Valentine’s Month in Genius Words: Meet Musician Nat King Cole and Play Musical Hearts
Genius content refreshes every month! This month, let’s learn about love—in all its forms!—and the Geniuses who’ve helped make Valentine’s Day so sweet.
We’ve compiled limited-time game updates, real-life genius stories, and educator-approved activities into interactive printables, designed to enhance your little kids’ learning. Access this week’s printable by clicking the button below:
Game Update
In Osmo Words, waltz through a dance party at the Valentine’s Museum, learning about your favorite V-day gifts along the way. Only available this month!
Genius Spotlight: Nat King Cole
One of the best parts of a holiday is the music! There are lots of love songs out there to listen to on Valentine’s Day but perhaps none better than Nat King Cole’s.
Nat King Cole was a famous singer and piano player. His mother, a church organist, taught him how to play the organ at a very young age. He started formal piano lessons in Chicago when he was 12, learning jazz, gospel, and classical music.
A few years later, Nat moved to Los Angeles and formed a jazz band, The King Cole Trio. One night, when they were playing a show, someone asked Nat to sing. Once people heard what a good voice he had, they wanted to hear more!
His singing career took off after that. Nat soon signed a record deal, reached #1 on the Billboard charts, and even had his own TV show. He broke many barriers as a Black musician in the 1940s-60s.
Love was a theme throughout Nat’s music, with hits like “L-O-V-E” and “When I Fall in Love.” Although his career was cut short due to lung cancer, many of his love songs are considered some of the greatest of all time. Keep your ears open for Nat’s music this time of year—and beyond!
Real-World Activity: Musical Hearts
Try this educator-approved activity at home. This week’s printable (button above) has instructions with photos!
Get your heart racing with this musical activity! You’ll need:
- 5–10 sheets of paper
- Markers
- Music
- Optional: Scotch tape
Instructions:
- Cut each sheet of paper into a large heart.
- Write an action (like “Jump on one foot” or “Hula Dance”) on each heart.
- Have a parent place the hearts around a room, either carefully taped to the wall or placed on the floor.
- While a parent DJs a song (bonus points if you try out Nat King Cole!), walk around to the different hearts.
- When the music stops, stop and do what action it says!
