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Residency at Dawes School Day 1 – Monday, October 26, 2009

10-26-09 Welcome to Dawes

Friends:

Today was my first day at Dawes School in Evanston, Illinois, where I am the storytelling/author in residence for grades K through 2. The visit was arranged by my good friend and Dawes parent, Juliet Bond, and the Dawes Librarian, Sue Jicha. Sue was such a sweetheart, facilitating my visit and making sure everything ran smoothly. Ms. Bradley, the principal, greeted me first thing in the morning, making me feel welcome at Dawes.

10-26-09 Dianne in the Dawes Library

My first class was Ms. Wilcinski’s kindergarten class. They were a sweet group of children and I had fun telling The Cajun Cornbread Boy and doing creative movement with scarves and jazz music.

10-26-09 Ms. Wilcinski's Kindergarten

Next, I went to Ms. Hamilton’s 1st grade classroom. They were sitting quietly and ready for me to start when I came in. We had a blast and the students really enjoyed the activity.

10-26-09 Ms. Hamilton's 1st grade

Then it was off to Ms. Shleker’s 2nd grade class. This group of energetic children were so participatory in my story and had a great time with the scarf activity. I found out that Ms. Shleker was involved in theater and she loved my jazz music. We had such a fun time!

10-26-09 Ms. Schleker's 2nd grade

After lunch, I visited Ms. Sovich’s 2nd grade class. Ms. Sovich is a singer and knew all the songs I played on the Jazz for Kids CD. I was so impressed. The students had a great time with the story as well as the music activity.

10-26-09 Ms. Sovich's 2nd grade

My last class was with Ms. Swanson’s 1st grade TWI (Two Way Immersion) class. the students are immersed in a Spanish language curriculum. I had the opportunity to speak some Spanish and the children were so much fun.

10-26-09 Telling a story in Ms. Swanson's TWI 1st grade

It was a wonderful first day. The teachers were so warm and welcoming and the students were very well-behaved and enthusiastic. I am totally looking forward to tomorrow!