair. The only thing that could have been better was if we were together.
What is my #somethingnew? Honestly, can I steal the ukulele idea? It's the instrument of the century. Rafael Lopez packed his when he visited last year. Loren Long accompanied our rendition of his "There's a Hole in the Bottom of the Log" when we Skyped last year. Emily Arrow's ukulele even has a name--Bow!
Lucky strike! I found a short video of Loren playing his ukuele:
Here's Emily Arrow's Little Tree. Any chance you can think of a NEW dance to perform along with this song? (wink-wink). More on that at a later date...
Do you want to make your own ukulele? This video will get you started. Modifications-You could use yarn for the strings and a paper towel holder for the neck.
Currently, I am ISO of a list of "Joyful Books." While looking, I found this Valentine's Day book list from the Today Show. Lots of love and happiness there. So, it got me thinking. Why not plan an un-Valentine's Day party? What a great loving, happy distraction it could be.
You could watch this short video of the Necco company candy heart factory:
How about making your own candy hearts (#learningtodosomethingnew) and send them to your friends? Add a sweet card and maybe some chocolate kisses (or Reeses). And when you make your mailing list, don't forget your favorite leaping librarian ;-) I guarantee your package will bring your Valentines TONS-O-JOY!
Happy Un-Valentine's Day! xoxo
PS-If you are looking for more joy, check out these two videos from my son and his best friend's YouTube channel. Some jokes (haha) and some rainbow cheer.
