“Twinkle, twinkle, little bat!
How I wonder what you’re at!”
Recognize that?
It’s the Mad Hatter’s own rendition of the well-known song, “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.” He sings it in “A Mad Tea Party” in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
Taking an already existing song like “Twinkle, Twinkle” and modifying the lyrics is a fun and easy songwriting activity for children (and hatters).
Songwriting is a good creative writing activity, especially for right-brain learners, auditory learners, and those with a talent for music. While some can come up with their own lyrics and melody entirely by themselves, others may benefit from using a framework to create a song. This is an easier way for them to get started in songwriting. “Twinkle, Twinkle” is a simple song that makes an easy-to-use framework for a child to use.
I have created a free printable for you to use that will take your child through the steps of creating his own version of “Twinkle, Twinkle.” The sheets are designed to be self-teaching so that the songwriting will be easy to do. Below are some instructions and recommendations on using these activity sheets with your child.
Instructions and Suggestions for the Songwriting Activity
First of all, you and your child don’t have to follow the instructions on the activity sheets to the letter. Feel free to make modifications as necessary to suit your child’s learning style.
If you find that your child needs more space for writing his brainstorming ideas, you may want to have him do that part of the activity in a notebook or on a separate piece of paper.
If your child needs a little help with rhyming words, there are resources available that can help him. Rhymezone.com is a good website for finding rhyming words. The Scholastic Rhyming Dictionary is also a handy book to have for such purposes.
Prepositional phrases could be useful with this activity. You may want to discuss these with your child and brainstorm some phrases.
If you are doing this activity with an auditory learner, you may want to talk him through the instructions.
Encourage your child to sing his song upon completion. It’s a good way for him to test out his verses and make adjustments as needed.
Another thing he can do when he has completed the activity is draw a picture to go along with his song. It’s another way for him to express his creativity.
Give your child a chance to perform his song for an audience if he is comfortable with it. If he’d rather not sing, you may want to ask him if he’d let someone else sing it for him.
There is one last very important piece of information that I want to give you. The answer to the question on page 1 is “4.” 😉
Now here is the link to the free printable:
Click here to get the “Twinkle, Twinkle” Songwriting Activity sheets
Many blessings,
