Gentle Giraffe Press
Author Readings and Workshops

Invite author and illustrator Corkey Hay DeSimone to your school or group to read her books and host an educational and fun workshop.

 

Corkey Hay DeSimone offers a limited number of readings/workshops to schools and groups each year. As an author it is one of her favorite things to do. Therefore, she does all the workshops at cost. This way each child can get their very own signed book and can participate in a fun and educational workshop without it being price prohibitive.
All About Me in DC Reading and Workshop

 All About Me in DC turnkey workshop includes:

•All About Me in DC book for each student (personalized and signed)
•National Mall Map for each student
•All workshop supplies


Students participate in Do You Know Your National Mall, a fun and interactive map reading and trivia game designed to engage students in all that the National Mall has to offer. The workshop can be customized to your curriculum.


Workshops can range from 40 minutes to one hour; teacher's choice.


Contact us to find out more or to schedule a workshop.

Cherry Blossom Reading and Workshop

The Cherry Blossom Friends workshop is turnkey and includes:


•Cherry Blossom Friends book for each student
•Cherry Blossom craft project 
•All craft supplies

 

Students participate in an educational workshop on the history of Washington D.C., the Japanese cherry blossoms and all the gifts that come with the cherry trees: animals, fresh air and friendship (between America and Japan). During the workshop, the students decorate a cherry blossom. Each child places their blossom on a mural of a cherry tree and watches as the tree blossoms before their eyes.


Workshops can range from 40 minutes to one hour; teacher's choice.


Contact us to find out more or to schedule a workshop.

The Planet Hue Reading and Workshop

The Planet Hue workshop is turnkey and includes:   

•The Planet Hue book for each student
•How to Mix the 3 Primary Colors Lesson Plan
•Color wheel (including paper color wheel)
•"ME" planet poster (including paper "ME" and planet poster)


Using a color wheel and watercolor paints, students learn how to mix the three primary colors. Next, each student creates their own unique "ME" (using a blank paper person cut out). We ask the students to include characteristics such as; their musical abilities, dance, sports, foods they love, genealogy and family heritage. This illustrates how everyone is unique and touches on important character education topics. Last but not least, the students place their "ME" circling a wall-size mural of the planet.


Workshops can range from 40 minutes to one hour; teacher's choice.

 

Contact us to find out more or to schedule a workshop.

Professional Development

Educators know that Washington DC is a living classroom. However, navigating it and deciding how it links to your curriculum can be a daunting and time consuming task. Using our tools and resources learn how to make your curriculum come alive. Take advantage of all that Washington DC has to offer.


Contact us to learn more and to schedule a teacher's workshop.

Pre-school
Workshops

Pre-school workshops include:
•One boardbook and one activity book for each child
•A hands on craft project


Choose from any of Corkey Hay DeSimone's boardbooks:

•Panda Promise

•Air and Space

•Mammal Animal

•Butterfly Friends


Corkey reads her book and then the children participate in a fun craft project. 


Contact us to find out more or to schedule a workshop.