I'm so excited to have the opportunity to introduce myself here to you, Crystal's amazing audience, where all things are super Kreative!! I'm Debbie Clement…… and I kid you not — I got my official launch into the Arts as a K-Kiddo!!!
Here's the documentation to outline the facts.
You do the math!
So that's kindergarten-Debbie. I am modeling my ‘first-ever-STORE' ensemble, with those sporty knees socks and rockin' my bangs-a-la-mom!! As the winner of the coloring contest I received the outfit of my choice from Resing's and Buster Brown. People this made quite an impression on my young K-brain. Color with pizzazz and you are rewarded!!! I was hooked!!! My first outfit from the store….. my mom had sewn all previous clothes.
BIG IMPRESSION!!!
From this postcard announcement — it took me less than fifty years to win my first national award as an author/illustrator!!!! My newest book, “Red, White and Blue” received national acclaim with the Indie Award of Excellence in the picture book with audio division! The text of each of my three books is based on an original song I had written and recorded earlier. We publish the books ourselves under my own company, so receiving national recognition is HUGE!!!! HURRAY!!!!
My favorite invitations now are to visit in schools and share my work with budding authors and illustrators of the future. I'm truly over-the-moon when the students are directed to create their own work as an extension of my ideas.
How's that for an amazing child-like response to the quilted illustrations in my first picture book? The community-collaboration quilt, a mural approximately 35 feet in length was created by 330 kindergarten students on Long Island, NY in anticipation of my arrival in their midst for an Author-in-the-Schools visit. BRILLIANT!!! It was the building's Art teacher that directed this monumental effort, but the same idea could be done on a smaller scale within a classroom. Each child was given the choice of three different sized, different colored squares to make their own quilt square in reference to my illustration!!!
I invite you over to my blog, RainbowsWithinReach, where there's lots to see on the ‘visual' channel as I share my travels and the sites I see along the way. Reggio, Italy? Fine Motor? YouTube videos? It's all waiting you there. Here's the direct link to every kindergarten teacher's favorite article….. of the young artist who painted a rainbow for me prior to my arrival to their building….. the power of teachers — the difference YOU make!
You will also appreciate my Pinterest collection that I continue to amass. I now have 4000 followers of my 12,000 ideas pinned and highly organized for your benefit.
Thanks so much to Crystal for opening her heart and blog!!! We both collaborate over at PreK+K Sharing as well. This team work stuff is oodles of fun!
— Debbie —
Update: (from Crystal) I have been working with several schools to prepare for the Teachers Taking Care of Teachers project. Expect emails from me by the end of the week. I am waiting on one more list! If you know of a school in need due to the recent tornadoes, please facebook or email me. THANKS Debbie for an awesome post. She is a true ROCK STAR and one of my best cheerleaders. Love her!!
Erica says
Love Debbie Clement! I was blessed to see her in Ohio several years ago. My kiddos love the Dinosaur ROmp song soooo much. Thanks for having her guest blog!
Erica
Sprinkles to Kindergarten
Renee School Sparks says
Yes, Debbie Clement is a treasure! Lovely to see her on here! 🙂
Susie Q says
Cute blog! I am your newest follower.
susieqsclass@gmail.com