Shiny Happy People by REM

"Shiny Happy People" is a fun and cheerful song by the band R.E.M. It's all about feeling happy and enjoying life with others. The song tells us about shiny, happy people holding hands and smiling together. They are having a great time and spreading joy wherever they go. The music is upbeat and makes you want to dance and sing along.

The lyrics talk about how wonderful it is to be happy and share that happiness with friends and family. It’s like a celebration of good times and positive feelings. The song reminds us that even when things are tough, we can still find reasons to smile and be happy.

The words encourage everyone to come together and enjoy the moment. It’s a reminder that happiness can be found in simple things like holding hands, being with loved ones, and having fun. Listening to "Shiny Happy People" can make you feel good and want to spread happiness to others too. So, whenever you hear this song, remember to smile, dance, and share your joy with the people around you!

  1. What is the song "Shiny Happy People" about?
  2. Who sings the song "Shiny Happy People"?
  3. What do shiny, happy people do in the song?
  4. Why do you think the song is called "Shiny Happy People"?
  5. How can listening to this song make you feel and why?

Let's go to Athens

Hi! My name is Vera and I am 8 years old. I want to tell you about my trip to Athens. It was so cool because Athens is a city where the famous band REM loved to visit. My favorite part was going to the Acropolis. It's a big hill with old buildings on it. Mom said REM liked to go there to get inspired for their music.

When we got to the Acropolis, I saw the Parthenon. It's a huge temple with big columns. I felt so tiny standing next to it. I imagined REM members standing there, thinking about their next songs. The view from the top was amazing. You could see all of Athens! We took lots of pictures, and I tried to imagine what it was like in the olden days when people used to live there.

After visiting the Acropolis, we went to a museum nearby. It had lots of statues and old things from Greece. I learned that REM used to visit these places to get ideas for their music videos. I thought it was so cool that a famous band liked the same places as me!

My trip to Athens was super fun, and I can't wait to tell my friends about it!

  1. What is my name and how old am I?
  2. Why did I think the Acropolis was cool?
  3. What famous band liked to visit Athens and get inspired there?
  4. How did I feel when I stood next to the Parthenon?
  5. Why do you think REM got inspired by visiting places like the Acropolis and the museum?

My Favourite Band

Hi everyone! I want to tell you about my favorite band, REM. They are super cool, and I love listening to their music. My dad introduced me to them, and now I can't stop listening!

One of my favorite songs by REM is called "Losing My Religion." It's so catchy, and I always sing along when it comes on. The song is about feeling like you're not good enough, but it's still fun to listen to.

Did you know that REM started a long time ago, in 1980? That's way before I was born! The band's name, REM, stands for "Rapid Eye Movement," which is a part of sleep when you dream a lot. Isn't that interesting?

The lead singer of REM is Michael Stipe, and he has a really unique voice. The other members of the band are Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Bill Berry. They all play different instruments and make the music sound amazing.

I think REM is the best band ever because their songs are different from other music I hear on the radio. They have a special style that makes them stand out. If you haven't listened to REM yet, you should definitely give them a try!

  1. What is your favorite song by REM and why do you like it?
  2. Can you list the names of the members of REM?
  3. How does the song "Losing My Religion" make you feel?
  4. Why do you think REM's music is different from other music you hear on the radio?
  5. Imagine you could ask Michael Stipe one question. What would it be and why?

Timeline Activity

After learning all about Shiny Happy People by REM, your job is to create a timeline of REM's music career. You could add all the important events in their life but you can be inventive and add some interesting things that people might like to read about. You can make it as simply as you like with pen and paper or you can be very inventive. The sky's the limit - go for it!

Slideshow - Shiny Happy People by REM
A full set of teaching plans for Shiny Happy People by REM.