HOW A SONG BECOMES A BOOK & WHERE IT TRAVELS
Once upon a time there was a "music-lady" that started playing with rhymes around the subject of the giraffe. Knowing the power of rhyme, she continued playing with syllables that lilted one against another. Next came the idea of designing the verses in the simplicity of the call and response style. Finally, wouldn't it be fun if those simple verses were to scaffold upon one another? So the song was created as a 'cumulative' song -- one that would test short term memory, recalling previous verses, all while playing with those rhyming syllables. All that was needed to become an incredible song, was an amazing groove.
It wasn't until years later that the music-lady's niece was to travel to Africa on a mission trip with her church. By that time the music-lady had morphed into an 'author/illustrator' by publishing one of her earliest songs into the traditional picture book format. All the music lady needed? Original photographs of the majestic animal onsite, in the natural habitat, of course. And just like that? Her second picture book, "Tall Giraffe" was born. A true family affair!
Teachers and librarians are especially appreciative of the "end matter" that concludes every Debbie Clement picture book. All of the support materials that people have asked for are included. There is a CD insert of the sung version of the song and the simple disc also includes a track of the instrumental-only version of the song. The CD is included so that the beginning reader and even the PRE-reader can become familiar with the song and THEN connect the lyrics of the familiar and beloved song with the printed words in the book's text.
Beyond the CD insert there are two charts included at the back of the book. The music lady hand-drew the American Sign Language signs to the significant lyrics within the song. Sign language is a unique whole brain integration to add to the singing and reading process. There is also a chart of the music notation include as well. The book concludes with a page of 'giraffe facts' to add to the study and understanding of the animal.
As the music-lady makes her school visits wearing the hats of author and illustrator she is often greeted with a 'tower' {herd, family, group} of giraffes. On one occasion she had the opportunity to 'feel-like-Oprah.' Through a uniquely written grant, every one of 178 kindergartners in the elementary building received their own copy of "Tall Giraffe." The students had studied the book before hand, had created all manner of giraffes and then received their own copy! BRILLIANT! Hat tip to brilliant teacher coordinator Heather and a.maz.ing principal!
Now to enjoy some of the many giraffe projects that have been prepared in honor of the Author visit. That's where all of the fun really comes together! There have been life sized creations, whole class collaborations, preschool paper plate versions, and mature elementary giraffe paintings. ENJOY!
One of my favorite things about making school visits?
Getting the feedback afterward!
I LUV me some thank you notes from the littles!!!
This was the most colossal thank you ever conceived!
Four feet tall.
Every child's picture included as a spot-on-the-giraffe.
The dear teacher said that I am as unique as the spots on a giraffe.
SWOON!
I am betting that you really *WANT* to hear the song!
Look over my shoulder, watch and listen at a very impromptu filming made during a teacher and librarian training event.
As with many of my songs, I have created a pinboard to support the usage.
There are already over 300 additional giraffe ideas gathered.
Yes. You can purchase the book directly from me.
It is also available for purchase at Teachers Pay Teachers.
I have create a zipped digital file that includes 2 Mp3s and pdfs of the end matter charts.
The file is available for immediate purchase and download.
From me directly at our Early Education Emporium and also at TpT.
Please and Thank you for every pin!
That's how people *DISCOVER* me!
I'm very grateful!
Thanks!!!!
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