Nightsong Book, Song, and Movement

Nightsong by Ari Berk is a beautiful book about a bat flying off on his first solo adventure. Mama Bat tells him to, "Sing, and the world will answer". 

Several times in the book Chiro, the little bat, sings his song.  When I first read the book I loved it and the sense of quiet determination little Chiro has.  Of course, I loved that he "sang" although you will need to explain to your students that bats do not truly sing, but what a great opportunity to talk bat facts and echolocation! 
The paperback version is available from amazon for about $6.00.  This is perfect for Halloween if your students cannot celebrate Halloween or if you are looking for a song in minor or a song for recorder to introduce E.

 

 

The orchestration is simple; feel free to add whistling tubes, thunder tubes and other sound effects to create a sense of mystery. Ask the children for suggestions of instruments to use instead of the shakers and chimes. Perhaps you have a gong - would the sound be as effective?  Help them make musical choices about timbres.

 

As an extension activity, small groups of students could create a movement piece using black scarves.  Consider turning the lights off and use battery operated tea lights inside hand drums as moons.  The effect is very exciting! 

Enjoy!