***But you might like to order the books first (check them out and order from Amazon.)
Note the book reviews from customers: Highest marks from educators, librarians, truckers, parents…and kids.
Got kids in a class that like to rap? Video their efforts (with dramatic flourishes, as explained below) and maybe they’ll appear on the www.grandpaandthetruck.com website (with parental permission, of course.) What else might the winning Rhode Island class rappers get? A visit from none other than the trucker and his teacher/writer wife…We’ll bring the big rigs to you, along with his exciting stories and sound effects.
Grandpa and the Truck Rap…..
Three little kids (2 boys…one girl), with crazy hats?, colorful sunglasses (on one?), leaning against trees in their backyard, or on a playground, rap to following: They ham it up, putting on “surprise” face (“was surprised”) or make steering motions for line “That he manned the big rigs.” Imagine their other effects, too, as they rap to the following…..
Asked Grampy what he did
For his money-earning gig
Was surprised when he told us
That he manned the big rigs.
In his truck, “Proud Mary”
Sitting high on his seat,
Went to every state but one…
Oh, that job was sweet….
****(Cut away to one boy saying)………”Except for when it wasn’t”
Saw a 6-car pileup
Off a California highway
Following a “smokie”
On a super-foggy day
Partner Ralph found out
Just how dangerous it can get
In the foothills of Virginia
When bloodhounds aren’t pets.
In Biloxi, Mississippi
Grandpa stopped for shrimp ‘n grits
But his motel lost its roof
When the hurr-i-cane hit.
Rhody’s “Girl Truckers” proves
Men and women are the same
They should do the jobs they want to
Never ones based on their names.
Soon… Grandpa will tell
Of the time he got stuck
On a New York State highway
Two whole days in his truck
(One child says: “They called it ‘Woodstock.’ “)
Then, there’s West Virginia
When he climbed that mountain road
In coal-mining region
With a full household load.
(Little girl says: “To bring a little girl her toys.”)
His stories teach geography
In a way that’s really cool
They tell us other things, too…
Not always taught in school…
Grammy says they’re ‘wholesome’ (Other little boy shrugs “What’s that?”)
Their lessons are a must…
They’re all “Made in America”…(Pause)
In a way… they’re just like us.
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Contest Ends: June 1st, 2015, with visit shortly after that.
E-Mail: ckmellor@cox.net; Twitter–@Teachertracks