Title
Step It Down: Games, Plays, Songs, And Stories From The Afroamerican Heritage (Brown Thrasher Books Ser.)
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Growing Up In The Rural South, Bessie Jones Sang Her Way Through Long Hours Of Field Work And Child Tending, Entertaining Her Young Companions With Chants And Riddles Or Joining Them For A Rousing Evening Of Ring Dances And Singing Plays. These Songs And Games, Recorded In Step It Down By Folklorist Bess Lomax Hawes, Capture The Shape And Color Of The Crowded, Impoverished, Lifedemanding, And Lifeloving Days Of The Black Family Of Sixty Years Ago, Revealing The Strength And Vitality Of African And Slave Traditions In Black American Life.The Power Of Music And Motion To Transform A World Of Scarcity And Hardship Into One Of Laughter And Joy Echoes Throughout Bessie Jones'S Words:And The Other Childrens And I Would Go In The Bottom And Have A Frolic, Instead Of Going To Bed. I Was Just Up For That Singing, And I Remembered They Used To Say . . . 'Come On, Lizzie!' And We'D Go Down A Way And We'D Have A Dance. Oh It Was Pretty. . . . You Know, It Was Just As Good As The Bluesbetter, Better In A Way. When The Old Folks Would Go To Work Or Go Off Or Something, We'D Put On Them Long Dresses And, Boy, We'D Have A Time.Step It Down Weaves Together The Lyrics, Music, And Description Of Traditional Afroamerican Children'S Songs As Well As Jones'S Comments On Their Meaning And Feel. Whether Reciting Tom, Tom, Greedy Gut Or Demonstrating The More Complex Steps Of Ranky Tank And Buzzard'S Lope, Bessie Jones Always Viewed The Amusements Of The Young As Preparation For Adult Roles And Relationships, And As A Teacher, She Developed Her Own Philosophy Of How A Black Child Is Socialized Into The Larger Community. Grounded In The Values Of Black Society, Her Songs Taught Children About Cooperative Interaction And Mutual Concern, Not About Competition And Individual Achievement, Showing Them How To Create Fun Out Of Nothing More Than Their Hands, Feet, Voices, And Imaginations.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The binding type is paperback. This makes it lightweight and flexible, ideal for reading on the go.
- Q: How many pages does this book have? A: This book has two hundred fifty-six pages. It offers a comprehensive collection of songs and stories from Afro-American heritage.
- Q: What are the dimensions of this book? A: The dimensions are six inches wide, nine inches tall, and zero point seventy-one inches thick. This size is convenient for both reading and storage.
- Q: What age group is this book suitable for? A: This book is suitable for children and adults alike. Its themes of music and culture are engaging for readers of all ages.
- Q: How can I use this book in educational settings? A: You can use this book to teach children about Afro-American heritage through music and storytelling. It offers valuable insights into cultural traditions.
- Q: Are the songs in this book suitable for group activities? A: Yes, the songs are ideal for group activities. They encourage cooperative interaction and can be performed in a classroom or community setting.
- Q: How should I store this book to keep it safe? A: Store this book in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This will prevent fading and damage to the pages.
- Q: Can I clean this book if it gets dirty? A: Yes, you can gently wipe the cover with a damp cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals to protect the binding and pages.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, you should contact customer support for a replacement or refund. Be sure to have your order details ready.
- Q: Is this book a good choice for teaching music? A: Yes, this book is an excellent resource for teaching music. It includes traditional songs that can be integrated into music education.
- Q: What makes this book different from other children's books? A: This book uniquely focuses on Afro-American heritage through songs and stories, highlighting cultural traditions not often found in mainstream children's literature.
- Q: Can this book be used for family activities? A: Yes, this book is perfect for family activities. It includes songs that can be sung together, promoting bonding and fun.
- Q: What themes are explored in this book? A: The book explores themes of community, tradition, and the joy of music. It reflects the cultural richness of Afro-American experiences.
- Q: Is this book part of a larger collection? A: Yes, this book is part of the Brown Thrasher Books series. It contributes to a broader understanding of American folklore.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Bess Lomax Hawes. She is known for her work in preserving and documenting traditional folk music.