12-10-09 Dianne de Las Casas and Santa Claus
Friends:
Today was my fourth day at Bissonet Plaza Elementary in Metairie, Louisiana. I am in the midst of an arts-in-education residency, teaching grades K-5 handmade tales from my book, Handmade Tales.
When I first arrived at school, I came in through the back door of the library. Every day, I put my lunch in the library refrigerator located in a small room at the back of the library. The room has curtains for “doors.” When I parted the curtain to enter the room, was I surprised! I caught Santa getting dressed! Was I embarrassed! He was getting dressed for Santa pictures. Jolly Old St. Nick had a sense of humor and was kind enough to let me take a picture of him. 
12-10-09 My accidental meeting with Santa
My first class was Ms. Morales’ cool 4th grade class. They cheered when I walked through the door. I taught them “Catching a Pest” and then we did the story, “April Showers.”
12-10-09 A talented student creates a flower in Ms. Morales' 4th grade class
The story turns a sheet of paper into a curtained window, a raindrop, a flower, and finally, a ladybug. It was so cool seeing the students transform their sheets of construction paper. Thanks for a great time, Ms. Morales’ class!
12-10-09 A student from Ms. Morales' 4th grade class makes a ladybug from the story, April Showers
Next, I traipsed over to Mr. Boone’s 3rd grade class. Mr. Boone is such a fun teacher and his students were ready for my visit. After the draw and tell tale, I taught the class the story, “Mr. Wiggle and Mr. Waggle,” a story that uses only the hands. It’s such a cute tale. They loved the story and enjoyed telling it together.
12-10-09 Students from Mr. Boone's 3rd grade class learning Mr. Wiggle and Mr. Waggle
After Mr. Boone’s class, it was on to Ms. Johnson’s kindergarten class. I told “Catching a Pest” and “Papa’s Teepee,” a cut and tell that turns a coffee filter into a teepee and then into a snowflake. They loved creating their fabulous snowflakes!
12-10-09 Ms. Johnson's Kindergarten class creates snowflakes
Ms. Vizzini’s 2nd grade class was next. I taught them how to draw a mouse using the numbers 1 through 7 in the story, “Catching a Pest.” They were awed at how the numbers formed a picture.
12-10-09 Drawing Catching a Pest in Ms. Vizzini's 2nd grade class
Then they cut their snowflakes and had a ton of fun making a snow blizzard!
12-10-09 Snowflakes float in Ms. Vizzini's 2nd grade class
After lunch, I visited Ms. Lemoine’s 1st grade class. It was fun working with her group and they adored the snowflake activity! I got lots of hugs from Ms. Lemoine’s 1st graders. So cute!
12-10-09 Snowflakes float in Ms. Vizzini's 2nd grade class
My last class was two combined Pre-K classes. I told “Bandana Man,” and “The Pesky Skeeter” and “The Stubborn Turnip” with string. They had a ball!
12-10-09 Dianne uses a bandana to portray an old woman in Bandana Man for Pre-K
The Pre-K class practically mobbed me with hugs when I was finished. They are a loving bunch.
12-10-09 Dianne (way in the back) with the Pre-K classes
It was a great day and I look forward to Friday! After school, I have to head to Baton Rouge for a book signing at Barnes & Noble Citiplace at 7:00pm. It should be fun!
Until next time…
Warmly, Dianne
Note: The students’ faces are obscured to protect their identities.
