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Abiyoyo

Language: English

This book is a storysong retold and sung by its author, Pete Seeger. Based on a South African lullaby and folk story, a boy and his father come up with a plan to save the townspeople from a giant, Abiyoyo.

Here are activities to do after watching this episode:

Giant, May We Cross Over?

    Everyone can play this game. The more players you have, the merrier.
  1. Establish a “safe zone” at each end of the playing field. A total space of about 25 feet is ideal.
  2. The “Giant” stands on one safety line, the rest of the players line up along the other safety line facing the “Giant.”
  3. As a group, players ask, “Giant, may we cross over?”
  4. The “Giant” answers, “Not unless you…(wear something red, have brown hair, have on white sneakers, are a girl, have the letter P in your name, and so on…)
  5. Players who qualify can pass to the other side. Other players try to make a run for it. If caught by the “Giant” the players change roles and the game resumes with a new “Giant.”
  

Tambourines

Just as in the video about Abiyoyo, you can make your own music with a tambourine.

You will need:

  • 2 paper plates
  • stapler or tape
  • dry beans or peas
  • crayons or markers

Use crayons or markers to color the bottom side of the paper plates to make them very special. Staple together the two plates with the coloring on the outside. Leave a small opening to insert the beans or peas. Then finish stapling the two plates together so the beans or peas won’t fall out.

You are ready to shake, rattle and roll! Enjoy making your own music. Try and keep time with music playing on the radio or television!

OPTION: If you have no paper plates, use a plastic or cardboard container with a lid, such as a margarine tub or snack food can. Cover the outside with paper and decorate. Place dried beans or peas inside.

 

Check out some of these books on your
next trip to the library:

  • Blackberry Ink by Eve Merriam
  • Ayu and the Perfect Moon by David Cox
  • Peter and the Wolf adapted by Sergei Prokofiev

READING RAINBOW has a resource library that includes teacher guide materials as well as reading programs for use in the public libraries. You can download these resources from GPN at:
www.gpnresources.com

If you would like more information about READING RAINBOW or if you would like to learn more about other educational products please visit the GPN web site.

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