Bissonet Plaza Elementary Handmade Tales Residency Day 4 – Thursday, December 10, 2009
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.
Tags: Artist Residency, Arts, arts education, Author, Bissonet Plaza Elementary, blog, Children, Children's Book Author, Children's Books, Dianne de Las Casas, Hurricane Gustav, Language Arts, Literacy, Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach, Stories, Storyteller, Storytelling, The Cajun Cornbread Boy