Music for Learning and Literacy
Myths, Legends, and Fables
Grades 3-5
Donna Wissinger
It’s music. It’s storytelling. It’s fun. AND it’s full of learning.
It’s Myths, Legends, and Fables.
Follow me! Follow me to a wondrous place of fantastic tales! In Myths, Legends and Fables Donna Wissinger's flute becomes the voice and storyteller of great myths, legends, and fables. The legends of William Tell, Pocahontas, and current heroes are introduced and compared. Greek mythology and science are brought to life by the story of Pan and the wood nymph Syrinx. Fables such as the Wizard of Oz and The Magic Flute round out the musical experience of literature, analytical thinking, and the discovery of the character traits of heroes. Myths, Legends and Fables is great preparation and inspiration for FCAT!
Children are mesmerized by a golden flute and captivating stories all while affirming, being introduced to, or re-enforcing 16 Sunshine State Standards in Music, Theatre, Social Studies, Math, Science, Language Arts and Foreign Languages.
“In a nutshell, awesome. Donna weaves a tapestry of stories, both personal and historical, that simply mesmerizes the students.”
Tildenville Elementary School
“Ms. Wissinger’s presentation was extraordinary. Her ability to integrate classroom curriculum and music was amazing.”
Mattie Kelley Arts Foundation Children’s Art and Education Program
“The children and adults alike were mesmerized by her presentation. She is not only a musician of the highest caliber, but every move, indeed her very presence, were captivating." Lakemont Elementary
“The performance was fantastic. The children were mesmerized! Ms. Wissinger was not only able to hold the children’s attention with her flute playing, her enthusiasm for learning was awesome.” Monticello Opera House
Teachers can expect the children to be enthralled by masterful flute playing and storytelling. Of primary importance in the program is attention to detail and nuance, the meaning of stories and the character traits of the heroes in them. The children are encouraged to look beyond the obvious and to express their own experience of the stories. Exercises in critical and analytical thinking as well as references to history, culture and science are woven into the program. A question and answer portion of the program allows the children to exercise appropriate curiosity and personal interest in the artist's life and travels.
The aim of Myths, Legends, and Fables is to bring to life great stories and to discover their secrets through thought and discussion. Analytical and abstract thinking are used to explore the differences among myths, legends, and fables. History, science, and culture are introduced through the arts of music, drama, and storytelling as they begin to ignite a love and appreciation of the human story.
