The importance of instilling the concept of...
G is for Giraffe: Tall Giraffe by Debbie Clement
Introducing: Tall Giraffe - By Debbie Clement
KidsSoup is delighted to have Debbie Clement share her song and book "Tall Giraffe" for our "Going on a Safari" theme. In addition, she shares oodles of creative giraffe arts and craft ideas. Make sure you listen to and download her song! Your children will love to sing the song and move to the beat with their feet.
HOW A SONG BECOMES A BOOK & WHERE IT TRAVELS
Preschool Activities:
Once upon a time there was a "music-lady" named Debbie Clement who started playing with rhymes around the subject of the giraffe. Knowing the power of rhyme, she continued playing the technique in which syllables lilt one against another. Next came the idea of designing the verses in the simplicity of the call and response style. Finally, she wondered, "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 by recalling previous verses, all the 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 Debbie's niece was to travel to Africa on a mission trip with her church. By that time, Debbie had morphed into an author/illustrator by publishing one of her earliest songs in the traditional picture book format. All that Debbie needed for her giraffe book were original photographs of the majestic animal on site, in its natural habitat. Voila,aAnd just like that, her second picture book, "Tall Giraffe," was born. A true family affair!
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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. The book includes 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 beginning readers, and even pre-readers, can first get familiar with the song and THEN connect the lyrics of the familiar and beloved song with the printed words in the book's text.
In addition to the CD insert, two charts are included at the back of the book. Debbie hand drew the American Sign Language signs to the song's significant lyrics. Sign language is a unique whole brain integration that adds to the singing and reading process. A chart of the music notation is included as well. The book concludes with a page of giraffe facts to add to the study and understanding of the animal.
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As Debbie 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!
Preschool Activities:
Now it's time 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 elementary-to-elaborate giraffe paintings. ENJOY!
Giraffe Crafts and Artworks
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About Debbie Clement
Visit her blog rainbowswithinreach.blogspot.com.
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How to Purchase Her Book and Song
You can purchase the book directly from Debbie here.
Debbie created a zipped digital file that includes 2 Mp3s and pdfs that give you immediate access to both Mp3 file versions of the song as well as the support materials that are included in the back of the picture book version of the book. You can purchase it here:
The file is available for immediate purchase and download from me directly at our Early Education Emporium and also at TpT.
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