Fred Penner: Songs and Stories Family Guide
Themes
- Celebration Through Song
- Joy of Togetherness
Ancestral Teachings
- Humility
- Love
About Fred
Fred Penner is an acclaimed family entertainer, singer/songwriter, composer, actor, writer, author, TV host, and keynote speaker. He has said, “Never underestimate your ability to make a difference in the life of a child.” Fred has 45 years of experience and a diverse repertoire including 12 children’s albums and numerous live shows across North America. He is a two-time Juno winner for Best Children’s Album (“Fred Penner’s Place” in 1985 and “Sing with Fred” in 2004) and eight-time nominee. Fred also had a hit CBC TV show called “Fred Penner’s Place” which ran for 12 seasons and more than 900 episodes. He is always building on a common theme rooted in integrity and a “belief in what I can do”, creating a lasting impact that crosses generations and continues to grow.
Discussion Questions
Pre-Show Questions
- Do you like music? Why or why not?
- What do you do when you hear a song that you like? Do you dance, sing along, smile?
- Some people say that music can be very powerful. What do you think that means?
Post-Show Questions
- What was your favourite song that Fred Penner sang? Why?
- Fred Penner aims to make a difference in the lives of children. How do you feel that you can make a difference in the world?
- If you had to go onstage and share a special talent with an audience, what would you do?
Family Activity: Repeat After Me
Objective: This activity encourages children to work on their musicality, listening, and memory.
Instructions:
- The parent or adult will start with a basic pattern/rhythm using body percussion (i.e. clapping, tapping, stomping, etc.).
- The child must repeat the pattern/rhythm as closely as possible.
- Each time the child repeats the pattern correctly, the adult can make the next round more challenging. For example, perhaps the first round only has 3 sounds (clap, stomp, stomp), then the next has 4 sounds (clap, stomp, clap, stomp), etc.
- If the child is having trouble repeating, the adult can present the pattern again and/or do it with the child.
- Depending on the child’s comfort level, the adult and child can switch roles! Encourage the child to start with an easy pattern that the adult must repeat, then slowly get more challenging.
Debrief:
Ask your child:
- What was something that you liked about that activity? What was something that you found challenging?
Discuss with your child:
- By creating these patterns, you were using your body as a percussion instrument! Percussion instruments make a sound when they are struck (hit), shaken, scraped, or rubbed. They often help create rhythm. Rhythm is a regular pattern of beats, sounds or movements. It is one of the basic elements of music! Can you think of another example of a percussion instrument? (e.g. drums)
Extension:
Parent and child can create their own songs with percussion. They can use their bodies, the floor, tables, pencils, etc. Feel free to make a video and share it with us by tagging @ypttoronto on our social media!
Sources
https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/percussion-instrument/600419