We were driving a couple months ago in the car and I pointed out some blue shoes on a sign and started singing “Blue Suede Shoes” and the boys were freaking out covering their ears. I said what’s wrong don’t you like Elvis and they said “Who’s Elvis?”. WHOA, WHAT!!! I have been failing in their education! How have I missed this important subject that these kids of mine need to know? So I said that as soon as we got home I was going to have a lesson on Pop-Culture and we were starting with Lesson #1…who is the King of Rock & Roll – a lesson for kids on Elvis.
Our house is not full of musicians. In fact, non of us can play any instruments nor can we carry a tune but we needed to rectify this situation and get our kids to know the basics.
First I researched a few facts about Elvis that would interest 8 year old boys.
- purchased his first guitar at age 11
- recorded over 600 songs
- made 31 movies
- was a black belt in karate
- would do karate moves during his concerts
- drafted into the army in 1957 for 2 years
- favorite sandwich was peanut butter, bacon, banana and honey.
They definitely want to try the sandwich now.
Then we watched a couple youtube videos of his songs. Definitely turn this into a dance party. 🙂
They loved shaking their legs and wiggling their hips like Elvis. It was so fun. I swear as soon as we did this we started hearing Elvis everywhere, in stores, on commercials and at restaurant. It is amazing how often Elvis songs are playing today. The boys even sometimes point out to me when Elvis is playing. Super proud mom right there. 🙂
Then I asked them if they knew who the King of Pop was….FAIL! So I have made another lesson that I will post about another time.
Who do you think Lesson 3 should be about? I am willing to move into actors or other famous people. Any suggestions?
I love this! I’m not a parent yet, but I was a preschool teacher for a while and it was always so funny to me that NO ONE has mentioned these people to them haha my stepsister is twelve and even she needs some lessons. I may have to send her your way lol
Yes, it is funny the things you think people should just automatically know. 🙂 I can’t imagine the funny things teachers get to hear.
Good work sharing Elvis with your kids! A lot of kids have no clue who a lot of “greats” are – even the Beatles or other major musicians!
Karen | GlamKaren.com
Ahh…Beatles are a great idea!! I’ll add that to my list.
The King of Pop! Michael Jackson! I love that you did this!!
Great lessons! I have been around for all of Elvis Presley’s songs and movies! I think it is great that you shared a lesson with his history.
Awwwww this is just great!!!! Loving that you introduced you kiddo to slice! Now you have me thinking about artist to intoduce my daughter to.
I love that you found facts that would interest them at their age group. I bet it made it so much more fun and relatable to them!
Love the King!! Great music appreciation education right there!! Did your kids think his favorite sandwich was a yummy idea or gross? I thought it was gross as a kid, now I’m like honey AND bacon on a sandwich? Yes, please!
They didn’t even want to try it and I thought it sounded yummy too. 🙂
What a fun post. We have a dear, dear friend who is a complete Elvis nut.
Elvis is indeed the king of rock and roll. I am so glad that they enjoyed their pop culture quiz!
Now there is a lesson the kids won’t learn at school! Great job passing down ‘The King’ to the new generation. I should do the same!
I really don’t think my kids know this either but they more than likely know who the king of pop is since we play a lot of Michael Jackson. 🙂 I’m loving the fun facts since I had no idea about a few of them.
I LOVE this! Whenever my kids ask who a famous musician is, it makes me feel SO old. Time to educate. 😉
We live in tennessee and about 3 hours from Memphis. Someday I would love to take my kids to Graceland. 🙂
I remember when my daughter got an authobiography assignment in school and she was assigned ‘Elvis Presley’ I gave her the coolest sign! Just as the highlights of your blog post, my daughter absolutely enjoyed researching about the King of Rock N Roll!
This is such a great series! I love how you digest everything in a fun and easy way. And that sandwich sounds awesome.
This would be such a fun lesson to do with kids. I love it, and I’m sure they would have great fun doing it!