Tuesday, March 31, 2015

END-of-YEAR Inspiration + Twitter Chat!


April is just around the corner. 
Can you hear the end-of-the-year plans in the making? 

PLUS Today is Tuesday!
That means that we will be chatting on Twitter oh-so-soon! 
This week's chat will be devoted to: 

"Finishing STRONG!" {End of Year} 

We welcome Palma, of KFUNdamentals to our spotlight! 

She has quite a lot of inspiration to offer!
Be sure you tune into Twitter at 9PM EST on Tuesday! 

If you are a newbie to Twitter, or just like to chit-chat with your peers, you're welcome to arrive at 8:30, 
when things will be slower and less formal and we can offer you Twitter support. 

The only real 'RULE' is to remember to use our hashtag in every tweet! That way others can 'see' your contribution and it will be transcribed into the archive of the evening's chat. 

#TeacherFriends


This week the GRAND prize is a FREE REGISTRATION to FrogStreet's SPLASH this summer! YOU HEARD ME RIGHT! 

One lucky winner gets a $350 REGISTRATION TO #FSsplash15! 

Today is the final day to get the 'EarlyBird' Discount!

Did I mention that I will be a presenter at Splash this summer? 
YES! I AM EXCITED!!! 

Can't wait to meet the winner of our #TeacherFriends free SPLASH registration! 

In honor of all things #EOY I have gathered a BUNCH of my earlier resources together into today's article. A couple of years ago I wrote this little dittie for your easy-peasy copy-to-share. 

Just personalize at the top with your student's name and sign the bottom! 

VOILA! 

End of Year Poem by Debbie Clement FREEBIE #EOY #Kinderchat #EndofYear

It is in pdf format at our Early Education Emporium for your FREEBIE download! 

Here's a reminder of our upcoming Twitter guests! 


Now for a review of all things #EOY!
{from my archives here of earlier articles}

photo of: End of Year Rhymes + Keepsakes RoundUP via RainbowsWithinReach

END OF YEAR FESTIVITIES 

Rainbows Reporting!!! I've made quite a few end-of-the-year school visits wearing my author-illustrator hat. I thought that I'd share some 'keepsakes' and rhymes that I have seen out on my circuit of "Music Lady" visits to conclude the year across the Midwest. 

photo of: End of Year Preschool Keepsake and Rhyme












  

These treasures were on the wall at Sutter Park Elementary last week. Above the teacher's desk it was  something of a walk-of-fame, like the Hollywood sidewalk. You know with the stars and handprints from the beautiful people. This wall had treasured mementos featuring the previous students. I thought you might appreciate seeing the poems included with the smiles of the classmates. 

photo of: Poem for end of School, Preschool rhyme for goodbye

Here's from an even earlier year as you can see. Same idea of including the photos of the classmates, this time just a slightly different format and a different rhyme. Since they're laminated they can serve as a permanent reminder of those very first school friends!


photo of: School's over Poem, Rhyme for end of the School year

Here's what one of the classes was working on to send home this year. Heartfelt expressions of wishing well on the road to new adventures. Of course I LUV LUV LUV the color! And I never tire of handprints either!


photo of: Keepsake for leaving Preschool and heading to kindergarten

Now from Preschool in central Ohio up to the edge of Detroit: Taylor, Michigan to be exact. Take a look at this series of rhymes, housed in the place of honor -- inside the school's showcase. So I'm taking the photos thru glass, but I think you can still get the idea. The elementary school that I visited is Blair Moody and their mascot is the eagle.... which you will see if you read to the end! 

photo of: End of Year Bulletin Board Poem
Anchor chart poem for end of school year, saying good-by rhyme

photo of: End of Year Rhyme Anchor Chart Part 3

I shared these two last week from my Fine Motor Friday continuing series, but it seems appropriate to have them housed in this round-up as well. 

photo of: End of the Year Rhyme, Teacher Appreciation poem

This one is a 'scrambled'-up-and-rearrange project and I'm not sure that I got everything in the right order exactly, but I think you get enough to catch on -- or you can always adapt the idea for your own use. 

photo of: End of School Rhyme, Teacher Appreciation Rhyme

I shared this next one back in my popular Mother's Day post, 
but I think the rhyme is certainly suitable for 'end-of-the-year' (EOY) attaching a keepsake photo, too!!

photo of: Children's handprint rhyme for grandparents day

Are you trying to remember the words in this ol' Faithful rhyme?
I was so excited to see that it is still in use! 

photo of: Handprint poem for Preschool Keepsake

Every end of the school year implies the beginning of a new year is just around the corner. Every teacher I know is already contemplating how to get things started for next year. And now we have Pinterest as our ever present resource!

Here's my all-time favorite year-launching idea ever! 

photo of: Welcome to Kindergarten Letter for Parents, Poem for Kindergarten

This beginning-of-the-year greeting letter has been hanging here at WonderPeep Central on the refrigerator for almost a year now. You kinda get the impression that its well loved, don't you?

It seriously has to be one of my favorite pictures of the five of them. The photo was taken at a before-school starts screening, meet your teacher type event. Can you imagine my daughter's beating heart to be given this page, with this sentiment, with this pic of her crew? Yeah, Mrs. Davis!!! 

photo of: Poem for entering Kindergarten, Poem from teacher to start the new year

I wanna be clear. I didn't write the letter above and I don't know that Mrs. Davis did either. That's the thing about Pinterest and the internet and sharing great ideas..... I'm not certain who should get the credit for any of the written words above. Hopefully the authors of these sentiments are the type(s) that are happy to have their thoughts out and circulating even if they don't receive the credit. If these are your words, please let me know and I'll certainly give you the spotlight. 

In the mean time Happy End of the Year, Planning ahead!! 

P.S. Look what came home in WonderBoy's backpack today!!!! Yup that's Mrs. Davis with WB. The message 'below' is on the back of the photo!!

photo of: End of the Year Kindergarten Keepsake (via RoundUP of End of Year Poems at RainbowsWithinReach)


And here's her 'end-of-the-year' letter home as a keepsake.

photo of: Teacher's Farewell Letter for end of year

It seems fitting to include a couple of EOY (End of Year) Bulletin Boards as well. 
Here's a couple of my favorites. 

photo of: Bulletin Board for first grade, Bulletin board for kindergarten graduation

photo of: Bulletin Board for Preschool Graduation via RainbowsWithinReach


I have two songs that I have written and recorded that each get used for End-of-Year performances.
Click the pic and you'll go to my Teachers Pay Teachers store.  



Pre-K, Kindergarten, First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth - TeachersPayTeachers.com 
I am adding my songs into zipped files with support materials, by following you'll know when I add new products. 





End of Year Poems, Piggyback Song and Festivities RoundUP at RainbowsWithinReach

End of Year Poems and Festivities
Where are you in the countdown? Already celebrating summer or still with a few heartbeats to go? I'm making my annual rounds of 'end-of-the-year' Author-Illustrator school visits and I have some new images to share. 


photo of: Preschool End of Year Poem at RainbowsWithinReach

The poem above came home in the summer bags for the WonderPeeps. Miss Janet and Miss Dee had personalized the confection of words with just the right sentiment. It's so hard to imagine that we are officially saying good-bye to the preschool era for the WPs! They're off to kindergarten in the fall. Oh.My.Word!

Now let me share some kinder-ideas from my annual two days of fun at Darby Creek Elementary. This 'piggy-back' song was on Mrs. Gilmore's flip-chart. Long term readers here know how I LUV handwritten anchor charts. Here's the first verse. Sing the verse to the tune of "Love and Marriage." (That was used most recently as the theme song of the ol' TV show 'Married with Children.')

photo of: Kindergarten Graduation Song (Piggy Back Tune) via RainbowsWithinReach

photo of: Kindergarten Graduation Song (Piggy Back Tune) via RainbowsWithinReach

*I don't know who to credit for this clever piggyback song. If you do, please let me know and I'll edit. We checked Mrs. G's copy and there was no author attribution. The very talented 'unknown' will suffice for now. Sorry.

Now for a kindergarten graduation bulletin board standing just outside Mrs. Sherwood's classroom door. You've maybe seen something similar on Pinterest. 
She took black and white photos of her kiddos holding the announcement of their intended profession. 

photo of: Kindergarten Graduation Bulletin Board via RainbowsWithinReach

photo of: Kindergarten Graduation Bulletin Board via RainbowsWithinReach

photo of: Kindergarten Graduation Bulletin Board via RainbowsWithinReach


photo of: Kindergarten Graduation Bulletin Board via RainbowsWithinReach

photo of: Kindergarten Graduation Bulletin Board via RainbowsWithinReach

This may be your first visit here and if so, welcome. I am a singer-songwriter of original songs for children. I make my way around the country visiting classrooms sharing my original songs and their picture book format. 

My song, "You're Wonderful" is the ultimate 'graduation' song of affirmation and guaranteed to bring on genuine tears for this meaningful time of transition. 


photo of: "You're Wonderful" by Debbie Clement Digital Download Available Now
"You're Wonderful" Digital Download 

Here's the link to YouTube watch it being performed by a combination of preschool children and ECE college students at a family gathering. 


Honest-to-goodness. If you taught my song tomorrow, it could be 'ready-for-performance' by the next day. It's that simple. Your kiddos REALLY will sing it. The sign language will guarente video footage will be shot. 

I am now receiving feedback that some schools are using my "Red, White and Blue" for their end of the year concerts and performances. I am doubly blessed! It would be truly PERFECT for your Memorial Day festivities. It too is a picture book, but the song and sign language chart are also available in digital download format. 


photo of: "Red, White and Blue" by Debbie Clement (Now available in Digital Download)






As always, your pin(s) from my articles are the very best marketing I have -- besides your word of mouth enthusiasm. I am so grateful when you share my work with others. Pinterest is my number one source of traffic here and is now resulting in my visits to schools! Thanks so much for your pins! 


-- Debbie -- 


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Pre-K, Kindergarten, First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth - TeachersPayTeachers.com
Now at 319 followers!


Choose between TWO Debbie Clement Classic  Songs for your End-of-the-Year Program (include sign language)

Searching for an End-of-the-Year "PERFORMANCE" Song? 

Plus an opportunity to win!!


Author-Illustrator Visit where Debbie Clement meets her Kindergarten Fan Club

You've come to the right place! I have two choices for your monumental end-of-the-year graduation, that are each available in digital download format. Even if your EOY program is just days away, your class will master either (or both) of these beauties in record time, bringing tears to all, just before the curtain call! Choosing from one of these time honored selections will make your own trek to the finish line that much easier.

First suggestion: My 'instant classic' "You're Wonderful." 

Kindergarten Construction Paper Designs in Response to "You're Wonderful" by Debbie Clement

This perennial favorite is from my very first recording that was released initially as a cassette tape! Remember those? I have gone on to turn this Golden Oldie into the traditional picture book format. The student artwork in this article was created by kindergarten children in Tennessee in response to the quilts I created for my book's illustrations. 

Here we are comparing the actual fabric quilt illustration to the picture book format. {I'm EXCITED.} 


Illustrator Debbie Clement helps Kindergartners compare her original quilt to the finished book's format

Here's another K classroom 'response' to my graphic illustrations! 
Needless to say, 
I am WILD about each of these different media collaborations. 

Kindergarten Original Artwork in Response to "You're Wonderful" by Debbie Clement

The symmetric butterflies take on my quilt color scheme, too! 
AWESOMESAUCE!
Three different rooms. 
Three different teachers. 
Three different treatments!!!  

Springtime Symmetric Butterflies for Debbie Clement's Author Visit to Kindergarten

If you haven't heard the song before, please take two minutes and listen in on this next little flip-to-gram to get familiar with the lyrics. I'm sure you will see how the simple repetition in the lyrics lends itself to your 'real' classroom of 'real' students learning the song in a heartbeat. They will already be near mastery on the first listen themselves. The digital file includes a pdf of simple sign language to support the performance of 

"You're Wonderful." 



The digital download, zipped file is available directly from me at our Early Education Emporium. 

"You're Wonderful" Digital Download by Debbie Clement of RainbowsWithinReach


Here's a sneak peek of the cover of the picture book format!


"You're Wonderful" by Debbie Clement (Song of Self Esteem: to launch and conclude the school year)

I've created a collage of the artwork up above to show off their incredible designs. 

Kindergarten Construction Paper Quilt Squares in Response to "You're Wonderful" by Debbie Clement


Remember? 
Life is always more fun when you have choices!
<<<<<< drumroll >>>>> 

I am hearing from lots of folks that they are using my song
"Red, White and Blue" 
in their end-of-the-year festivities:
Flying Up Song.
Graduation Song.
Memorial Day Song. 
Call it what you want. 
This is a second perfect choice! 

Kindergarten Art in Response to "Red, White and Blue" by Debbie Clement

Here's a glimpse of the Kinder artwork made in response to the artwork and quilted illustrations in this, my newest picture book version. I need to write an entire article, [perhaps a whole series] on how this work is AUTHENTIC Artwork and the benefits of directing your students and loved one toward their OWN AUTHENTIC ART! 

Patriotic Flag Art in Kindergarten in Response to "Red, White and Blue" by Debbie Clement

Memorial Day is just around the corner. 
What could be more fitting in America?
I wrote this dittie immediately in the aftermath of September 11th. 
While it is indeed simple and could still be learned to performance specifications in the time remaining -- it is VERY heartfelt and sings of Americana.


So back to your choices! 
"Red, White and Blue"
is available in a digital/immediate download zipped file at
Early Education Emporium 
as well as Teachers Pay Teachers

End-of-Year Patriotic Response in Kindergarten Art to the Picture Book, "Red, White and Blue" by Debbie Clement




Choose between TWO Debbie Clement Classic  Songs for your End-of-the-Year Program (include sign language)

As the year winds down these pictures remind me of what an amazing year it has been. 
These photos were taken by my blogging buddy Mr. Greg. 
Yes. THE Mr. Greg of Kindergarten Smorgasboard
Greg took the day off of school, so that he could 'see-me-in-action' at his friend 
Kristine's school across Music City.
Kristine was the hostess of this entire author-illustrator school visit. 
She has been inspired to join the blogging-cyber world and can now be found sharing here at: 


Would you be a real helper bee and pin from this post? 
Most people find me via Pinterest. 
I am so grateful for your support. 
Thank you. 



Again. Remember you can get my dittie in pdf format for an easy printing.

End of Year Poem by Debbie Clement FREEBIE #EOY #Kinderchat #EndofYear


End of Year Bulletin Boards and Door Decorations via RainbowsWithinReach




End-of-Year Count Downs have begun in Earnest! 

Making my school author-illustrator visits at this time of year is always a delight. Teams are working together like well-oiled machines. Classrooms are in the groove of routine. Students are thrilled to have something *NEW* on the agenda! Voila. Look at all of the excitement that greeted me exactly one week ago in Tennessee. What fun to get introduced by an enthusiastic principal! 

Debbie Clement Author-Illustrator School Visit Introduction

Look at that backdrop of student artwork in response to the illustrations in my three picture books! For this visit I was the guest of Kristine, brand new blogger at "Little Nuggets." I will have a future article where we revisit all of this amazing and AUTHENTIC student artwork! 


Today I thought the greatest service that I can offer up quickly is to share these great End-of-the-Year bulletin Boards that were on display just inside their front door. 

Here's a variation on the classic concept, 
"When I Grow Up I Want to Be............." 


"When I Grow UP I Want to Be............." via RainbowsWithinReach

There are some universal answers here: 
- teacher
-doctor 
-singer 

and I just giggled-out-loud when I saw: 
-demolitionist!

"When I Grow UP I Want to Be............." via RainbowsWithinReach

This A to Z bulletin board for career consideration was right beside the one above about specific student aspirations. I was especially tickled to see that the Q prompted the suggestion of QUILTER as a career! 


Bulletin Board: Careers A to Z via RainbowsWithinReach

When we are all gathered together in the gym or cafeteria for my presentation, I always make a point to tell even the youngest groups that, "THIS IS MY JOB!" I get paid money to come to schools. Even the littles are impressed with that concept! MONEY? She get's paid money to be a quilter? That's a real job? Well, if you check the anchor chart above, you'll note that the letter 'I' can be an ILLUSTRATOR. 

"You're Wonderful" Picture Book Illustrations from Fabric by Debbie Clement

Yes. I make my picture book illustrations from fabric as small quilts! 

Now for a couple of other happy EOY bits and pieces.
I saw this variation of the grown up job aspiration in OH last spring. 


These Floridians are used to wearing their 'shades'
but this concept is a real winner -- where ever the location! 

End of Year "Graduation" Bulletin Board via RainbowsWithinReach

Drumroll!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Here's the perfect caption that can be adapted for a bulletin board or used to decorate your classroom door as 'picture' below! Grab up some FAVE pictures from the year's highlights and display them prominently. The PERFECT way to reflect over the year that is reaching a conclusion. 

End of Year "Picture Perfect" Bulletin Board via RainbowsWithinReach

Here's a couple of other smile makers! 

"What stuck with you today?" Decorated Door via RainbowsWithinReach

Kindergarten Bulletin Board via RainbowsWithinReach RoundUP of Bulletin Boards

"Character is our Super Power" Bulletin Board via RainbowsWithinReach

Father's Day is also on the horizon! 
This is a s-w-e-e-t idea for the PreK crowd. 

Father's Day Bulletin Board Idea via RainbowsWithinReach

This was the first and last image I saw as I entered and departed from the TN school last week. 
What an utterly brilliant idea to 'signal' parents their timeliness for arrival. 

Such a pleasant reminder. 
I LUV LUV LUV the message of THANKS! for being on-time! 

Front Door "Reversible" Sign for School: On Time vs. Tardy via RainbowsWithinReach


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Every pin sends another ripple into the cyber world and brings new eyes back here. 
Thanks so much for your help, by sharing.

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Thanks for your support! I am so appreciative of your pins!

Thanks for your support! I am so appreciative of your pins!
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