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Read and Discuss: Squeak, Rumble, Whomp! Whomp! Whomp!

Take a rollicking, clanging, clapping tour through the many sounds that fill a neighborhood.

Materials

  • Squeak, Rumble, Whomp! Whomp! Womp! by Wynton Marsalis

Key Science Concepts

  • Different objects make different sounds.
  • Sounds can vary in volume (loud and soft) and pitch (high and low)
  • A sound becomes louder when the force of the action that is creating the sound is increased. A sound becomes softer, or quieter, when the force is decreased.

Directions

Before you read: Show children the cover and ask them what they think the story is about. Show children the cover, and read the title and author’s name and ask, Does the title tell you more about the story? Tell children that the author is also a famous trumpet player. Ask them if they can describe a trumpet. Then point to the trumpet on the cover.

As you read: Have children mimic the sounds you make.

After you read: Flip through the pages and review the different instruments: Ask, Does anyone know what this instrument is called? Turn to the final two pages. Repeat the rhythmic patterns (beginning with Squeak-squeak. Eeeek-eeeek, RUMBLE BRUMBLE BRUM.) Have children repeat this rhythmic poem as you guide them through it. Remind them that they made rhythms yesterday, too, mimicking Violet. Ask, Is it fun making rhythms? Why do you like it? Do you think rhythms are fast, slow—or can they be both? Ask them to demonstrate their answer.

Add new instruments to the “Instrument” chart, asking children to describe what they think these instruments sound like, and how they make sound.