12-16-09 Ms. Morales' 4th grade class turns April showers into May flowers
Friends:
It was my 8th day of my Handmade Tales residency at Bissonet Plaza Elementary in Metairie, Louisiana. In the morning, I went into the teacher’s lounge and left them a big surprise. I decorated the lounge for Christmas with table runners and centerpieces. I also gave the teachers and staff a huge basket filled with gourmet coffee, syrups, tea, cocoa, chocolate, cookies and other treats. The school recently redecorated their lounge in rich colors of dark chocolate, red, and caramel. They call it “Cafe’ Bissonet.” So I themed my gift to go with their new cafe’.
12-16-09 Office staff, Donna & Tammy, with the basket of goodies Dianne made for Cafe' Bissonet
My instructional day began in 4th grade with Ms. Morales’ class. After creating books from the story, “The King’s Advisor,” we rehearsed their story, “April Showers,” for their performance on Thursday. They did a great job. There are so many creative students in this class!
12-16-09 A student in Ms. Morales' 4th grade class with his flower from the story, April Showers
After that, I had a break and got to visit with my best friend, Author & Children’s Musician Johnette Downing, who performed for the lower grades. Johnette and I rarely see each other because of our hectic schedules so it was so nice to see her again! I love you, Johnette!
12-16-09 Dianne de Las Casas with her best friend, Johnette Downing
My next class was Ms. Lemoine’s 1st grade class. I told “The Stubborn Turnip” with string and they loved the story. Then we made the 6 page books from the story, “The King’s Advisor.”
12-16-09 Telling stories in Ms. Lemoine's 1st grade class
In Ms. Vizzini’s 2nd grade class, they listened to “The Stubborn Turnip” and were awed by the trick in the string story. Afterward, we made 6 page books from a single sheet of paper. They wrote such cute little stories in their books.
12-16-09 A student in Ms. Vizzini's 2nd grade class creates a book
In Mr. Boone’s 3rd grade class, we made the 6 page books after I told the story “The King’s Advisor.”
12-16-09 Instructing students in Mr. Boone's 3rd grade class
Then we rehearsed their story, “Mr. Wiggle & Mr. Waggle” for their performance on Thursday.
12-16-09 Rehearsing Mr. Wiggle & Mr. Waggle with students in Mr. Boone's 3rd grade class
My last class was Pre-K. I told “Going on an Elf Hunt” and the story came out so cute!
12-16-09 Telling stories in Pre-K
Later that night, I went to the Bissonet Faculty and Staff Christmas party at Seymour’s in Harahan. I had a blast hanging out with all the teachers and staff of Bissonet! Thank you for inviting me, Nancy Morales (4th grade teacher)! You rock!
12-16-09 Paula Naugle, 4th grade teacher, and Dianne de Las Casas at the Bissonet Christmas Party
Another great day at Bissonet!
Until next time…
Warmly, Dianne
