“Mister Frog” and other characters found in my story/songs have helped many children enhance their emergent reading skills. I have spent many years working in schools across the U.S.A. and have witnessed many times the power of music to motivate children to read. One of my favorite quotes is from a well -known language arts specialist and former President of National Council of Teachers of English:

"I can think of no happier gifts that teachers /parents/grandparents can give to themselves and to children than those that offer reading interests and skills achieved through singing” Dr Sheila Fitzgerald, Ph.D -Michigan State University Professor Emerita

In the spring time especially, I use catchy, fun, and engaging songs to also help children understand why it it so important for all of us to care for nature. Songs such as “Save the Earth” and “Plant a Tree for Tomorrow” help students become more aware of their surroundings and even interested in research to find out what living things are at risk of extinction because of loss of their habitats. These songs are sung with great feeling as the students celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd.

After singing “Mister Frog, You Just Think Youʼre Smart" story/song about the transformation of a wiggly tadpole to a laughing, jumping, croaking frog, we usually
discuss frogs and their habitat. We quickly found out that there is great concern by scientists and ecologists regarding the frog population.....

I have composed the song “SAVE THE FROGS!" which has been used in many Earth Day programs....

See the entire article at http://www.songsforteaching.com/articles/savethefrogs.htm

 Listen to Dianne Baker's Save the Frogs in the audio player below.