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.
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!