Whether you are a teacher moving your curriculum online or a parent who us suddenly a home school teacher, West Music is here to help! Our Educational Consultants have picked out some great resources that can be used at home or over video to keep students actively learning, no matter where they are!
Musical Magnets
Does your at-home practice of notes and rhythm need an extra boost? These musical magnets bring hands-on teaching to any surface where magnets stick.
- Variety of magnets to choose from: solfege syllables, note names, rhythmic patterns, and solfege hand signs!
- Sturdy and easy to use over and over again
- Works on magnetic whiteboards, refrigerators, or most metal surfaces
Solfege Dots Magnets, Black and White Small
This small pack of black and white magnetic solfege dots is great! The dots can be arranged in scale order, used to play a matching game with Magnetic Solfege Hand Signs Student Pack, or combined with multiple sets to sight-sing patterns and familiar songs.
Solfege Dots Magnets, Color
This set of 13 Magnetic Solfege Dots, printed in the Boomwhacker color scheme, is a great way to brighten up your sight-reading lessons!
Solfege Dots, Black and White
These 3-inch diameter solfege magnets are printed on flexible magnet material, allowing them to be used on magnetic dry-erase boards. This great solfege sight-singing tool can be arranged in patterns, scales, or you can purchase extra sets to spell out complete tunes.
Rhythm Magnets Set 1
Help develop students’ music literacy by building song rhythms and rhythmic patterns with this 12 piece Rhythm Block Magnet set. These 3.75″ magnets are printed directly on magnetic material and can be used on any magnet-receptive surface.
Rhythm Magnets Set 2
This set of 12 can be used in combination with the Rhythm Magnets Set 1 to make longer and more complex rhythmic patterns.
HeartBeats Magets
HeartBeats magnets are a great tool to teach steady beat, rhythm, and meter. Patterns of beats and stressed and unstressed beats can be shown in patterns using the large and small hearts to better understand and feel duple and triple meters. Additionally, HeartBeats are useful for pre-reading (left to right eye movement) and ear-training activities.
Magnetic Solfege Hand Signs
This set of 8 Magnetic Solfege Hand Signs measure 4″ x 6″, and are printed on flexible magnet material, allowing them to be used on magnetic dry-erase boards. They can be arranged in scale order, used to play a matching game with Magnetic Solfege Dots, or you can purchase multiple sets to create sight-sing patterns and familiar songs.
Stick Notation Rhythm Block Magnets Set 1
Help develop students’ music literacy by building song rhythms and rhythmic patterns with this 12 piece Stick Notation Rhythm Block Magnet set. These 3.75″ magnets are printed directly on magnetic material and can be used on any magnet-receptive surface.
Stick Notation Rhythm Block Magnets Set 2
This set can be used in combination with the Stick Notation Rhythm Block Magnets Set 1 to make longer and more complex rhythmic patterns.
Note Name Color Dots
These 3-inch diameter note name magnets make learning to read music fun! The letters follow the Boomwhacker color scheme, with enough magnets for one octave in the key of C. Use them to teach note recognition, intervals, and chords. Combine multiple sets for longer melodies.
Reading Rainbow DVDs
Screen time, meet story time! Check out these musical episodes of the Emmy-award winning PBS series Reading Rainbow. Host LeVar Burton takes viewers to meet interesting places and performers.
- Each episode includes a narrated children’s book shown page by page
- Features real musicians, dancers, and performers
- Want to extend learning? West Music has many of the paperback books these DVDs are based on!
Reading Rainbow 14 DVD Collection
Bring episodes from the Emmy-award winning PBS series Reading Rainbow (1980s-1990s) to your classroom. This money-saving bundle contains all 14 Reading Rainbow DVDs containing musical references!
Follow the Drinking Gourd
Follow the Drinking Gourd is part of the Emmy Award-winning Reading Rainbow Series Hosted by LeVar Burton. This DVD tells the story of runaway slaves who journey north along the Underground Railroad by following directions in the song “The Drinking Gourd.” The recording lasts approximately 30 minutes. The paperback edition of this story is item# 820537, available separately.
Zin! Zin! Zin! a Violin
This DVD features the melodious, rhythmical, and mathematical patterns that make music fun. The recording lasts approximately 30 minutes. The paperback edition of this story is item# 835431, available separately.
Barn Dance
This DVD tells the story of a young boy who, unable to sleep, follows the sound of music across the fields to find an unusual barn dance in progress. The recording lasts approximately 30 minutes. The paperback version of this story is item# 836105, available separately.
Abiyoyo
Based on a South African lullaby and folk story, this tale is about a boy and his father who come up with a plan to save the townspeople from the giant, Abiyoyo. This story-song is sung by American songwriter Pete Seeger and host LeVar Burton explains how a story can be told through music. The paperback version of Abiyoyo (item# 834891) and Abiyoyo Returns (item# 834892) are available separately.
Hip Cat
Hip Cat is part of the Emmy Award-winning Reading Rainbow Series Hosted by LeVar Burton. This DVD tells the story of a cat who creates a sound all his own and then experiences how the rhyme and rhythm enchant his audience. The recording lasts approximately 30 minutes.
Berlioz the Bear
This DVD tells the story of a bear named Berlioz and his fellow musicians who are due to play for the town ball when their bandwagon becomes stuck in a hole in the road. The surprise that saves the day is the strange buzzing in Berlioz’s instrument. The recording lasts approximately 30 minutes. The paperback edition of this story is item# 834929, available separately.
Ty’s One-Man Band
On a hot, humdrum day, Ty meets a mysterious man who uses a washboard comb, spoons, and a pail to become a one-man band. Host LeVar Burton introduces us to Steve Horelick, Reading Rainbow music director. He shows how he uses a keyboard and computer to create music and sounds. Later, Steve’s song about sound is animated.
The Paper Crane
Japanese customs such as the art of origami and Japanese dances are featured in the 30-minute DVD. The DVD tells the story of a generous restaurant owner receives a beautiful, magical gift from a stranger – a paper crane that magically comes alive and dances.
Borreguita and the Coyote
The little lamb uses her clever wiles to keep a coyote from eating her up. Then, LeVar introduces us to the Delgado family. This father, son, and two grandsons demonstrate how they make guitars. Musical group Los Lobos sings and talks with LeVar about their heritage and their music.
Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters
An African tale of Mufaro’s two beautiful daughters – on bad tempered, one kind and sweet. They are presented to the king, who is choosing a wife. Then, LeVar visits an African drum and his friend Mati, who collects and plays traditional African instruments including the twanga, huhu, conch shell, gome, and asasa.
When Aunt Lena Did the Rhumba
A little girl hatches a plan to bring Broadway to her matinee-loving aunt who’s in bed recovering from a Rhumba-related spill. Then LeVar meets Dr. Walter Turnball and the Boy’s Choir of Harlem as the rehearse their songs and talk about what being in the choir has done for them.
Mama Don’t Allow
This DVD tells the story of Miles, who receives a saxophone as a birthday gift. Neither his parents nor the neighbors can stand the sounds Miles makes with his new instrument. However, no one guesses what’s in store for them when Miles and his Swamp Band receive an invitation to play at the Alligator Ball! The recording lasts approximately 30 minutes. The paperback edition of this story is item# 835216, available separately.
Uncle Jed’s Barbershop
Sara Jean’s Uncle Jed, the only black barber in the county, overcomes many setbacks, including the Great Depression of the 1930’s, as he works to save enough money to open his own barbershop. Later The Persuasions, an a cappella quartet who have been singing together for 33 years, tell how they got started and how important it was to go after their dream.
Silent Lotus
Lotus, a young Cambodian girl who cannot hear or speak, is invited to become a dancer in the king’s court. Then meet Brian Chattoo, who is deaf. Visit Brian’s dance class, which teams hearing and hearing-impaired children as partners.
Mindfulness and Yoga Flashcard Decks
Infuse some kindness, focus, calm, and movement into your day. These three different flashcard desks contain poses, activities, and ideas to do at home.
- Great to encourage movement in a calm and peaceful way!
- Yoga decks explore levels, shapes, and poses that kids (and adults) can do.
- Mindfulness deck helps children build empathy and manage emotions.
- Each deck contains 50 cards and a sturdy box.
Mindful Kids
50 mindfulness activities for kindness, focus, and calm. Activities include easy games and meditations. Colorful, illustrated 7″ x 5″ flashcards are stored in a box. Includes a booklet with mindfulness tips on adapting activities for a wide range of abilities and descriptions of the 5 categories: Start Your Day, Find Calm, Focus, Open Your Heart, Rest and Relax.
Help children build empathy, manage everyday emotions, and have fun with mindfulness!
Yoga Pretzels
This deck offers an effective, playful and easy way to teach and learn yoga. Music and movement teachers will appreciate some fun ways for students to experience shapes and levels. The card deck is divided into nine sections. Each card shows the pose on one side and directions and tips on the other side. The 5″ x 7 ” cards come in a sturdy box.
The Kids’ Yoga Deck
Yoga is fun! Get kids bending, breathing, and stretching with The Kids Yoga Deck. Playful poses such as Cat, Flower, Airplane, and Gorillas well as partner poses that can be performed with friends teach kids the basics of yoga. Easy enough for children to do on their own, The Kids Yoga Deck engages bodies and minds to help youngsters build strength, flexibility, balance, and mental focus.
John Feierabend’s Songtales
John Feierabend has spent decades compiling songs and rhymes from across American to preserve these treasured Songtales for future generations. All Songtale storybooks include:
- A downloadable audio file
- Fully notated song with words
- History of the songtale
Songtale 17 Book Bundle
This series of picture books are based on the great songtales of our heritage and they deftly combine storytelling, poetry, and music into delightful classic songtales that will captivate and delight children and adults alike. Sixteen books total.
The Crabfish
Enjoy this hilarious adventure of a husband who tries to help his sick wife feel better by granting her wish to dine on crabfish. Adapted by famed educator John Feierabend, and richly illustrated by Vincent Nguyen, this classic folktale has inspired laughs from children and adults alike for more than 600 hundred years. For close to 400 years, the tale has also been told through song in English-speaking countries. This new, beautifully illustrated adaptation is sure to engage another generation with story and song.
The Frog and the Mouse
A classic tale about the courtship between a frog and a mouse, it’s surely one of the most beloved of all songtales for children. The story is brought to life in this enchanting children’s picture book. Readers will be captivated by the lavish illustrations, which add life and warmth to the fantasy world of the title characters. The melody used for this book is not one of the more well-known variations, but it is arguably one of the most beautiful.
There Was a Man and He Was Mad
This picture book adaptation by John Feierabend gives a new twist on the timeless story and song “There Was a Man and He Was Mad.” Children will be endlessly amused as the man jumps from one wild predicament to another, building up to a surprise ending. The vivid illustrations by Aaron Joshua pull readers into the absurd situations.
My Aunt Came Back
This timeless folksong takes on new life and meaning in this adaptation by John Feierabend, brilliantly illustrated by Melanie Champagne. The echo format of the song will keep students engaged all through the story, which, thanks to the vibrant and creative illustrations, leads to a hilarious conclusion. This is sure to become one of your students’ favorite picture books!
Father Grumble
The classic folk songtale Father Grumble is vividly brought to life in this enchanting picture book adaptation by John Feierabend. A hilarious take on the age-old theme of “I can do anything you can do”, this book will become a favorite of today’s children. Readers will laugh with delight as Father Grumble discovers his wife’s duties around the homestead are not as easy as he thinks they are.
The Derby Ram
The Derby Ram is a widely known song referring to an oversized ram in the town of Derby (pronounced Darby), England. The tall tales grow as enormous as the ram itself as the song goes on, each tale separated by a short refrain. Gorgeous illustrations by Jackie Roche invite children to use their imaginations to invent still more wild tales about the colossal Derby Ram.
Risseldy, Rosseldy
This is a classic American nonsense song with a challenging tongue-twister of a chorus. While there have been several variations of the song through the years, the playful use of nonsense words and nonsensical actions has always remained. Filled with humorous scenarios and delightfully illustrations, this songtale will engage today’s children as it has those of decades past. Readers will enjoy entering the world of newlyweds, both human and chipmunk, through the song.
The Tailor and the Mouse
The Tailor and the Mouse, adapted by John M. Feierabend and brilliantly illustrated by James McGann, provides a new way to experience this whimsical song, which has been passed down for more than 300 years. The fanciful text and Aeloian mode melody add to its appeal. The beautiful illustrations capture the essence and humor of the story, allowing the reader to enter the world of the absent-minded tailor and his adorable mouse friend.
There’s a Hole in the Bucket!
This classic songtale has been brought to life by illustrator Marissa Madonna and First Steps in Music Series author John Feierabend. With boundless humor and endearing illustrations, this book is sure to become a beloved classic in your music room library!
The Other Day I Met a Bear
A picture book version of the classic echo song “The Other Day I Met a Bear”. John M. Feierabend has taken the song from being a scary encounter between a human and a bear, and transformed it into a playful encounter between a fox and a bear. The illustrations enhance the playfulness of the encounter, and use different points of view to support the story. The artwork was created on scratchboard, a white clay surface coated with black ink. Using a variety of sharp tools, the artist scratched through the black ink to reveal the white surface beneath, one hair at a time!
Jennie Jenkins
“Jennie Jenkins” is a well-known American folk song, delightfully illustrated by Ashely Maurer. The classic song has been adapted into a picture book by John Feierabend, and is one of many in GIA’s series of children’s picture books based on timeless songs and stories. Make the story come alive with the Jennie Jenkins puppet set, available separately (item 540271)!
Momma, Buy Me a China Doll
Taken from the rich and deep American folk music heritage, this endearing song tells the story of Liza Lou, a poor mountain girl from the Ozarks, who dreams of owning a china doll after seeing one in a peddler’s cart. Such a luxury, however, is far beyond her family’s means. One of the endearing charms of this song is how clever little Liza is able to solve countless problems that could lead to raising the needed money to buy a china doll…but alas, to no avail.
Over in the Meadow
The classic song Over in the Meadow probably originated in the United Kingdom in the sixteenth century, and has been adapted into this lovely picture book by John Feierabend. In 1882 in the Ozarks, Katherine Floyd Dana (pen name Olive A. Wadsworth) wrote the words and Mabel Wood Hill wrote the music down for what is believed to be the first time, thereby preserving the song for future generations.
Kitty Alone
Hardcover. This beautifully illustrated version of Kitty Alone was conceived by illustrator Mina Echevarria, who suggested setting the song in the Appalachian Mountains and using a bobcat as the title character. Since they are rarely seen in the daytime, Appalachian locals refer to the bobcat as the “woods ghost.”
Had a Little Rooster
Had a Little Rooster is a cumulative song that has been shared and sung for more than 100 years, with each verse introducing a new character and a new sound that must be added to the previous verse, making each verse longer and longer. Cumulative songs are fun to sing, as they require singers to use more and more breath, and challenge them to remember an ever-increasing cast of characters and sounds.
The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night
The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night is an enduring children’s folk song with roots dating back to England around 500 years ago. Beautiful illustrations depict a wily fox as he roams a sleepy New England town in search of a meal for his family. The tones and textures are so vivid you can almost hear the rustle of leaves and see the shimmer of moonlight over the meadow.
Raffi Songs to Read
These paperback books are perfect for musical story time! These well-known songs and stories encourage kid participation with call-and-response, dancing, and actions.
- Colorful illustrations that kids will love
- Melody notated with chord symbols for sing-alongs
- Children will love reading and singing these songs over and over!
Baby Beluga
Baby Beluga by Raffi and illustrated by Ashley Wolff includes beautiful illustrations to match the beloved song. Follow a delightful baby beluga whale as it swims in its’ ocean home. It is so much fun to sing along as you flip through the pages! This paperback book is excellent for children age three months – five years. CD available separately.
Shake My Sillies Out
“Shake My Sillies Out” is a popular and animated Raffi Songs to Read story. Animals and campers join together in the woods one evening and shake their sillies, clap their crazies, and yawn their sleepies out. A melody line with chords is included at the end of the book. Written for ages 3 – 5, this book has been loved by generations of readers. It is a great action/movement song, and perfect for home or classrooms!
Down by the Bay
The beloved song “Down By the Bay” has been illustrated with fun colorful pictures in this children’s book by Raffi! The illustrations by Nadine Bernard Westcott depict children having fun, silly animals, frantic mothers, and more! Music with melody lines and chords is included. This book is perfect for children ages 3 months – 3 years.
Wheels on the Bus
“The Wheels On the Bus” is a playful book in the Raffi Songs to Read series. As the rickety old bus collects an odd assortment of passengers in a quaint little town, the reader may join in with the sounds of the bus and motions of the driver and passengers. The expressive artwork by Sylvie Kantorovitz-Wickstrom adds to the interactive and imaginative quality of the book. Appropriate for preschool ages.
Kindermusik Musical Storytime
These Big Books feature opportunities to sing, play instruments, and move! Geared especially for preschool students, these fun stories boost early literacy skills and musical awareness.
- 18″(l) x 14″(w) Big Books, great for online/video learning!
- Includes digital access with audio tracks, teaching tips, and a PDF projectable copy of the book
- Each book includes 4 lessons with activities and ideas for movement
Zoo Train
Hop aboard the “Allee-Allee-O” for a train ride through the zoo. See a lion stretching in the sun, jump up and down like a kangaroo, and visit ponies, chicks, and sheep in the petting zoo. Then sing the “Allee-Allee-O” song and march, bounce, glide, and sway like the children on this “big, long, train!”
Can You Find Me?
By Susan James Frye and Andrea Eberbach
Join our characters in a backyard game of hide-and-seek as they explore animal habitats and learn how a tree can be a home. Pretend to climb a rope ladder as you sing “My Tree House” and name all the things you can see and hear from your perch.
Michael Finnigan
By Dena C. Adams, Claire Clark, and Jim Young
Poor old Michael Finnigan just can’t seem to catch a break! This humorous story and the rollicking song will have everyone begging for more silly rhymes. Playful illustrations and a rhythmic tune make this an easy one to “begin again!”
Kindermusik Musical Storytime Bundle
This money-saving bundle contains all three Kindermusik Presents: Musical Storytime titles!
We will be adding to this list regularly, so check back often for more great print resource suggestions!
Jessica Palmer is our Education Consultant for Music and Books. She has been teaching preschool and elementary music programs for several years, most recently in a general music classroom in Iowa. She is an active musical director for community theater working with both children and adults. At West Music, Jessica enjoys finding new ways to use storybooks in the classroom and helping teachers find the perfect resources to add to their curriculum.