Miss Mary Mack: A Hand-Clapping Rhyme
What’s inside...
A lively picture book adaptation of the well-known children's hand-clapping rhyme, perfect for the whole family. Everyone knows some version of this popular children's hand-clapping rhyme, but in this adaptation, the elephant's fateful jump over the fence is just the beginning of the fun. Popular children's author Mary Ann Hoberman has elaborated on this well known tale to create an absurdly funny story children will want to sing, chant, read, and clap to again and again.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Miss Mary Mack was feeling when she dressed in black?
Why do you think Miss Mary Mack chose an elephant to jump over the fence?
How do you think the story would change if Miss Mary Mack had a different animal?
What part of the rhyme did you enjoy the most and why?
How can we make up our own fun rhyme like Miss Mary Mack?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine different scenarios by asking what they would do if they were in Miss Mary Mack's shoes.
Discuss the rhythm and rhyme scheme of the book, clapping out the beats together as you read.
Use the illustrations in the book to ask your child to describe what they see and how it relates to the story.
Create a fun activity by inventing new verses or characters to add to the rhyme.
After reading, engage in a hand-clapping game using the rhythm from the book to make the experience interactive and memorable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Rhythm and coordination
Explanation: Through the hand-clapping game that accompanies the rhyme, children enhance their rhythmic skills and hand-eye coordination.
Real-World Application: These skills can help in physical activities and sports, musical endeavors, and other academic areas that require timed responses and coordination.
Example Lesson: Memory enhancement
Explanation: Memorizing the lyrics and actions of the clap game strengthens a child’s memory.
Real-World Application: Improved memory aids in academic subjects, particularly in language learning and reading comprehension.
Example Lesson: Social skills
Explanation: The interactive nature of the hand-clapping game promotes social interaction and cooperation.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these social skills in group activities, classroom settings, and daily interactions, fostering better relationships and teamwork.
Example Lesson: Cultural awareness
Explanation: The traditional nature of the hand-clapping games like Miss Mary Mack introduces children to cultural heritage and folklore.
Real-World Application: Understanding and respecting cultural traditions can be applied in diverse social settings, enhancing cultural appreciation and inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Listening skills
Explanation: Following along with the rhyme and coordinating with a partner requires good listening skills.
Real-World Application: These listening skills are essential in following instructions in school, understanding others, and developing effective communication skills.