The Stories Inside of Songs

Happy Saturday!

I'm back this morning to take you on a picture walk through a book that shares a powerful message. Both the words and the illustrations in Forever Young, written by folk rock legend Bob Dylan and illustrated by Paul Rodgers, are what I use to introduce many "life lessons" about the civil rights movement to my second graders.

Boycott, civil disobedience, social injustice, racism, and segregation are difficult topics to discuss with young children, but this book helps me do it simply and truly time and time again.  These lyrics help me explain that thanks to the choices and sacrifices of many of brave and strong men and women long ago, we live in a country where freedom is protected and respected.  They help me help my students understand how so many famous, and not-so-famous, people shared a dream that shaped their future.

Throughout the months of January and February as we study non-fiction texts, timelines, famous Americans, and diverse cultures, I use a variety of story-song books like Forever Young as mentor texts for many of our reading, writing, and social studies activities in my classroom, weaving the important themes of working together, friendship, caring, and sharing throughout.  My class listens to music and watches video clips to help my students understand how the work of Martin Luther King Jr., the courage of Ruby Bridges, and the resolve of Rosa Parks quietly and peacefully brought about change over time.

We engage in many discussions about the meaning of the "big words" in Dr. King's great speech, and we sing This Little Light of Mine with great gusto during our Morning Meeting time.  These lyrics remind us that filling the buckets of others with kindness, respect, tolerance, and understanding is what we need to do at school and at home every single day.

They serve as a great starting point for our study of related books and the stories inside of them about people from the past that affected positive change.  They help us make important connections between our lives today, what happened long ago, and what should continue to happen in our future.  They remind us to not be afraid to raise our voice and express our opinion, especially when it and our actions can help others....

This little light of mine,

I'm gonna let it shine.

This little light of mine,

I'm gonna let it shine.

This little light of mine,

I'm gonna let it shine.

Let it shine! Let it shine! Let it shine!

Don't let anyone blow it out!

I'm gonna let it shine!

Don't let anyone blow it out!

I'm gonna let it shine!

Don't let anyone blow it out!

I'm gonna let it shine!

Let it shine!  Let it shine! Let it shine!

I'm gonna take this light around the world!

I'm gonna let it shine!

I'm gonna take this light around the world!

I'm gonna let it shine!
I'm gonna take this light around the world!

I'm gonna let it shine!
Let it shine!  Let it shine!  Let it shine!

Stop back tomorrow for more literature links and 

musical moments 

 you might like! 

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Before you go, give Joan Baez's haunting version of

Forever Young

a listen, and hold these powerful

words close to your heart as

you continue to do important work with the

children in your care.

May you be blessed and safe always,

May your wishes all come true,

May you always do for others

And let others do for you.

Keep believing

in yourself and your dreams!  

Peace out my friends!