Hand clapping games were all the rage on the playground when I was growing up. “Miss Mary Mack” was one of the first I ever learned, so when I came across this book on Amazon, I couldn’t pass it up. I’m glad I didn’t, because Miss Mary Mack ranks right up there with Down by the Station, Going on a Bear Hunt, and Goodnight Sweet Butterflies as one of my favorite singable stories.
There are a few ingredients that make for a good children’s book in an educational setting. Repetition, alliteration, and rhyme are key, and Miss Mary Mack is chock full of all three. I found a fun little groove in Garageband to serve as accompaniment for the melody:
I know this isn’t the traditional “Miss Mary Mack” tune, but I found it to be a little more melodic (especially important since it’s sung over and over again) than the hand clapping version. No matter how you sing it, this is a great story for kids whether you’re targeting specific learning objectives or just reading it for fun.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
That illustrator also has nice versions of “The Lady with the Alligator Purse” and “Eeensy-Weensy Spider.”
I also love “Over in the Meadow” ; there are several versions with slightly different words.
Ooh, I haven’t seen those but will have to check them out. Thanks, Emily!
I am a second grade teacher. I was wondering if you have created anything for transition times. I think a CD of short song pieces would help students transition quickly and quietly.
Thanks!
C.
Can you send an email (rachel@listenlearnmusic.com) with more detail about what kinds of songs would be helpful for such as CD? (e.g. songs about going to lunch, going to recess, etc.). Thanks – I would love to help!