Parodies Don't Have to Be in Song Form

Parodies don't have to be in song form.  There are many movie parodies and advertising parodies.  You can experiment with these at home or in the classroom.  Find a picture and see how you can make a funny parody out of it.  It is even better if it teaches a concept or helps you prepare for a test.
Here is one I did.

First, I took this cute unicorn picture with this cute saying...

and I combined it with this awesome scientist riding a paramecium and came up with....

Funny and educational all at the same time!  Try it yourself. I'm sure you'll have lots of fun with it!  Happy writing! 

LTUE Symposium 2018

This weekend, I had a fun time at the Provo, Utah Writer's Symposium LTUE <-----Click here to go to site.   I did a presentation on song parodies and how they can help students learn the information they need to know in an educational setting. It was a lot of fun. I have uploaded my slide presentation in case anyone is interested. The links for the videos on the slides that contain a video have the link listed on the right side of the slide.  You can click on that link and it will take you to the YouTube page that contains this song. The slides without videos will enlarge if you click on them so you can read what is written.   Happy Learning!!  

New Period Table Song

Six Year Old Girl Sings Periodic Table

Example of What Not to Do

This will help the kids learn

Teaches LA Personification and Science

History Lesson Women's Suffrage

The rest of the words to this song are in the post below this one. 

That Insect Leg

Here is a little parody I wrote to help kids memorize the parts of the insect leg.  Parodies are a great way to get kids into a "whole brain" learning state.  Knowing a song that helps them retain facts can also help lower test anxiety and bring up school performance.  It is also a great way to get kids engaged in their own learning.  if you guide them in making their own parodies to learn the concepts you are teaching, this skill will become a great asset to them throughout their lives. 

That Insect Leg

(Sung to Dry Bones)

The claws are connected to the tarsus, 

The claws are connected to the tarsus, 

The claws are connected to the tarsus, 

Which connects to the tibia! (Shout: And don't forget the tibial spurs!)

Chorus: That insect leg gonna hop around, 

That insect leg gonna crawl around, 

That insect leg gonna walk around, 

Oh, hear the insects buzz!

The tibial spurs connected to the tibia,

The tibial spurs connected to the tibia,

The tibial spurs connected to the tibia,

Which connects to the femur!

Chorus: That insect leg gonna hop around, 

That insect leg gonna crawl around, 

That insect leg gonna walk around, 

Oh, hear the insects buzz!

The femur connects to the trochanter,

The femur connects to the trochanter,

The femur connects to the trochanter,

Which connects to the coxa!

Chorus: That insect leg gonna hop around, 

That insect leg gonna crawl around, 

That insect leg gonna walk around, 

Oh, hear the insects buzz!

The coxa connects to the abdomen,

The coxa connects to the abdomen,

The coxa connects to the abdomen,

And now my song is done!

Chorus: That insect leg gonna hop around, 

That insect leg gonna crawl around, 

That insect leg gonna walk around, 

Oh, hear the insects buzz!

Write a Song Parody!

Parodies are becoming very popular. Turns out science says they are a great way to learn and memorize!  Parodies get both hemispheres of the brain working at the same time. This creates muscle memory that lasts a lot longer than memorizing alone.  Try taking some vocabulary words or concepts in a history unit, science unit, or math unit.  You can use tips from Weird Al. Just click here: https://www.fastcompany.com/1681833/master-class-weird-al-yankovic-on-how-to-make-a-great-parody

Go to it! See how much fun you can have and see if your grade improves!

The 13 Folds Of The U.S. Flag

Anyone remember learning this in history class?  Write about what the 4th of July means to you. 

THE 13 FOLDS OF THE U.S. FLAG

The 1st fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The 2nd fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

The 4th fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The 5th fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our Country", in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.

The 6th fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that We pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, Indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The 7th fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they are found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.

The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he too, has given his sons and daughters for defense of our country since they were first born.

The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit. The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation’s motto, "In God We Trust."

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, Ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today. 

Pineowlple!

Write a story about this owl.  What is his/her name?  Where does he/she live?  What does he/she eat?  What does he/she do?  What are his/her parents and siblings like?  Are there any others out there like this? Have fun with this one!

Writing Notebooks

Found this great web-site today.  It deals with writing notebooks.  This is a fun creative idea I want to start implementing!

http://corbettharrison.com/writers_notebooks.html#daily