Jim Gill’s first picture book for young children, May There Always Be Sunshine, begins with the first four lines from a traditional Russian folk song. Following the pattern, children helped to create the rest of the text for the award-winning book. Since the book’s publication, children from all over the country have sent Jim handmade books of their own based on the song. Book-making is, of course, just one way that early childhood professionals can use music as a meaningful context to promote early literacy. In this lively workshop Jim Gill will share a number of his songs that make a connection to literacy. He will focus on music as a context for active play and participation, the type of music for which Jim is known best. He will discuss how a play-based program provides an inclusive environment for children with special needs and share thoughts based on his work with children of all ability levels.
