Thursday, February 11, 2010

Norco Elementary School Visit – Thursday, February 11, 2010

by dlcasas on February 11, 2010

2-11-10 Dianne performs "Princess Pat" with two helpers

Friends:

Today, I performed “Fairytale Fever” at Norco Elementary K-3 in Norco, Louisiana for their literacy week. It was so much fun and very interactive. I began with my original adaptation of “The Frog Prince,” a cute story in which an ugly princess falls in love with a warty old frog. Next, I did a song, “The Princess Pat,” bringing two students onto the stage to help. Then I did my “Goldie Locks Story Rap.” The students provide the beat by hitting their laps with their hands and clapping their hands together. I ended with a “spooky” story by request and told my ever popular, “The Ghost of Mabel Gable.” Both the teachers and the students fell over laughing. When I ended the show, the students clapped, cheered, whistled and yelled for more.

2-11-10 Norco Elementary K-3 audience

2-11-10 Norco Elementary K-3 audience

This is my second year at Norco and I enjoyed it so much. The students and teachers just love to have a good time. While the students were filing out, I played the Saints song, “Black and Gold to da Super Bowl!” and everyone started dancing, including the teachers. I gave every teacher a Cajun Cornbread Boy reading poster for their classrooms. What a great day!

Unfortunately, I had to drive to Lake Charles, Louisiana in horrendous weather conditions, through sleet and heavy rain but I made it to my hotel room safely. Tomorrow morning, I perform my Jambalaya program for T.S. Cooley Magnet school in Lake Charles. I love my job!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Strehle Elementary Story Fest Residency Day 10 Final Day – Wednesday, February 10, 2010

by dlcasas on February 11, 2010

2-10-10 Flowers delivered to Strehle teachers and staff from Dianne

2-10-10 Flowers delivered to Strehle teachers and staff from Dianne

Friends:

Wednesday was my last day for my Story Fest Residency at Strehle. It was the day my upper grades performed: third, fourth, and fifth. First, my fifth graders performed for second grade. They did a great job and the second graders loved their performances. Two out of my three fifth classes performed their entire story without scripts. It was so cool to see the students rap and dance to the beat of a “beat master,” who created a beat with a pencil and a fist on a desk.

2-10-10 Ms. Walter's 5th grade class performs The Ant and the Grasshopper

2-10-10 Ms. Walter's 5th grade class performs The Ant and the Grasshopper

Next my third graders performed for PK and Kindergarten classes. They did a great job and I loved seeing their stories come to life. It’s amazing that I only had three 45 minute periods to pull these performances together. I love how my method of story theater fosters cooperation, communication, and collaboration.

2-10-10 Ms. Guidry's third grade class performs The Turtle Who Could Not Stop Talking

2-10-10 Ms. Guidry's third grade class performs The Turtle Who Could Not Stop Talking

After lunch, my fourth graders performed. After struggling with some of the classes in rehearsals, they surprised and delighted me with incredible performances. “The Little Red Hen” and “The Tortoise and the Hare” had great beats, cool raps that the students created, and fun dance moves that had the first graders practically on their feet! It was a magical moment to see my performing students connecting with their audience. I loved it!

2-10-10 Fourth graders perform for first graders on Story Fest Day

2-10-10 Fourth graders perform for first graders on Story Fest Day

In the afternoon, PK did their annual Mardi Gras parade through the halls for all the students. It was so cute. They beat drums, wore crowns, and threw beads to spectators. Laissez les bon temps rouler! Let the good times roll!

2-10-10 PK marches the halls in their Strehle Mardi Gras parade

2-10-10 PK marches the halls in their Strehle Mardi Gras parade

I treated the teachers to Krispy Kreme Donuts and had flowers delivered to thank them for having me at their school. I love the teachers and staff at Strehle. It feels like a second home to me!

2-10-10 (L-R) Fourth grade teachers, Ms. Landry (sitting), Ms. Till, and Ms. Creecy

2-10-10 (L-R) Fourth grade teachers, Ms. Landry (sitting), Ms. Till, and Ms. Creecy

I appreciate all the work the students of Strehle put into their performances. It was a blast and I loved every day I spent at the school.

2-10-10 A fourth grade student takes a picture with Ms. Dianne

2-10-10 A fourth grade student takes a picture with Ms. Dianne

Good work and I hope to see you next year, Strehle! You are stars!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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