Interesting iperforming arts idea for WB...

[Crazy Tom]

Go figure...a music teacher like me finds more ways to use cartoons, especially from WB, in the music curriculum.

Today I taught the kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades about what performing arts does to a story. Usually, when kids go to the library, the instructor reads a story to them. I remind the kids that the pictures they see come from a book, but when the story is told on the TV, you see actors playing out the parts. That way, there is more expression to the story and the kids get to see who is acting out the parts.

Even in animation, this holds true! Today I used Daffy Duck and the Dinosaur (1939) as a prime example of what a story should have: a script, a setting, and characters...those being Daffy, the dinosaur (Fido), and the caveman. Kids reacted positively to it, were able to answer simple questions such as "who is Fido?" and "what two things did Daffy do to fool the caveman?"--and I thought that worked out very well.

I know this sounds very weird, but do you think that what I did is a good idea, and if so, what other WB cartoons do you think I should use to entertain the kids regarding regular storytelling?

Let me know of any ideas you may have.

[DR. BELCH]

I've always been a big fan of teaching by example and making learning fun. I myself used to read to kindergartners at the local school, using a different voice for each character. Their favorites were Disney (Goofy's easy, but I can't do Mickey or Donald, so my versions sounded like Ross Perot and Bobcat Goldthwait) and the Berenstain Bears (using a Billy Bletcher-ish voice for Papa).
I figure any public domain Warner Brothers short would do for five- and six-year olds--"A Tale of Two Kitties", "Daffy the Commando", and the Porky short with the lazy redneck bear are a few personal favorites from my video library. "Pantry Panic" (Lantz) and Betty Boop, Popeye and Superman shorts (Fleischer) also come to mind. Casper is the only one I'd avoid, esp. "There's Good Boos Tonight"--might spook the kiddies.

[Crazy Tom]

Originally posted by DR. BELCH
I figure any public domain Warner Brothers short would do for five- and six-year olds--"A Tale of Two Kitties", "Daffy the Commando", and the Porky short with the lazy redneck bear are a few personal favorites from my video library.

Isn't that Porky's Bear Facts (1941)? I might still have that...it's a very good suggestion!

[Popeye]

In my 7th grade general music class, my teacher would show a classic cartoon (or an animated TV special) as a special suprise at the end of the class. This would happen almost everyday! Unfortunately, the bell would ring before the cartoon was over.

Here's what he showed:

-Rabbit Seasoning
-Bugs' Bonnets (uncut!)
-Rabbit Punch
-Peter and the Wolf (Disney version)
-Musicland (Silly Symphony cartoon)
-Carnival of the Animals (Bugs and Daffy TV special)
-Bugs vs. Daffy: Battle of the Music Video Stars
-Symphony Hour (uncut!)

This proved to me that cartoons can be enjoyed by adults as well. This was my favorite class at the time.

When I finally left the class, I was upset. The music classes would never be the same. But when I was in 8th grade, I walked by that classroom, I saw "Lonesome Lenny" and "What's Opera Doc?" being played on the screen! Those were the days.....

[Pietro]

You might like to try:

"A Corny Concerto"
"Daffy Duck & Egghead"
"Duck Dodgers in the 24 and 1/2 Century"
"The Rabbit of Seville"
"Plane Dippy" (Colorized or B&W)
"The Daffy Doc" (Colorized or B&W)
"Porky's Cafe" (Colorized or B&W)
"Pest in the House"
"Daffy the Commando"
"The Wacky Wabbit"
"Hare-way to the Stars"
"Bugs Bunny Gets the Boid"
"The Wild Hare"

Those were my favorites as a kid.
I remember our music teacher showed us "A Corny Concerto."
Whatever you do DON'T show them racial stuff.

-Pietro

[Crazy Tom]

Originally posted by Pietro
I remember our music teacher showed us "A Corny Concerto."


That's a great one! This reminds me I could also show MGM's versions of Tale From The Vienna Woods (1934) and The Blue Danube (1939). (Rhapsody In Rivets, Rhapsody Rabbit, and The Cat Concerto are also "well, duh!" selections.)

The problem is, I have to locate them because it's somewhere in my parents' house, in a flooded basement!