December 16th: Away in A Manger

Away in a Manger, first appearing in publications in 1882 and is most commonly sung to the tune by James R. Murray.

Daily To Do (remember - cuddle up on a blanket, drink hot cocoa, make it snuggly and fun!)

  1. Listen to the carols

  2. Read the story, have a discussion with your child. 

  3. Glue the picture on the advent chart.  If you are looking for ways to tie in this advent calendar to your school work, go through the following questions for these subjects.

 Music – Listen to the different versions of the carol.  Honestly, just enjoying the carols is enough for music appreciation.

  1. What was the same about the versions of the song?  What was different?

  2. Were any unique instruments used?

  3. What was the tempo? Fast or Slow.

  4. Did they hear any dynamic changes? Quiet to Loud (Piano to Forte)

  5. Which version was your favorite? Take a poll in your family.

 

Reading

  1. Toddler/Preschool – ask them to point to different objects in the book. 

  2. Elementary schooler – Ask them for one thing they remember from the story.

  3. Middle & High Schooler – Ask them to narrate (summarize) the story.

Music Selections

Viola and Piano – you don’t hear too many viola solos. I enjoyed the lower register of this instrument, often Away in a Manger is performed with a higher sound, the low sound was unique.

 

Book Recommendations

Two books, one song. Each book sets the lyrics to beautiful works of art.

Away in a Manger, Remembering His Sacred Birth with Beloved Art and Music: The gentle artwork is perfectly suited for this sweet carol.

Thomas Kinkade Away in a Manger: The painter of Light brings his talent to illustrate the lyrics of Away in a Manger.

Optional Extra Activities

Beth SmithComment