"Lyrics to Literacy: Read a Song & Sing a Book""

Presented by
Debbie Clement
Educator, Teacher-of-Teachers, Song Writer/Singer, Author & Illustrator, Lover of Children

Spring from the Arts into the 'Land of Literacy.' Examine the use of print material in the music environment/circle-storytime. Enrich and expand your repertoire of children's songs with the utilization of printed song charts, props, costumes, puppets, flannel boards, movement, sign language and dramatization. Through song, rhythm, rhyme, and chant enhance self esteem, ease transitions, strengthen readiness skills, and enjoy the wonder of your children-as you further develop a sense of community. Cultivate your music and storytelling, bringing it alive to all the senses through the addition of visual & printed images.... appealing to all aspects of the child. Engage early and slow readers through the motivating powers of music.R

TEN KEY BENEFITS OF ATTENDING

1. Use of Songs as Storytellers: Connect the dots between song and story, language and literature. The significance of teacher-made, and student made books for use in music. Creating a print-rich environment.
2. Receive Current Documentation & Research on Significance of the Arts (Specifically Music) on Childhood Development: Explore the connections between music & test results in such areas as reading and math...deveop a love & disposition for reading.
3. Motivation for the "Teacher/Performer": Help in jump-starting your classroom to be an inviting atmosphere for literacy development. Rejuvenate your energies with a focus on motivating students for success.
4. Songs thru the Seasons/Crossing Curriculum & Culture: Dozens of ideas to spark interest throughout the year thru song... brought to life with props, puppets, costumes etc. Ideas for incorporation of simple instruments.
5. Movement as a MUST within Music: Techniques to add movement into new and familiar songs. The role of movement in child development, retention, and brain growth. Patterns. Sequences. Repetition and readiness- the link.Crossing the mid-line & reading. Choreography & bi-lateral movement.
6. Using Music to Establish Classroom Ritual: Realize the significance of ritual in the lives of children. Suggestions for opening, closing, and transition songs to be incorporated as markers & milestones through the day.
7. Songs that Lend themselves to Dramatization: Using Music as the springboard, breaking boundaries between the Arts. Benefits of providing opportunities for classroom "shows." Children's literature and music.
8. Zipper songs, Piggyback songs, & Song Writing: Methods and procedures to jump start the creative process to tailor your songs to your specific classroom experiences. Written experience becomes shared song.
9. Hand Crafted Resources (Visuals and Instruments): Specifics and how-to's to create your own visual props, instruments, literacy charts, and costumes from recycled, inexpensive, and available materials.
10. Zip, Zest, & Zowie: Sure-fire tricks, treats, gimmicks and gimmies for the grins and gains that growth attains. Stretch. Sing. Celebrate!! You're invited to be delighted!!!