World Toilet Day Resource Roundup

When my potty-humor books (Where Does a Cowgirl Go Potty? and Where Does a Pirate Go Potty? ) first rolled onto the scene, I found myself wondering aloud about the appropriateness of creating silly books during such a serious time in our world. I confessed about my worry that maybe I should use my gifts for more serious subjects. 

Photo Credit: West Margin Press

In the end, I came to the conclusion that it is not an either-or situation. That there is in fact value in light-hearted books, and also, that there are ways to connect silly topics to more serious issues. So, although I do try to laugh and have fun, I also do my best to use my platform to raise awareness about topics of import, for example, the importance of clean water and sanitation.

One way to connect this topic to my silly books is to raise awareness about World Toilet Day, a serious observance that takes place on November 19th each year to inspire "action to tackle the global sanitation crisis and help achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which promises sanitation for all by 2030. Established by the World Toilet Organization in 2001, World Toilet Day was made an official UN day in 2013." (Source: World Toilet Day Website).

The theme of World Toilet Day 2021 is, "Valuing Toilets." 

Source: World Toilet Day website

Visit the World Toilet Day website where you will find fact sheets to help better understand the issue, along with social media resources to help draw attention to the issue and opportunities to join the conversation and take action. 

For those looking for even more resources, such as learning extensions and enrichment materials for young readers, here is a solid rundown:  

*Water1st International supports sustainable clean water projects and toilets for the world's poorest communities. They also provide helpful curriculum guides and information about clubs and other youth leadership opportunities related to this issue on their website.

*Northeast Ohio Sewer District offers a seven-part educational series that can be accessed via YouTube.

*The state of New Jersey has educational program called Clean Water Raingers, with interactive activities that can be accessed on their website. 

*Marshall Mitchell, the artist behind the song that accompanies the book trailer for Where Does a Cowgirl Go Potty?, wrote an entire CD of watershed songs for the Illinois River Watershed Partnership. 

*Annie Lynn, of AnnieBirdd Music, LLC is a vocal advocate for our planet, and she writes and produces a variety of music for use in educational settings, and she regularly shares a variety of educational resources via Twitter. Here is one example of a song that Annie has developed with interactive elements to engage students in conversations and advocacy around climate issues. (Incidentally, Annie Lynn / AnnieBirdd Music, LLC is the artist behind the song that accompanies the book trailer for Where Does a Pirate Go Potty?)

*Educators' Guides for Where Does a Pirate Go Potty? and Where Does a Cowgirl Go Potty? go well beyond the silly potty humor portrayed in the books. The guides provide pre and post-reading discussion questions along with learning extensions that support science, math, and language arts, as well as interactive activities such as word searches and Reader's Theatre scripts.  

I'm bolstered by my firm belief that igniting a child's desire to read is serious business, and I'm hopeful that my silly books (and the many fun resources I've developed and curated to support these silly books) will bring laughter into lap time and snickers into story time, setting a joyful foundation for a lifetime of reading. (And, if you ever need a little toilet flushing sound loop to flood you with laughter, you'll find one here. Enjoy!)

Photo Credit: Dawn Prochovnic

June is Potty Training Awareness Month

Fun Fact Alert: June is Potty Training Awareness Month!! (You get to learn cool things like this when you write potty humor books!) 

Given that I have college-aged kids now, it's been quite some time since my family has ventured down the potty training path, but here's another fun fact: The idea for my book WHERE DOES A PIRATE GO POTTY? came to me when my son spoke those very words when he was a toddler. 

There was one day when he was being particularly silly, running through the house with a diaper on his bottom, a bandana on his head, and a pirate’s patch over one eye. He looked at me with an ornery twinkle in his uncovered eye, and asked in his best, pirate-y gruff toddler voice, “Where Does a Pirate Go Potty?”  I knew immediately that this was the title for a book, and I started drafting a manuscript soon after. As you may know from my "path to publication story" for my potty books, it took many years and many revisions to get this story just right, but what I continue to love about it is that each time I read it, I am instantly transported back to that memorable moment shared with my son, when he first posed that silly question to me. 

If you are in the throes of potty training right now, (or if you know of someone who is) might I suggest that a sense of humor goes a long way to making the process bearable! Reading books like WHERE DOES A PIRATE GO POTTY? and the companion book WHERE DOES A COWGIRL GO POTTY? is one way to keep things light. I also recommend novelty items such as the toy toilet pictured in the image above that audibly flushes. I bring it to author visits and other book events, and it makes me laugh EVERY time someone flushes it. (You can find loads of other potty-themed novelty items that I’ve curated, including a downloadable flushing sound loop and a dancing poo emoji, by visiting me on Pinterest.) 

If you really want to get down to business and you’re looking for some potty training experts, and/or some support products to make the process easier, here are some of the "potty people" I follow on Instagram: @pottytrainingconsultant, @thepottyfairy, @pottyology, @pottyriderinfo, @peekaboopottysticker, and @peapodmats. (Feel free to tag other resources I/others should be aware of in the comments below.)

Happy Potty Training Awareness Month, matey's!

Birth Stories for Books: A BRIEF HISTORY OF UNDERPANTS, by Christine Van Zandt

Hello readers, it's time for another Birth Stories for Books interview. Today's guest is Christine Van Zandt, and we'll be talking about her forthcoming book, A BRIEF HISTORY OF UNDERPANTS (illustrated by Harry Briggs, published by Quarto Kids, April, 2021). 

So if you've been itching to talk about unmentionables, today is your day! 

(Book Cover and interior images courtesy of becker&mayer! kids)

Dawn Prochovnic: Thank you for stopping by the blog, Christine. Being a self-proclaimed potty-humorist, I was immediately intrigued by the topic and (clever!) title of your forthcoming book, A BRIEF HISTORY OF UNDERPANTS. It’s described as “one part humor, one part history” that "explores the evolution of fashion’s most unmentionable garment.” Ha! If that description doesn’t get a young reader’s attention, I don’t know what will!

You mentioned that you had an interesting story about how this book came about. I’d love to hear it! (I’d especially like to hear what prompted the idea for this book, as well as the process and timeframe between your initial idea and the manuscript that was formulated fully enough to submit to an editor.)

Christine Van Zandt: It all began at our elementary school where I had been a “book volunteer” since kindergarten. One of the jobs this included was working at our school’s annual week-long Book Fair, helping kids, parents, and teachers select books. In June 2018, nonfiction books were prominently featured in displays. Adults excitedly pointed them out, but one kid after another stated “nonfiction books are boring” even though many wonderful nonfiction books were offered. The kids’ complaints stuck with me. What would make more kids want to read nonfiction?

Humor was already a part of my writing, so writing a funny book was a natural choice, but I needed a great topic. When my third-grader suggested underwear, I loved it and I checked out what had been published on that topic. The most popular 32-page nonfiction picture book was ~2,700 words. It was amazing, but seemed far too long for this age group. Taking a new angle, I condensed the world history of underpants into short, fast scenes. (The final version of my 48-page book came in at ~1,500 words.)

I wrote the first draft January 2019, revised for a few months, workshopped it with my critique group in July, then revised some more.

In September 2019, I pitched this story on the #PitMad Twitter pitch event. A children’s book editor from Quarto Kids liked my pitch, so I sent her the full manuscript which led to the book contract and the book’s upcoming April 2021 publication date.

DP: What a fun backstory! And thanks for sharing these interior spreads! They are fabulous! 

(From A BRIEF HISTORY OF UNDERPANTS by Christine Van Zandt and Harry Briggs) 

When you compare one of your earliest drafts of this book to the version in the published book, what stands out for you in terms of what is most different? 

CVZ: The size of my book ballooned. I’d written the book as a 32-page picture book but the publisher envisioned a longer book. To take the book to 150% of its original length, I needed additional research but it was the early stages of the pandemic. I couldn’t even borrow books online from the library and pick them up via appointment as we can now (January 2021).

While there are some great online resources (such as encyclopedic, historical, and archaeological sites), I wasn’t finding enough facts, so I ended up buying at least 20 reference books to get the research done.

DP: Way to be nimble! (And I, too, have purchased more books than usual to support my research during the pandemic.) 

It’s my understanding that in addition to writing for young readers, you are also a freelance editor, so you have experience on both sides of the table. Based on this experience, what is one piece of professional advice that you have for fellow authors (or illustrators) who are seeking to transform a great idea for a book into a manuscript suitable for submission and eventual publication? 

CVZ: Workshop your story with critique partners. I wouldn’t have gotten this book or my other manuscripts from drafts to polished pieces without critique groups. I run a group that used to meet in person, but now meets via Zoom—we’ve been together for years. A steady group holds me to deadlines (need something to workshop each month!). These writers see various versions of the same story, and will point out when something in an earlier draft worked better.

For additional perspectives, I also workshop with other critique groups that include writers from across the US and in other countries. 

DP: Excellent advice! Thanks! 

Looking at your website, you have a lot of different projects competing for your attention (i.e. the freelance editing service; picture book critique giveaways; book reviews for Good Reads with Ronna; a quarterly “Ask an Editor” column for SCBWI's Kite Tales; and freelance articles in various magazines). Whew! I’m exhausted just writing all of this down. How do you balance the time between your different projects and the different aspects of the publishing business?

CVZ: I’m a multitasker, relying on calendars and lists to keep me on track. When at-home school started in early March 2020, my scheduled working hours disappeared but the jobs still need to be finished so I find time. For me, this usually means getting up first to have uninterrupted hours—well, there is the cat on my desk who likes to help me type, but that’s a story for another day!

DP: I admire your tenacity! (And calendar-keepers unite!) 

Do you have anything you’d like to tell us about what you’re currently working on? 

CVZ: While I will continue devoting time to promoting A Brief History of Underpants, I’m always reading, writing, revising, and looking to get my next picture book published.

DP: Thanks so much for sharing your Birth Story for Books with us, Christine!

And friends, here's the skinny: If you want to thank Christine for sharing this behind-the-scenes view into the path to publication, please consider supporting her work by buying her book. It's available everywhere books are sold (but as you well know, I'm partial to indies.)

But wait, there's more! Christine is giving away a picture book critique and YOU can get in on the action! Head over to her Twitter account, and take a look at the pinned tweet for all the details. This giveaway will expire on Sunday, March 7, 2021, so get your booty movin'!  

**********

(photo credit: Marlena Van Zandt)

Christine Van Zandt is a freelance editor, writer, and owner of Write for Success Editing Services. To uncover underwear facts, take a peek at her nonfiction picture book, A BRIEF HISTORY OF UNDERPANTS (April 2021, becker&mayer! kids). She’s the editor behind the SCBWI’s “Ask an Editor” column (Kite Tales blog) and contributes interviews. She also reviews children’s books for Good Reads with Ronna.

To find or follow Christine: website, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram.

********** 

Birth Stories for Books is an occasional feature of Dawn Babb Prochovnic's blog. Dawn is the author of multiple picture books including, Lucy's Blooms (Spring '21), Where Does a Cowgirl Go Potty?, Where Does a Pirate Go Potty?, and 16 books in the Story Time With Signs & Rhymes series. Dawn is a contributing author to the award-winning book, Oregon Reads Aloud, and a frequent presenter at schools, libraries, and educational conferences. Contact Dawn using the form at the left, or learn more at www.dawnprochovnic.com. 

The "Raising Awareness" Part of the Writing Life

This time last year I was awash with excitement about book-launch activities and events related to my (then) newly released books, Where Does a Cowgirl Go Potty? and Where Does a Pirate Go Potty? 

Cowgirl Dawn at PNBA, 2019

Given the humorous nature of these books, laughter and potty-puns were flowing freely. However, despite my active sense of humor, I did find myself wondering aloud about the appropriateness of creating silly books during such a serious time in our world. I confessed about my worry that maybe I should use my gifts for more serious subjects.

In the end, I came to the conclusion that it is not an either-or situation. That there is in fact value in light-hearted books, and also, that there are ways to connect silly topics to more serious issues. So, I do try to laugh and have fun, but I also do my best to use my platform to raise awareness about topics of import. 

One of those topics is the importance of clean water and sanitation, and one way to connect that topic to my silly books, is to raise awareness about World Toilet Day, a serious observance that occurs each year on November 19th. The intent of World Toilet Day is to inspire "action to tackle the global sanitation crisis and help achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which promises sanitation for all by 2030. Established by the World Toilet Organization in 2001, World Toilet Day was made an official UN day in 2013." (Source: World Toilet Day Website).

The 2020 theme of World Toilet Day is, "Sustainable Sanitation and Climate Change," with the idea being that everyone should have access to sustainable sanitation systems "that can withstand climate change and keep communities healthy and functioning." The World Toilet Day website has great resources to support those who want to take action to bring about positive change. There are toolkits with resources to help you learn more, social media resources to help draw attention to the issue, and calls to action that can be undertaken even during times of restrictions due to COVID-19. 

Another organization that works to address global water sanitation issues is Water1st International. They support sustainable clean water projects and toilets for the world's poorest communities. They also provide helpful curriculum guides and information about clubs and other youth leadership opportunities related to this issue on their website.

Other organizations that support clean water initiatives may also offer curriculum support (or in some cases, program offerings in your local area). One such example is the Northeast Ohio Sewer District, which offers in-person programming and has made their programming available in a seven-part series that can be accessed via YouTube.

Similarly, The Illinois River Watershed Partnership in Arkansas has detailed lesson plans for educators on their website, including a comprehensive program called Clean Water Raingers, complete with downloadable resources including a Watershed Adventure Workbook, Watershed Songs, and Watershed Videos. (Incidentally, the Watershed Songs and Videos are written and performed by Marshall Mitchell, the same artist who co-wrote and performed the song that accompanies the book trailer for Where Does a Cowgirl Go Potty? and who regularly performs for children and families (quite often in libraries) in Arkansas and surrounding areas--and I'm sure Marshall can't wait to return to live performance venues sometime soon).

Another great resource for climate-related music and curriculum support is Annie Lynn, of AnnieBirdd Music, LLC. Annie is a vocal advocate for our planet, and she writes and produces a variety of music for use in educational settings, and she regularly shares a variety of educational resources via Twitter. Here is one example of a song that Annie has developed with interactive elements to engage students in conversations and advocacy around climate issues. (Incidentally, Annie Lynn / AnnieBirdd Music, LLC is the artist behind the song that accompanies the book trailer for Where Does a Pirate Go Potty?)

I've also come to realize that silly books can set a foundation for deeper learning when paired with meaningful learning extensions. Case in point, the Educators' Guides for Where Does a Pirate Go Potty? and Where Does a Cowgirl Go Potty? go well beyond the silly potty humor portrayed in the books. The guides provide pre and post-reading discussion questions along with learning extensions that support science, math, and language arts, as well as interactive activities such as word searches and Reader's Theatre scripts.  

Lastly, I'm bolstered by my firm belief that igniting a child's desire to read is serious business, and I'm hopeful that my silly books (and the many fun resources I've developed and curated to support these silly books) will bring laughter into lap time and snickers into story time, setting a joyful foundation for a lifetime of reading. (And, if you ever need a little toilet flushing sound loop to flood you with laughter, you'll find one here. Enjoy!)

Silly Books in a Serious World

In a recent interview on another blog, I was asked what scares me the most about being a children's author. I replied, "There isn't anything that scares me about the work that I do, but I do have a worry."

Cowgirl Dawn at PNBA, 2019

I worry that maybe it's not "right" to create silly books during such serious times in our world. I worry that maybe I should use my gifts for more serious subjects.

When I'm troubled with this concern, I remind myself that light-heartedness may, in fact, be "just right" for this serious world. I'm bolstered by my firm belief that igniting a child's desire to read is serious business, and I'm hopeful that my silly books (and the many fun resources I've developed and curated to support these books) will bring laughter into lap time and snickers into story time, setting a joyful foundation for a lifetime of reading.

I can't think of a better time to celebrate books and reading than the 100th anniversary of Children's Book Week, which is November 4 - 10, 2019. This year's theme, Read Now - Read Forever, couldn't be better.

I also think that silly books can set a foundation for deeper learning when paired with meaningful learning extensions. Case in point, the Educators' Guides for Where Does a Pirate Go Potty? and Where Does a Cowgirl Go Potty? go well beyond the silly potty humor portrayed in the books. The guides provide pre and post-reading discussion questions along with learning extensions that support science, math, and language arts, as well as interactive activities such as word searches and Reader's Theatre scripts.

Silly books can also provide an opening to educate young readers about more serious issues that tie into the books' themes. For example, a book about a Pirate (or a Cowgirl) in search of a place to go potty provides an excellent opportunity to bring attention to World Toilet Day, coming up on November 19th. The intent of World Toilet Day is to inspire "action to tackle the global sanitation crisis and help achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which promises sanitation for all by 2030. Established by the World Toilet Organization in 2001, World Toilet Day was made an official UN day in 2013." (Source: World Toilet Day Website).

The 2019 theme of World Toilet Day is, "Leaving no one behind," with the idea being that no one should be left behind without sanitation. The World Toilet Day website has great resources to support those who want to take action to bring about positive change. There are links to fact sheets to help you learn more, social media resources to help draw attention to the issue, info about events being planned around the globe, and even a toilet privilege game.

One organization that works to address the global water sanitation issue is Water1st International. They support sustainable clean water projects and toilets for the world's poorest communities. They also provide helpful curriculum guides and information about clubs and other youth leadership opportunities related to this issue on their website.

Other organizations that support clean water initiatives may also offer curriculum support (or in some cases, program offerings in your local area). One such example is the Northeast Ohio Sewer District, which offers in-person programming and has made their programming available in a seven-part series that can be accessed via YouTube.

Similarly, The Illinois River Watershed Partnership in Arkansas has detailed lesson plans for educators on their website, including a comprehensive program called Clean Water Raingers, complete with downloadable resources including a Watershed Adventure Workbook, Watershed Songs, and Watershed Videos. (Incidentally, the Watershed Songs and Videos are written and performed by Marshall Mitchell, the same artist who co-wrote and performed the song that accompanies the book trailer for Where Does a Cowgirl Go Potty? and who regularly performs for children and families (quite often in libraries) in Arkansas and surrounding areas).

In an effort to bring attention to Children's Book Week and World Toilet Day, and in an effort to get more books into the hands of young readers, I will match YOUR positive actions with donations of my books to the Children's Book Bank, while supplies last. Here are the details:

Photo Credit: Stephanie Shaw

It's not required that you choose my books to participate (though I won't object if you do). It's also not required that you participate in my Call to Action in order to bring some positive attention to the issues of concern surrounding World Toilet Day.

If you're a librarian, you could host a potty-themed story time that's all fun and games (you'll find loads of support resources, including book lists and lesson plans here--just follow this link and search on "potty-themed"), and wrap up the event with a brief mention of the issues surrounding World Toilet Day.

If you're a teacher, you could read Where Does a Pirate Go Potty? and/or Where Does a Cowgirl Go Potty?, and use the related Educators' Guides to incorporate curriculum-aligned discussion questions and activities (you'll find the guides here/Pirate and here/Cowgirl), and wrap up the lesson with an exploration of / discussion about the issues addressed on the World Toilet Day and/or Water1st International website(s).

If you're a parent, you could view the humorous book trailers for Where Does a Pirate Go Potty? and/or Where Does a Cowgirl Go Potty? with your child, sing (and sign) the theme songs that go along with the book trailers (you'll find support resources here/Pirate and here/Cowgirl), and then shift the conversation to the more serious issue of water sanitation by playing this game.

If you plan to support my Call to Action by purchasing a book, I hope you will consider supporting your local independent book store. If you plan to support my Call to Action by suggesting a book be added to your public library's collection, most libraries have a book request process on their website. You can locate your nearest library by visiting this link.  If you plan to support my Call to Action by donating to an organization that supports water sanitation and/or literacy and need some suggested organizations, here goes:

-Water 1st International
-The many organizations listed at the bottom of the World Toilet Organization home page
-Children's Book Bank
-SMART Reading (Start Making a Reader Today)
-Your local library

I'd love to hear about your World Toilet Day plans and/or experiences. Comment below, or connect with me on social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram).

And last but not least, if you need a toilet flushing sound loop to brighten your day, you'll find one here.

The Publication Date Part of the Writing Life

I can't hold it in any longer... the publication day for these two fun books is tomorrow!

Photo Credit: West Margin Press on Instagram 

The path to publication can be long and winding.

Where Does a Pirate Go Potty? has been in my "Works-in-Progress" file since this kiddo of mine (now a senior in high school) was a toddler:

And Where Does a Cowgirl Go Potty? emerged from a writing exercise inspired by this image of my other kiddo, now a junior in college:

Yesterday, I got to hug Jennifer Newens, the person who said, "Yes," to my books. She leads the amazing team at West Margin Press that made them so beautiful.

I also got to hug Angela Zbornik, the creative wizard, clever wordsmith, and fellow punster (aka Marketing Manager) at West Margin Press. She heads up the team that will help my books find their readers. Angie introduced me to Rob Pine, with Ingram, who shares my sense of humor and said so many nice things about my books. I left my conversation with him feeling certain that booksellers (and through them, readers) will have every opportunity to join the potty humor party!

Earlier in the day I was able to attend a series of educational sessions, meet some wonderful booksellers, and celebrate other authors who are welcoming their new books into the world alongside mine:

Author, Elizabeth Rusch

Author, Cindy Baldwin

Author/Illustrator, Kevan Atteberry

Author, Jane Kirkpatrick

Author, Kate Messner

Today I find myself reflecting on all the people behind the scenes of every book that is made. For example: editor Michelle McCann (who is bringing one of her own books into the world this week); editor, Olivia Ngai; designer, Rachel Lopez Metzger; and illustrator, Jacob Souva. My books simply would not "be" without them. Likewise, my books were helped along the way by my critique group (thanks, Sara and Claire!), and the SCBWI International, SCBWI-Oregon, and Portland KidLit communities. And my husband, who is my biggest fan, and who works in a traditional career job that pays the bills and provides the health insurance.

I'm also reflecting on the many folks who have helped me get the word out about the books: Family members, friends in my local neighborhood, indie booksellers, school and public librarians, teachers who have taught my kids (and invited me to teach theirs), and so many kind and enthusiastic fellow authors and book bloggers who have visited my blog to share their stories and hosted me on my blog to share mine (more on this in a future post). And the musicians ...  the wonderful musicians ... Annie Lynn/AnnieBirdd Music, LLC and Marshall Mitchell who brought the music to these wonderful book trailers that Jacob Souva designed and animated:

Cowgirl Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/VCC90qkNk7I

Pirate Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/ADvqDGvMDds

Today, I get to return to the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Trade Show event, where this evening I will get to share my books (and my silly props) with booksellers and other trade show attendees.

I'm dressed and ready for a day of celebration.

Over the next few weeks and months, I will have several launch events and activities at various locations. Thank you in advance to all who have attended past events, and to those who will attend upcoming events. I appreciate you beyond what words can convey.

Later this month,  I will begin working on the editorial process for my next book (that comes out in Spring, 2021 ... refer to my earlier sentence above: "The path to publication can be long and winding." )

But today, I'll be plunging into the fun that is potty humor. Yee-Haw!

Get Ready for International Talk Like a Pirate Day! Here's a Pirate-Themed Sign Language Sing-Along Lesson Plan

Hi friends! I’ve been busy, busy, busy developing resources to celebrate the upcoming release of my two latest picture books: Where Does a Pirate Go Potty? and Where Does a Cowgirl Go Potty? Since International Talk Like a Pirate Day is just around the corner, (it's September 19th, every year), I wanted to be sure you have some fun (and educational) lesson plans in hand!



Although these new books don’t incorporate sign language like my Story Time with Signs & Rhymes series, in my experience, most books can be enriched with sign language with just a little bit of advanced planning. You can find several examples and resources here, including a detailed sign language story time lesson plan for folks who are interested in some comic relief while toilet training, and a more general potty-themed sign language story time lesson plan.

Given the titles of my books, I fully anticipate they will appeal to folks in the potty-training age and stage, but they're more accurately categorized as potty-humor books, vs. potty-training books. They are geared for young readers ages 3-8, though I suspect they will bring out the inner-comedian in potty humorists of all ages. Case in point: here is one of the funny photos I received from author, Stephanie Shaw, soon after she received her books via pre-order:

Image Source: Author Stephanie Shaw

The caption Stephanie sent along with this photo: "It's not a strain to love these new books." Bah-ha-ha!!! That cracks me up!

Leaning into the humorous aspects of these books, over the past couple of months, I had the unique opportunity to work with two different musicians to create a catchy children’s song for each book. I couldn’t be more pleased with how the songs turned out!

Kids of all ages love to sing and sign AND they love to laugh. Singing and signing along with these silly songs creates a perfect opportunity to incorporate all three of these fun activities.

I shared resources for singing and signing along with the Where Does a Cowgirl Go Potty? song and some of the backstory about my experience working with singer, songwriter, and performing musician, Marshall Mitchell, on a recent guest post on Kathy MacMillan’s Stories By Hand blog.

For the Where Does a Pirate Go Potty? song, I worked with Annie Lynn, AnnieBirdd Music, LLC. Here is a fun photo of Annie Lynn's studio, with performer, Alexander Wilczewski, when our Pirate song was being recorded:

Image Source: AnnieBirdd Music, LLC

You can read the story of how Annie and I met and developed a friendship on Tara Lazar's blog.

Annie licenses her curriculum-based songs for schools, homeschoolers, choirs, radio, TV, etc. More recently, she has started working with members of the kidlit community to bring children’s literature to life through music. She creates theme songs and karaoke-style sing-along songs that authors can use for school visits, and she creates custom songs for book trailers, like the song she created for the Where Does a Pirate Go Potty? book trailer, which was delightfully animated by illustrator, Jacob Souva:



I’ve provided the song lyrics for Where Does a Pirate Go Potty? below, noting in bold some of the words you might consider signing along with. TIP: Don’t feel pressured to sign more words than you are comfortable with. It’s perfectly okay to start by signing only one or two key words, (for example, where or potty) that repeat throughout the song. As your sign language vocabulary (and your confidence) develops and grows, you can add more signs each time you sing. Rest assured, kids are likely to ask you to repeat the song again and again!

Here are the lyrics:

Where Does a Pirate Go Potty?

Lyrics by Dawn Prochovnic

Music written and performed by AnnieBirdd Music, LLC, with Annie Lynn, Walt Wilczewski, and Chris Arms, and starring Red Beard The Pirate, a.k.a. Alexander Wilczewski

(These waves are makin’ me a wee bit uncomfortable!)   

Where does a pirate go potty?

Explorin’ from shoreline to sea.

Where does a pirate go potty?

The pirate who’s wonderin’ is me!

In the sand?

No! 

In a cave?

Oh! 

In a tidepool?

That’s NOT a good spot!

Off a pier?

No!

Bottoms up!

Oh!

Past the lighthouse?

Definitely not!

Where does a pirate go potty?

Blimey, I’m ready to burst!

Where does a pirate go potty?

Waitin’ too long is the worst!

Where does a pirate go potty?

Explorin’ from shoreline to sea.

Where does a pirate go potty?

The pirate who’s wonderin’ is me!

Avast, me hearties!

The pirate whose wonderin’ is me! 


Here are links to some reputable video-based resources for the selected ASL vocabulary words, along with some brief reminder notes to help jog your memory as you are learning the signs:

Burst: https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/BURST/3084/1 (Hands make exploding motion)
Explore: https://www.handspeak.com/word/search/index.php?id=718 (Palm-down “V” handshapes looks/explores)
Me: https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/ME/3864/1 (Point to self)
No! https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/NO/8518/1 (Quickly press first two fingers to thumb)
Not: https://www.handspeak.com/word/search/index.php?id=1515 (Thumb brushes chin)
Oh! https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/OH/10071/1 (Fist brushes/punches other palm)
Pirate: https://www.handspeak.com/word/search/index.php?id=5287 (Boat + Eye Patch)
Potty/Toilet: https://www.signingsavvy.com/search/toilet (The “T” handshape wiggles)
Uncomfortable: https://www.handspeak.com/word/search/index.php?id=4433 (Not + Comfortable,  hands brush across each other)
Wait: https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/WAIT/463/1 (Palms up, fingers wiggle)
Where: https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/WHERE/478/1 (Pointer finger looks/searches)

Note: The sign for potty/toilet (the noun) and the sign for "to use" the potty/toilet (the verb) are the same.

As I mentioned above, I worked with Annie Lynn of AnnieBirdd Music, LLC for the Where Does a Pirate Go Potty? song. Annie Lynn has many award-winning songs about more serious topics such as anti-bullying and STEM-related topics such as the climate crisis. You can learn more about Annie and her work here. If you’re interested in hearing more of Annie Lynn’s music, purchasing and/or licensing her music for personal and/or professional use, or collaborating with Annie to create music for your own creative/educational projects, find out more here.

And, if you loved the book trailer for Where Does a Pirate Go Potty?  check out the book trailer for  Where Does A Cowgirl Go Potty? , too!

Want an early release copy of Where Does a Pirate Go Potty? Comment below, and/or share this post on social media, and tag me @DawnProchovnicAuthor (FB) / @DawnProchovnic (Twitter) for chances to win. I have two early release copies along with classroom sets of bookmarks to share. I’ll give them away sometime after International Talk Like a Pirate Day! 

Pssst....if you live in the Portland, Oregon area, I'll be doing a special Pirate Party story time at Green Bean Books at 3:30 pm on Thursday, September 19, 2019 to celebrate International Talk Like a Pirate Day. I'd love to see you there!

Last but not least, if you're looking for other pirate-themed (and cowgirl and potty-themed) lesson plans and resources, click here, and if you'd like me to visit your bookstore, library, school, or learning community, get in touch via the contact form at the left, or by leaving a comment below or on social media.

Yarrr!

Potty-Humor-Themed Sign Language Story Time Lesson Plan

Hello Readers!

It’s time for me to share a lesson plan for a potty-themed sign language story time. Why?

#1 Because I’ve written many books and many blog posts that incorporate sign language.

#2 Because I have two new books coming out this fall that are full of potty humor (Where Does a Pirate Go Potty? and Where Does a Cowgirl Go Potty?).

As a result, I have started gathering potty-themed story time lesson plans and related resources to support these new books.

But … I have yet to merge the sign language and potty themes together! This post is the maiden voyage for this merger. It’s a mash-up of many different activities you could incorporate into your own potty-themed story time or event. It’s unlikely you will be able to fit all of these activities into any one event, but this way you’ll have lots of ideas to choose from in one handy place.

So let’s get rollin’ (pardon the pun) on this lesson plan:

Potty-Themed Sign Language Story Time:

Welcome Participants, Introduce the Theme, & Introduce the Signs in Preparation for Song #1

Potty/Toilet: https://www.signingtime.com/dictionary/potty/ (The “T” handshape wiggles)
Dance: https://www.signingtime.com/dictionary/dance/ (First two fingers dance on palm)

NOTE: The sign for potty/toilet (the noun) and the sign for to use the potty/toilet (the verb) are the same. 

Sing and Sign Song #1:

Invite all participants to sign potty and dance each time these words repeat in the song, OR break the group in half, and have one side of the room sign potty and the other side of the room sign dance each time these words repeat in the song.

Song #1: The Potty Dance (Sung to the Tune of The Hokey Pokey) by Dawn Babb Prochovnic (inspired by songs from Tinkle, Tinkle, Little Tot by Bruce Lansky and Catherine Blake)

You hold your bladder (belly) left.
You hold your bladder (belly) right.
You wrap your arms like this, and you hold on super tight.
You need to find a potty or you’re gonna wet your pants.
You’re doing the potty dance.

You cross your right foot left.
You cross your left foot right.
You squeeze your knees like this, and you hold on super tight.
You need to find a potty or you’re gonna wet your pants.
You’re doing the potty dance.

You search in this place left.
You search in this place right.
You hoot and hop like this, and you hold on super tight.
You need to find a potty or you’re gonna wet your pants.
You’re doing the potty dance.

Introduce/Review Signs in Preparation for Story #1:

Where: https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/WHERE/478/1 (Pointer finger looks/searches)
Pirate: https://www.handspeak.com/word/search/index.php?id=5287 (Boat + Eye Patch)
Potty/Toilet: https://www.signingsavvy.com/search/toilet (The “T” handshape wiggles)

Read: Where Does a Pirate Go Potty?

Invite all participants to sign where,  potty, and pirate each time these words appear in the story, OR break the group into thirds, and assign one section of the room to sign where, potty, and pirate respectively, each time these words appear in the story.

Invite all participants to make the sounds that appear on every other page of the book.

Introduce/Review Signs in Preparation for Song #2:

Poop: https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/POOP/6100/1 (Poop drops down)
Potty/Toilet: https://www.signingsavvy.com/search/toilet (The “T” handshape wiggles)
Where: https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/WHERE/478/1 (Pointer finger looks/searches)
Hooray/Applause: https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/APPLAUSE/7950/1 (Hands celebrate)
Flush: https://youtu.be/Ir9fbZGpexo / https://youtu.be/eIQb8kKBaXo (Flushing gesture)
Wash: https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/WASH/8247/1 (Washing gesture)
Done/Finished: https://www.signingtime.com/dictionary/finished/ (Palms in, palms away)

Sing and Sign Song #2:

Invite all participants to sign as many of the words they can (poop, toilet, where, hooray, flush and wash) as they appear in the song. Note: If adding all of the noted signs feels overwhelming to you/your participants, just choose a few of the signs to incorporate.

Song #2: I Can Poop in the Toilet (Sung to the Tune of Take Me Out to the Ballgame)
by Dawn Babb Prochovnic (inspired by songs from Tinkle, Tinkle, Little Tot by Bruce Lansky and Catherine Blake)

I can poop in the toilet.
I can poop in the pot.
Just need to find it, I hope it’s near.
Where is that toilet? Hooray, it’s here!

Ahhhhhhhh. (or farting sound)

So I’ll flush, flush, flush, when I’m finished.
Wash up with soap when I’m done.
I pooped once, twice, three times today.
It was so much fun!

Introduce/Review Signs in Preparation for Story #2:

Where: https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/WHERE/478/1 (Pointer finger looks/searches)
Cowboy (can be used in place of cowgirl): (Think of a gunslinger)
https://www.handspeak.com/word/search/index.php?id=502
Cowgirl (fingerspelled): https://www.zazzle.com/cowgirl_asl_fingerspelled_sign_t_shirt-235509914240383706
Potty/Toilet: https://www.signingsavvy.com/search/toilet (The “T” handshape wiggles)

Read: Where Does a Cowgirl Go Potty?

Invite all participants to sign where, potty, and cowgirl each time these words appear in the story, OR break the group into thirds, and assign one section of the room to sign where, potty, and cowgirl respectively, each time these words appear in the story.

Invite all participants to make the sounds that appear on every other page of the book.

Let ‘er Loose with a Potty Party (or a Bathroom Boogie)

Turn on some music and dance.

My personal favorites (Full disclosure: I'm definitely biased!)

Book trailer / animated video that goes along with Where Does a Pirate Go Potty?, written by Dawn Babb Prochovnic, composed and performed by AnnieBirdd Music, LLC, animated by Jacob Souva

Book trailer / animated video that goes along with Where Does a Cowgirl Potty? , co-written by Dawn Babb Prochovnic, co-written, composed and performed by singer/songwriter/performer, Marshall Mitchell, animated by Jacob Souva

More fun options:

The Poop Song, by Lori Henriques
It’s Potty Time Theme Song, by Two Little Hands Productions, the makers of Signing Time
The Potty Dance Song, by Two Little Hands Productions, the makers of Signing Time
Spin Again (sample), by Jim Gill
Tinkle, Tinkle, Little Tot (a variety of songs) by Bruce Lansky and Catherine Blake
Skip to My Loo (incorporate action words like jump/hop/walk/run in addition to Skip to my Loo--the Loo is the bathroom, after all)

If you’re looking for a collection of potty-training related songs, you’ll find a bunch, here and here. 

Finish with a Flush or a Fart: invite participants to use iPads, Computers, or cell phones to:

Make a Toilet Flushing Sound: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/423197696232635506/
Play the Burp and Fart Piano: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/423197696232598700/

Extension Activities (Some of Which Can Be Self-Directed/Open-Ended)


TP Tower Challenge**

Supplies: A couple dozen rolls of toilet paper (if you use toilet paper with the wrapper still intact, it will last for multiple events, or it can be donated to a local charity after the event).

Option #1: Use one set of TP. Take turns seeing who can make the highest stack before the TP tower falls.

Option #2: Use two sets of TP. Two participants play at a time. Have a volunteer time participants to see who can stack all the rolls the fastest without the TP Tower falling.

Option #3: Stack the rolls of TP into a pyramid shape. Place an object such as a stuffed animal or stuffed poo emoji on top of the pyramid. Participants take turns tossing a bean bag or similar object toward the tower. Object is to dislodge the stuffed animal/poo emoji without knocking down any of the rolls of TP.

Option #4: Allow free play “block building” with the rolls of TP.

An Enthusiastic "TP Tower" Participant at a 2019 Event at the West Slope Library 

Undie Fling**

Supplies/Prep: Several pairs of (unworn!) tighty-whitey underwear; Two small baskets or bowls--one to hold the underwear that is going to be “flung,” and one positioned across the room for the target to fling/snap the undies into; Colored tape put on the floor to mark the location for the basket that’s the target and several other pieces of tape at increasing distances to mark the places from which the flinging/snapping should take place--the closest line should be about 4’ away from the target, and each subsequent line should be about 2’ additional feet away.

Activity: Participants take turns flinging/snapping undies into the basket.


Turd Toss** (Yes, that IS a gross name...this is a potty-humor post)

Supplies: Use colored tape to mark the floor to indicate where tossing to and from should take place. For “turds” use brown bean bags, stuffed poo emoji’s, or create your own. To create your own, scrunch up newspaper, cover it with wrinkled brown construction paper, and wrap with packing tape--the end result is durable, but squishy (ewww!). These can be created ahead of time, or participants create as an activity. For “toilets” go simple and just use baskets or bowls similar to the activity above, or go all out and create a toilet contraption using a round waste basket, toilet seat, white duct tape, and poster paper or white laundry basket, foam core, white poster paper, and duct tape.  If you go the “all out” route, creating the toilet(s) could be an activity, or “toilets” could be made ahead of time. Here are links to some examples.

Option #1: Participants take turns tossing “turds” into “toilet” from a specified line. Try five tosses, before your turn ends.

Option #2: Two or more participants race to see who can get all of their “turds” into the “toilet” first (or who can get the most “turds” into the “toilet” before a timer rings.

**These fun activities were inspired by a Captain Underpants event hosted by the Moline County Library. You can find additional info (including photos) about their event here.


Pin the Poo on the Potty

Supplies: Draw a toilet on white poster board. Make or buy poo emojis or poo emoji stickers. Use bandanas (which ties in to cowgirl story’s them) or double pirate patches (which ties into pirate story’s theme) for blindfolds.

Activity: Participants take turns being blind-folded and pinning (actually taping or sticking) the poo on the potty. An example is here.


TP Roll Race

Supplies: Rolls of toilet paper. Tape to mark starting point and finish line.

Activity: Participants get on their hands and knees and race by pushing their TP roll with their nose from the starting point to the finish line. An example is here.


TP Bowling

Supplies: 15 rolls of TP and one ball for every bowling alley.

Activity: Set up TP as a pyramid shape (vs. standard bowling pin set up), with five rolls of TP as the base. Take turns rolling the ball and knocking down the TP. The player who last rolled the ball resets the TP pyramid for the next participant.


Pirate, Pirate, Potty! (Played like Duck, Duck, Goose!)

Activity: All but one player (the “pirate” who is “It”) sit in a circle. The “pirate” goes around the circle and gently taps each player on the shoulder saying “Pirate” each time, until he or she decides to say “Potty!” The person who is tapped for “Potty” must get up and try to tag the “pirate” before the pirate steals their seat. The game continues with a new “pirate” as long as interest holds. (Note: The game can likewise be played with a “cowgirl” who is “It”)


Hot Pototty (Played like Hot Potato) 

Supplies: A selection of music (see above for potty-themed songs) and a small object such as a poo emoji stuffed toy or a roll of toilet paper.

Activity: Participants sit in a circle and the leader turns on the music. Participants pass the small object while the music plays. Whoever is holding the small object when the music stops is out. Play continues until there is only one participant left.


Potty Walk (Organized like a Cake Walk)

Supplies/Prep: Tape numbered pieces of paper in a circle on the floor. To stick with the theme, each piece of paper could be deemed a “toilet paper square” OR decorated with the shape of a toilet seat or poo emoji. Ideally, there will be approximately the same number of pieces of paper as there are participants for each round of play. Fill a basket or bowl (or toilet-shaped prop!) with slips of paper that match the numbers on the floor.

Activity: Participants each stand on a numbered “toilet paper square.” The leader starts the music, and participants proceed around the circle. When the leader stops the music, everyone must be standing on a square. The leader then draws a number from the bowl. The participant who is standing on that number wins a prize. Play continues as long as interest holds (or prizes last). Some ideas for silly prizes that tie into the potty theme can be found here. 


Make (and/or Play With) Poo Play Dough***

Supplies: ½ cup of Nutella and ½ cup plus one tablespoon of powdered sugar per “serving.” Mix until a dough forms, then finish mixing by hand.

This play dough is technically edible, but use your judgement as to whether or not you want to encourage this!

NOTE: Per the manufacturer’s website, Nutella does not contain peanuts or peanut ingredients and is not manufactured in a facility that is at risk for peanut cross contamination.

***Recipe originally discovered here.


Potty-Humor Props

I have gone a little nutty finding different props that could be used for a potty-themed event. You can find all the fun on my Pinterest page.

Hands down, my favorite potty-humor prop is a game called Toilet Trouble.

The flushing sound it makes is amazing. You can use it as a real game, filling the bowl with water, and having participants take turns flushing the toilet to see if they will get sprayed with water, but I enjoy using it without any water in it, just for the flushing sound. You can even fill the bowl with little potty treats like this.


More Signs for You Over-Achievers:

Need Signs for More Words That Relate To This Theme? Here goes:
Fart: https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/FART/6128/1
Now: https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/NOW/361/1
Pee: https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/PEE/2078/1
Sink: https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/SINK/7026/1
Stinky: https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/STINK/4597/1
Toilet Paper: https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/TOILET%20PAPER/5520/1
TP: https://www.signingsavvy.com/search/t  / https://www.signingsavvy.com/search/p
Underwear: https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/UNDERWEAR/6200/1
Wait: https://www.signingsavvy.com/search/wait
Water: https://www.signingtime.com/dictionary/water/
Wipe: https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/WIPE/7161/1

Need Signs for Words that the Diaper-Changing Crowd Might Want? Gotcha Covered:
Change: https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/CHANGE/3112/1 / https://www.lifeprint.com/
Clean: https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/CLEAN/76/1
Diaper: https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/DIAPER/5559/1
Dirty: https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/DIRTY/546/1
Dry: https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/DRY/748/1
Wet: https://www.signingtime.com/dictionary/wet/

*Don’t feel compelled to introduce every possible potty-related word/sign you can think of. Start with a few general words that fit with the theme and are relevant for your group.

*If you plan to introduce several signs at once, it’s more fun (and easier to learn) if you introduce the signs by singing vs. simply showing the signs and asking participants to sign along/practice with you. You can sing a song such as “This is the way we sign for potty/flush/wash/all done, etc” to the tune of “Here We Go ‘Round the Mulberry Bush,” or any other familiar tune that allows for plenty of repetition.

If you’re looking for more potty-themed books, you’ll find a robust list here.

You can find more potty-themed (and cowgirl and pirate-themed) lesson plans and resources here.

Fun fact: Dawn loves to travel, so get in touch if you’d like her to personally present a story time program of this nature (pardon the pun) in your learning community.

Now GO! and have yourself a real good time!

..oh, one more thing… if you share photos of and/or blog about your story time / event, be sure to tag me so I can share in the fun. Even better if it’s something I can link to in my round-up of resources for my readers!

Instagram: @DawnProchovnic
Twitter: @DawnProchovnic
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