The I Can't Sing Book: For Grown-ups Who Can't Carry a Tune in a Paper Bag but Want to do Music with Young Children [Paperback]

Jackie Silberg (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1998

Change the Singer

This game takes a lot of concentration and careful listening.

1. Start by alternating lines of a song with your child.

You sing: The wheels on the bus go up and down, up and down, up and down.
Child sings: The wheels on the bus go up and down, all around the town.

2. Make it a little harder.

You sing: The wheels on the bus go
Child sings: Up and down, up and down, up and down
You sing: The wheels on the bus go
Child sings: Up and down
You sing: All around the
Child sings: town

3. Each song that you choose can be manipulated in various ways. You can decide, based on the age of your child.

4. The hardest thing to do is to alternate words. You might even try it with another adult to discover how very difficult it can be.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Silberg presents a variety of songs, action rhymes, clapping games, and activities, each labeled for age appropriateness and educational value. She clearly loves her subject and tries to communicate the ways that music can enrich the lives of children and parents. However, her unflagging attention to each activity's educational value results in the repetition of many self-evident phrases, such as "develops listening skills." Contrary to the title, this is not a how-to on singing. Instead, it offers many wonderful suggestions for music activities that will probably appeal more to adults who already feel comfortable using music in their programming. For the uninitiated, many of the suggestions that are no doubt accessible when demonstrated in the author's workshops are a bit flat on the written page. The lack of resources, such as a list of music recordings, is an additional problem.
Jane Marino, Scarsdale Public Library, NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Jackie Silberg is an early childhood advocate and popular keynote speaker nationally and internationally. She received the Distinquished Alumna Award from Emporia State University, recognizing her current achievements as well as her long and prolific career. Jackie lectures at Johnson County Community College.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Gryphon House (May 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0876591918
• ISBN-13: 978-0876591918
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 6.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #774,362 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jackie Silberg, who has an M.S. in child development, is an early childhood advocate and popular keynote speaker. She received the Distinguished Alumna Award from Emporia State University, recognizing her current achievements as well as her long and prolific career. Jackie founded and directed the Jewish Community Center School of Music in Kansas City, Missouri, and worked for Channel 41 television, planning the music and performing her original music for a children's program called "41 Treehouse Lane." She wrote and produced a television show for Time Warner called "Just Kids," which addressed children's needs and interests. Jackie has worked as a consultant with the Discovery Channel, setting up their music streaming website. She has given workshops, keynote addresses, seminars, and family concerts throughout the U.S., Canada, Australia, Germany, and in Singapore. Jackie has served as an adjunct instructor at both Emporia State University and the University of Missouri at Kansas City and lectures at Johnson County Community College. Jackie is the owner of Miss Jackie Music Company. Jackie Silberg lives in Leawood, Kansas.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a great source to have in your home/school library!, August 19, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The I Can't Sing Book: For Grown-ups Who Can't Carry a Tune in a Paper Bag but Want to do Music with Young Children (Paperback)

This book is a great source to have if you care for young children. It offers a selection of age appropriate things to do in rythyme with your children. This book has all of the words to those songs that you sung as a child as well as some new songs. If you desire to make your own musical instruments then this book is for you. There are plenty of instruments to make using available household materials. I recomend this book to parents, day-care providers and teachers of young children. It is a great book!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good reference to have it you teach young children..., August 21, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The I Can't Sing Book: For Grown-ups Who Can't Carry a Tune in a Paper Bag but Want to do Music with Young Children (Paperback)

Ch 1 Music is for everyone; Ch 2 Music is rhythm; Ch 3 ...sound; Ch 4 ...language; Ch 5 ...movement; Ch 6 ...singing; Ch 7 ...instruments; Ch 8 ...fun-filled activities; Ch 9 ...a great way to teach; Ch 10 ...classical; Ch 11 FAQ's by parents and teachers

This book provides many games, activities and songs, to help teach children music concepts through play, without the use of musical terms. Very easy to read and anyone can use this book; musician or not.

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource, March 28, 2011

By 

P. Ursery "Rawdoggusa" (Michigan) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The I Can't Sing Book: For Grown-ups Who Can't Carry a Tune in a Paper Bag but Want to do Music with Young Children (Paperback)

I am taking a music and movement class for a degree in Childhood Development. This book has helped my with many of my activity plans and to come out of my shell.