Another month of warming up for our fine arts studies. I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to review the instruments of the orchestra before diving into our monthly composers. 
There are several books about instruments of the orchestra, but I like Story of the Orchestra since we have it on hand and will be using it for many of the composers, as well. I remember learning about the instruments with Levi at San Francisco Symphony Kids when he was only two years old. He loved looking and listening to them and could name them all! This is a great interactive site for older kids, as well.
Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin is a fun, classic picture book (and was also a Reading Rainbow episode if you can get your hands on it!).
For an animated (unnarrated and darker) version, try Peter and the Wolf (available on Netflix Instant Play). Don’t forget YouTube videos of The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra, Peter and the Wolf, and various instruments!! Here are a few (slightly cheesy) selections for you:
For poetry this month, we’re enjoying our new book and CD, Poetry Speaks to Children.