Arts

St. Mary Parish PK Tour Day 5 – Friday, March 18, 2011

by dlcasas on March 18, 2011

3-18-11 Aucoin Elementary welcomes Dianne de Las Casas in three languages - English, Spanish and Vietnamese!

Friends:

Today was the last day of my five day PK tour of St. Mary Parish Schools sponsored by the Title 1 Department of St. Mary Parish School Board. I went to Amelia, Louisiana to J.S. Aucoin Elementary. I was greeted warmly by the Aucoin Elementary principal, Mr. Joe Stadalis. Mr. Stadalis was so warm and friendly and he has an amazing rapport with his students!

3-18-11 Dianne de Las Casas & Joe Stadalis, Principal of Aucoin Elementary

I had two shows back to back and my first show was for students bussed in from Wyandotte Elementary.

3-18-11 Dancing zydeco with students from Wyandotte Elementary

My first story was Mama’s Bayou, performed with a large magnetic story board that is an enlarged page from the book. The animals are placed on the board as I sing the story. It’s so much fun to have students from the audience on stage with me. Full of audience participation, Mama’s Bayou is a great story for the PK and Kindergarten set.

3-18-11 Performing Mama's Bayou with students from Wyandotte Elementary

After performing The Cajun Cornbread Boy, we had a blast with The Gigantic Sweet Potato. A shy teacher played the part of Lily Mouse so it was fun to see her act on stage!

3-18-11 Performing The Gigantic Sweet Potato with students from Wyandotte Elementary

My second show was for students from Aucoin Elementary. Aucoin is very diverse with a large Hispanic and Vietnamese student population. I spoke Spanish and even used the few Vietnamese words I knew. I began with Mama’s Bayou and really enjoyed the students I had on stage with me (Hi Eric!).

3-18-11 Aucoin Elementary students help perform Mama's Bayou

After Mama’s Bayou, I performed The Cajun Cornbread Boy. The children really enjoy meeting Cajun Cornbread Boy and I do a little skit showing them how spicy he is (he never keeps his pan on). He’s just full of cayenne!

3-18-11 Dianne de Las Casas explains how spicy The Cajun Cornbread Boy is

My favorite part of the day was performing Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach for the Aucoin Elementary students. They were such an amazing audience!

3-18-11 Aucoin Elementary students are the best audience!

The boy who played Monsieur Roach was absolutely adorable. His name was Angel and he was so much fun!

3-18-11 Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach with Angel playing the part of the roach

All of the roaches had a great time, singing and dancing!

3-18-11 Monsieur Roach and his friends dance and have a party!

I love having all the “roaches” on stage and the best part is the story’s end, when Madame Poulet slurps up all the roaches. They lie “dead” on the floor, with their “legs” up. It’s hilarious!

3-18-11 Madame Poulet leaves behind a trail of roaches!

After my show, one of the Aucoin students gave me a picture that she drew of Madame Poulet and the roaches. Too cute!

3-18-11 A drawing of Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach and friend from a student at Aucoin Elementary

I have two very special people I need to thank for taking care of me all week long. First, thank you to Alecia Rabalais from St. Mary Parish Schools Title 1 Department, who is responsible for my visit. Alecia works so hard to serve the students and teachers of St. Mary Parish. Another thank you to Tiffany Fakier, a consultant with St. Mary Parish School Board, who works with Alecia. Both Alecia and Tiffany really spoiled me this week, helping me unload, set up and pack up my show every day. We completed 14 shows this week. Yay! I am sending both Alecia and Tiffany a virtual hug! :) Another special thank you to Mr. Moncriffe his generous support of literacy and the arts in St. Mary Parish schools.

3-18-11 Tiffany Fakier, Joe Stadalis & Alecia Rabalais

I had an amazing time in St. Mary Parish. Thank you to all the principals, teachers, staff and students of St. Mary Parish Schools for hosting my visits! I had GIGANTIC fun! Laissez les bon temps rouler. Let the good times roll!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

{ 2 comments }

St. Mary Parish PK Tour Day 4 – Thursday, March 17, 2011

by dlcasas on March 18, 2011

3-17-11 Morgan City, Louisiana, home of the Shrimp & Petroleum Festival

Friends:

Today was St. Patrick’s Day and although I am not Irish (I have Welsh blood coursing through my veins), I wore my bit o’green. But I did find my lucky leprechaun at Shannon Elementary in Morgan City! :)

3-17-11 Happy St. Paddy's Day from Shannon Elementary!

My first show was a mix of PK and K students. I began with Mama’s Bayou, illustrated by Holly Stone-Barker. I love having the students become part of the show!

3-17-11 Mama's Bayou from first show at Shannon Elementary

Next, I performed The Cajun Cornbread Boy, illustrated by Marita Gentry. Cajun Cornbread Boy is such a spicy guy and he is fun to introduce to the students!

3-17-11 The Cajun Cornbread Boy at Shannon Elementary

I finished the show with a rousing performance of The Gigantic Sweet Potato, also illustrated by Marita Gentry. It’s tons of fun when everyone pulls up the gigantic sweet potato!

3-17-11 The Gigantic Sweet Potato from first show at Shannon Elementary

For my second show at Shannon Elementary, children were bussed in from a nearby school. Again, I began with Mama’s Bayou and then performed The Cajun Cornbread Boy. But by special request, I performed Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach because one of the PK teachers made the story shakers with her students and brought them to the show. Of course, I pulled volunteers from the group of students with their cool music makers to play the roaches. A cute little boy named Blaze played the part of Monsieur Roach. Adorable!

3-17-11 Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach from second show at Shannon Elementary

Alecia Rabalais was unable to accompany me today because of meetings in Lafayette but Tiffany Fakier was such a fantastic companion. She’s a take-charge, take-care-of-things person, and she has me totally spoiled. She helps me unload, set up, and pack up every day! What a wonderful woman!

3-17-11 Tiffany Fakier, a consultant with the St. Mary Parish School Board

Tiffany and I went to lunch at Castalano’s, a locally owned, family Italian restaurant. The portions are more than generous and the food was absolutely delicious! Tasty eggplant parmesan filled my tummy!

3-17-11 Eggplant Parmesan at Castalano's in Morgan City. Yum!

Tiffany and I were lucky enough to run into an old friend… Mr. Lenny Armato, Supervisor at the St. Mary Parish Schools Special Education Department. :) He’s such a sweet guy… he shared his chocolate cake with me! Thank you, Mr. Armato. You know a way to a girl’s heart!

3-17-11 Mr. Lenny Armato at Castalano's

At my second school, Maitland School, I was so excited to see one of my favorite school librarians – Ann Breaux! She is so sweet and goes out of her way to make children’s literature exciting for her students. She did some amazing displays for my books. Look at the Cajun Cornbread Boy she had made by her sister, Mary. Too cool!

3-17-11 Ann Breaux, the amazing librarian from Maitland School had her sister, Mary, create a replica of Cajun Cornbread Boy. Way to go, ladies!

Ann Breaux’s son, Jaden, created this phenomenal rendition of the Cajun Cornbread Boy out of homemade, hand-painted clay. Jaden, you are sooo creative!

3-17-11 Jaden Breaux from Maitland School created The Cajun Cornbread Boy from homemade, hand-painted clay. Awesome!

Ann Breaux also did this shoebox float for Mama’s Bayou. I love it!

3-17-11 The Maitland School Library celebrates Mama's Bayou with shoebox float

After visiting the library, it was time for the show to start. I opened with Mama’s Bayou. I just love this story time magnet board!

3-17-11 Dianne de Las Casas talks about Mama's Bayou at Maitland School

Mr. Armato said that he was going to stop by Maitland School to see Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach. He had heard that it was such a funny story and wanted to see it performed. Jaden, Ann Breaux’s son, played the part of Monsieur Roach.

3-17-11 Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach, played by Jaden Breaux from Maitland School

It was fun and hilarious, especially when the roaches get slurped up in the end…

3-17-11 Madame Poulet and the dead roaches at Maitland School in Morgan City, LA

After my shows at Maitland, my day was not over! I visited my dear friend, fellow storyteller, and Morgan City legend, Ms. Dolores Henderson. Ms. Dolores was a school librarian and has been a mentor to me for years. I cherish her friendship and feel blessed to have her in my life!

3-17-11 Dianne de Las Casas with Ms. Dolores Henderson, former school librarian and storyteller from Morgan City

Then it was off to meet my friends, the Breaux family, for dinner at the Latin Corner. Ann, Jeremy, Jaden, Shannon, Reagan, and Mary (Ann’s sister), you are an incredible family and I am honored to be your friend. Thank you for a wonderful dinner!

3-17-11 The Breaux Family

And thank you for the laughs!! LOL

3-17-11 Is that Mork and Mindy?!! Nanu, Nanu!

I am in love with the “Spirit of Morgan City.” The people of St. Mary Parish have been so fabulous and I have enjoyed every moment here!

3-17-11 The Spirit of Morgan City monument, a renowned landmark

One more day to go in St. Mary Parish!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

{ 0 comments }

St. Mary Parish PK Tour Day 3 – Wednesday, March 16, 2011

by dlcasas on March 16, 2011

3-16-11 Taking pictures with students from Hattie Watts! Go Wee Jacks!

Friends:

Today was the third day of my five-day PK tour of St. Mary Parish Schools. Let me tell you something about St. Mary Parish Schools – their middle name is “Hospitality!” The minute I drove my car up to Hattie Watts Elementary, the custodian, “Pretty Girl” Steph, and the assistant principal, Charles Foulcard, helped unload my car. When I entered the auditorium, my table and microphone were ready. The principal, Niki Fryou, greeted me and welcomed me to Hattie Watts. Yes, hospitality is the “Louisiana Way,” especially in St. Mary Parish!

3-16-11 Dianne de Las Casas with Niki Fryou, Principal of Hattie Watts Elementary

My first show began with a mixed group of PK and K students or as Ms. Fryou referred to them, “almost Kindergarteners” and “almost First Graders.” I performed Mama’s Bayou with the help of audience members. They loved The Cajun Cornbread Boy and his iron skillet. I even danced with Mr. Foulcard, the assistant principal, who was “stylin’ and profilin’” with his Cajun two-step! :)

3-16-11 Charles Foulcard, Assistant Principal of Hattie Watts, dances Cajun two-step with Dianne de Las Casas

A rousing rendition of The Gigantic Sweet Potato had the kids singing and clapping. Talk about having a ball!

3-16-11 The Gigantic Sweet Potato from the first show at Hattie Watts Elementary

My second show as just as much fun with lots of wiggles and giggles from my Kindergarten audience, who were very participatory. Ms. Fryou, the principal, played the part of Lily Mouse in my story, The Gigantic Sweet Potato. She was awesome!

3-16-11 Hattie Watts' principal, Ms. Fryou, plays the mouse at the end of the line in The Gigantic Sweet Potato

I really loved it when she acted out the part of the mouse receiving the GIGANTIC sweet potato pies from Ma Farmer. Too cute!

3-16-11 Those swwet potato pies are heavy for such a little mouse!

We had special guests in the audience too. Lenny Armato, St. Mary Parish Schools Special Education Department Supervisor, and Maryanne Adams, St. Mary Parish School’s Elementary Coordinator, came by to observe the show. Thank you both for your support of literacy in St. Mary Parish Schools. The children are definitely benefiting from your generosity! Look at Mr. Armato with Cajun Cornbread Boy. I think they were destined to be friends!

3-16-11Two spicy guys together - Lenny Armato with from St. Mary Parish Schools Special Education Department with his Tabasco tie and Cajun Cornbread Boy with his cayenne pepper!

All of my shows were at Hattie Watts Elementary so I had a nice leisurely lunch from Lynn’s Hot Tamales Restaurant. I ate a yummy hot sausage sandwich and fried boudin balls. My taste buds did a happy dance!

3-26-11 Lunch from Lynn's Hot Tamales - Hot Sausage sandwich and fried boudin balls. Mmmm!

My last show was after lunch and a group from Cinderella Head Start joined us. I performed Mama’s Bayou with full audience participation. Holly Stone-Barker’s illustrations are just so amazing!

3-16-11 Dianne performs Mama's Bayou with the third group of Hattie Watts students

I taught some PK students how to dance the Cajun two-step, which is a perfect opener for the Louisiana stories I shared. The Cajun Cornbread Boy was a big hit and the students love meeting Cajun Cornbread Boy in person, even if he is a spicy guy who sometimes eschews his pan!

3-16-11 Dianne teaches PK students how to dance Zydeco

My last story, The Gigantic Sweet Potato, was hilarious because the boy who played Pa Farmer from the story was so funny and cute!

3-16-11 The third performance of The Gigantic Sweet Potato

This is Adonis, my little PK super star! Thank you for playing Pa Farmer, Adonis. (Now where are my diamonds?!!) LOL

3-16-11 Dianne with super star, Adonis, from Hattie Watts Elementary

It was a terrific visit at Hattie Watts. I couldn’t have asked for a better day. Upon my departure, Ms. Fryou, the principal, gifted me with a box of… CHOCOLATES! Luscious, dark chocolates at that! Way to endear yourself to me, Ms. Fryou. By the way, you will love my Fall 2011 book, Blue Frog: The Legend of Chocolate!

Hattie Watts Elementary, thank you so much for a wonderful visit! You totally rock! Alecia Rabalais & Tiffany Fakier, you ladies make my visit a splendid one indeed!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

{ 0 comments }

St. Mary Parish PK Tour Day 2 – Tuesday, March 15, 2011

by dlcasas on March 15, 2011

3-15-11 The Gigantic Sweet Potato from second show at W.P. Foster Elementary

Friends:

Today was the second day of my PK Tour in St. Mary Parish Schools. My first two shows were at W.P. Foster Elementary in Franklin, Louisiana. When I first arrived, I was greeted by their friendly principal, Mr. Michael Payton. Ms. Renee, a PK teacher, totally took care of me, providing me with water, an easel, a microphone and anything else I needed. I began my first show with a performance of Mama’s Bayou with the help of the sweet students.

3-15-11 Mama's Bayou from first show at W.P. Foster Elementary

After a fun rendition of The Cajun Cornbread Boy, I performed The Gigantic Sweet Potato. “Heave ho! Heave ho! We’ll pull this sweet potato, just a little more to go…”

3-15-11 The Gigantic Sweet Potato from first show at W.P. Foster Elementary

After I finished my first show, I had a few minutes to refresh then it was show time again! Another fun group came in and we had the best time. I began with Mama’s Bayou, with the help of the students. Then I did The Cajun Cornbread Boy. Ooh yeah, cher!

3-15-11 The Cajun Cornbread Boy at W.P. Foster Elementary

When I performed The Gigantic Sweet Potato, my kitty cat was a precious little girl named Harlie, who was in PK3. She was soooo cute and hilariously funny! She had the audience rolling with her precocious little attitude. I totally fell in love with this child! I wanted to pack her up with me and take her home. :)

3-15-11 Harlie from PK3 with Cajun Cornbread Boy at W.P. Foster Elementary. What spicy friends!

After W.P. Foster Elementary, Alecia, Tiffany and I went to lunch at a Hot Tamale restaurant that served sandwiches and poboys. I had the hot tamales and made a mess with the juice dripping all over my dress! LOL My second school was J.A. Hernandez Elementary, also in Franklin, Louisiana. I was greeted by their wonderful principal, Ms. Sylvia Lockett. What a sweetheart! The first class to come in was Ms. Quantie Skinner’s PK class. I was so impressed because the whole class made Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach story shakers from my the book activities on my website!

3-15-11 Ms. Skinner's PK class made Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach story shakers!

This is the fabulous teacher who not only prepped her students for my visit but also had incredible control over her tiny tots. She is a third-year teacher but has the presence of a 20-year veteran! Way to go, Ms. Skinner!

3-15-11 Quantie Skinner, a fantastic PK teacher at J.A. Hernandez!

I began my show with a fun performance of Mama’s Bayou. One little girl, Tatiana, was so excited that I made up a song and a dance called “Do the Tatiana.” She helped me perform Mama’s Bayou along with fellow students.

3-15-11 Mama's Bayou with Tatiana and friends at J.A. Hernandez Elementary

I performed The Cajun Cornbread Boy and it was so much fun. The kids jumped and laughed and had a ball! But the star story of the day at J.A. Hernandez was Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach! I was so inspired by Ms. Skinner’s class that I performed the story in their honor. Boy, did we have FUN! After the show, boys were going back to class imitating Madame Poulet saying, “Monsieur Rooooooach!” Too cute!

3-15-11 Madame Poulet and roaches at J.A. Hernandez Elementary School

We were joined by Peter Pan Headstart from a local community center and the visiting students were so well-behaved. What a precious group of kids!

3-15-11 Madame Poulet and roaches at J.A. Hernandez Elementary School

I couldn’t have asked for a better day in St. Mary Parish. The weather was gorgeous and the principals, teachers, staff and students were AWESOME! I leave you with a picturesque scene, a bayou in Franklin, Louisiana.

3-15-11 A bayou with shrimp boats in Franklin, Louisiana

Thank you, Alecia Rabalais and Tiffany, for a wonderful Day 2 in beautiful St. Mary Parish, Louisiana! I can’t wait until tomorrow!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

{ 1 comment }

Kansas Summer Reading Workshops – Wichita, Thursday, February 24, 2011

by dlcasas on February 24, 2011

2-24-11 Crafts from the CLSP One World, Many Stories Summer Reading Manual 2011

Friends:

Ah, Kansas! In February, the weather can change at the drop of a hat, and it did today. All week long, I had beautiful weather with clear skies. This morning I woke up to sleet and ice and a dangerous start to the day. My hostess, Julie Tomlianovich, picked me up at my hotel and we had to drive about 45 minutes to Wichita. Because many people were coming to Wichita for the workshop from great distances, we decided to end the workshop early to allow for a safer commute in the bad weather. So I began trimming my workshop!

We started with the creativity exercise of making a self-portrait from items in your purse, wallet or pockets. There were a lot of good faces but I like this one because of the chocolate mouth, the blingy earrings, and the comb for the hair! My kind of gal!

2-24-11 A workshop participant's self-portrait with items from her purse

The workshop began with draw and tell tales. I showed them “The Emperor’s Dragon” and “Catching a Pest in 7 Steps.” I even taught them a little Chinese!

2-24-11 The Emperor's Dragon, a draw and tell tale from Handmade Tales

Then they learned “Joseph Had a Little Overcoat” cut and tell story. We were all laughing at how funny the cutting can be. Here, everyone has an overcoat and they pretty much look the same. By the end of the story, it was a different story! LOL

2-24-11 Librarians do the cut and tell story of Joseph Had a Little Overcoat

I taught them “Bandana Man” and boy, were they cute! Look at the old women in the story, especially the middle one. :)

2-24-11 Look at these cute librarians! Awwww.

Some librarians automatically have style, like these ladies. Just look at their Bandana Men!

2-24-11 These librarians took a walk on the wild side, rockin their animal print Bandana Men!

I didn’t have time to teach them the full string story of “The Stubborn Turnip” or even “Papa’s Teepee,” where they make snowflakes out of coffee filters but I did manager to teach them all how to make a string figure star!

2-24-11 These librarians are stars, for sure!

We worked very fast, doing Handmade Tales in two hours. Then it was on to Tangram Tales. After I showed them how to cut Tangrams without a pattern, I challenged them to a contest to “invent a Tangram.” This librarian won for her turtle Tangram. Wow! It really looks like a turtle.

2-24-11 This librarian won the Invent-A-Tangram contest! It's a turtle!! Too cute.

They performed a Tangram story theater – “Tiger’s Tale, Anansi’s Stories.” The storytellers, Tangram artists, and the story chorus worked well together to create their Tangram story theater masterpiece!

2-24-11 Librarians perform a Tangram story theater - Tiger's Tale, Anansi's story

I breezed through my picture book make and takes but told the entire story of Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach. It was sooo funny! Look at these roaches!

2-24-11 Workshop participants are such good sports to play dead roaches in the story, Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach!

I did have them do one picture book make and take – the accordion dragon from There’s a Dragon in the Library. While they didn’t have time to color the head and the tail, the dragon still looked adorable!

2-24-11 Large accordion dragons from There's a Dragon in the Library

I shaved 1.5 hours from my workshop!! Wow. All in all, I think the workshop came out great, considering how much time I had to shave. Everyone seemed to have and the immediate feedback from the workshop participants was overwhelmingly positive. Thanks for the love, Kansas. I can’t wait to return a the end of March to finish the rest of the state! A special thank you and shout out to Julia Tomlianovich for bringing me in and for being such a fabulous hostess. My Kansas visit was incredible!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

{ 0 comments }

Kansas Summer Reading Workshop Tour – Manhattan, Wednesday, February 23, 2011

by dlcasas on February 23, 2011

2-23-11 Manhattan, Kansas workshop participants wish my husband, Antonio, a Happy Birthday!

Friends:

Today I was in Manhattan, Kansas. They call themselves “The Little Apple” and even have a ball drop on New Year’s Eve, just like The Big Apple! It was the third day of my summer reading workshop tour. Today was also my husband, Antonio’s birthday. With the help of the wonderful librarians, we wished him a Happy Birthday! Thank you so much, ladies!

After the birthday wish, I began my workshop with a creativity exercise in which the workshop participants created a self-portrait with items from their purse. It’s so interesting to see what they use to create their faces!

2-23-11 A workshop participant creates a self-portrait from items in her purse

We began with a couple of draw and tell tales – “The Emperor’s Dragon” and “Catching a Pest in 7 Steps” from my Handmade Tales book. Then they did a cut and tell tale – “Joseph Had a Little Overcoat.” They really enjoyed it.

2-23-11 Librarians learn how to do a cut and tell of Joseph Had a Little Overcoat

Then it was on to demonstrating a towel folding story of “The Ugly Duckling,” a fortune teller story round, and “Papa’s Teepee,” a story that turns a teepee into a snowflake out of a coffee filter. We create a “blizzard” of snowflakes – too cool!

2-23-11 Coffee filter snowflakes fly and create a snow blizzard

When I taught them how to create Russian nesting dolls out of paper, they loved it. Rachel, an innovative librarian, came up with the concept of nesting dino robots!! ROAR! Boys will love this one!

2-23-11 Rachel created Roar-tastic dinosaur robot nesting dolls!! Way to go, Rachel!

They loved the story of “Bandana Man,” a fun rendition of the Gingerbread Man. The librarians made such cute little old ladies!

2-23-11 Librarians are fabulous old women in the story, Bandana Man!

“Bandana Man” is always such a run-away hit! Hahahaha!

2-23-11 Run, run, run as fast as you can, you can't catch me, I'm Bandana Man!

I love when they experience success in my workshops. Working with string figures can be very tricky. The story of “The Stubborn Turnip” takes practice to master. So I like to leave them with simpler string figure that is easier to make. Lo and behold, now they are all stars!

2-23-11 Starry-eyed sweet string success!

Then I taught them how to make paper stars with a single snip of the scissors. The excess paper is turned into a picture frame. Very cool…

2-23-11 You never know what kinds of stars you meet at the library!

After learning how to make the origami 6-page book from the story “The King’s Advisor” in Handmade Tales, we went to lunch. Can we say, “Pizza?!!!” After lunch, we dove right into Tangram Tales. I showed them how to cut a Tangram without a pattern and then they practiced making Tangram figures.

2-23-11 Call the rodeo! This librarian created a horse and rider Tangram!

I held an Invent-A-Tangram contest. This is the lucky (HILARIOUS) winner!

2-23-11 The winner of the Invent-a-Tangram contest - Squatting Samarai

After they were familiar with Tangrams, we created a Tangram story theater from the story, “Tiger’s Tale, Anansi’s Stories” in my Tangram Tales book. My storytellers were sooo animated, the Tangram tellers made perfect Tangrams, and the story chorus rocked it out! Can we say, “Awesome!!!?”

2-23-11 Librarians perform Tiger's Tale, Anansi's Stories Tangram Story Theater

After Tangrams, it was time for picture book make and takes. I performed an excerpt from The Cajun Cornbread Boy and they made Cajun Cornbread Boy puppets. C’est bon!

2-23-11 Oh my! Cajun Cornbread Boy is much too spicy for our story time!

I showed them book activities for Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach, The Gigantic Sweet Potato, and Mama’s Bayou.

2-23-11 Telling the story of Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach. Fun!

They really LOVED the dragon accordion puppet from my book There’s a Dragon in the Library, illustrated by Marita Gentry. It was so much fun working with this group of librarians. We all had a blast together!

2-23-11 Taking pictures with some of my favorite people... librarians!!

I loved my whole day!! As I was being driven to my next location (Thanks, Ann!!), I saw this on my way out… Goodbye KS!!

2-23-11 Leaving Manhattan, Kansas, home of Kansas State University

It was a great day! Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

{ 0 comments }

Author Visit: Pelahatchie Elementary, Mississippi – Friday, January 28, 2011

by dlcasas on January 30, 2011

1-28-11 Pelahatchie Elementary

Friends:

On Friday, I had the great privilege of visiting Pelahatchie Elementary in Pelahatchie, Mississippi. My visit was coordinated and organized by Brenda Black, Librarian. She is one amazing woman! On Thursday night, Brenda took me to dinner at Amerigo in Jackson, Mississippi. Can we say OMG – YUM!!!?!!! There, I met Dana Lee, Pelahatchie’s school counselor. Can I say I found another soul sista?! I truly love these two women – they made my visit all the more special!

1-28-11 Brenda Black, Librarian; Dana Lee, School Counselor; and Dianne de Las Casas

My day began in the school’s auditorium, first performing for the lower elementary – Kindergarten through second grades. I performed The Cajun Cornbread Boy, The Gigantic Sweet Potato, and Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach.

1-28-11 Students participate in Dianne's story, The Cajun Cornbread Boy

We had so much fun and the students really enjoyed it. I even got teachers in the act! :)

1-28-11 A teacher from Pelahatchie Elementary demonstrates her best chicken!

My second show was for third through sixth grades. At first, the students were reserved. But gradually, they came out of their shells and really enjoyed the show, thoroughly participating.

1-28-11 Madame Poulet slurps up roaches!

I even had a group of sixth grade boys come up and help with a story. They were my “boy band!”

1-28-11 Dianne and her 'boy band' in a performance of Rockin Three Billy Goats

Afterward, I took lots of pictures with students. Say “stories!”

1-28-11 Dianne with a third grade class from Pelahatchie Elementary in Mississippi

Following my performances, I had lunch in the library with star students from different grades. They were very sweet and had a lot of great questions. One of the students, a 5th grader named Brenna, said that I “inspired her.” Amazing kids!

1-28-11 Lunch with select students at Pelahatchie Elementary

Brenda Black, the librarian, did an amazing job helping the school prepare for my visit. First grade students created a collage on the wall from my book, The Cajun Cornbread Boy.

1-28-11 The Cajun Cornbread Boy collage made by a class of first grade students at Pelahatchie. Notice Dianne in pink!

A close-up of… ME! :)

1-28-11 Dianne de Las Casas is now a wall collage!

Check out these book reviews of my books written by the students!

1-28-11 Students from Pelahatchie Elementary review Dianne's books

They even wrote a fun article about me!

1-28-11 An awesome article about Dianne de Las Casas and her books at Pelahatchie Elementary

After lunch with the students, a group of first and second grade students performed The Cajun Cornbread Boy for me and the lunch group. They were so cute! The costumes were amazing, thanks to Brenda Black!

1-28-11 First and second grade students perform The Cajun Cornbread Boy for Dianne

I signed books for the students and the teachers. I also marveled at the incredible library. Check out the dragon in the library!

1-28-11 There's a Dragon in the Library at Pelahatchie Elementary!

They were even growing a Gigantic Sweet Potato!

1-28-11 Pelahatchie Elementary is growing a Gigantic Sweet Potato!

They even named me “Queen of Storytelling” and I got to sit in the royal chair!

1-28-11 Pelahatchie Elementary dubs Dianne 'Queen of Storytelling'

And if that wasn’t enough, they presented me with a BIG basket filled with Mississippi goodies. As soon as I got home, my family and I tore into them!! Sooo yummy!

1-28-11 The amazing gift basket from Pelahatchie Elementary!!

I had an amazing visit at Pelahatchie Elementary. Just WOW! Thank you so much, Brenda Black! Pelahatchie will always hold a special place in my heart! I just <3 y’all!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

{ 1 comment }

Louisiana PreK/K Conference – Wednesday, January 26, 2011

by dlcasas on January 29, 2011

1-26-11 Teachers do the cut and tell tale, Joseph Had a Little Overcoat at Dianne's Handmade Tales session at the Louisiana PreK-K Conference

Friends:

On Wednesday, January 26, 2011, I presented two professional development sessions at the Louisiana Pre-K/Kindergarten conference sponsored by the Louisiana Department of Education. My first session was “Handmade Tales: Stories to Make and Take” full of simple cut and tell and draw and tell tales. I began with “Joseph Had an Overcoat” (pictured above). Then I taught the teachers how to do a couple of draw and tell tales: “How to Catch a Pest in 7 steps” and “The Emperor’s Dragon.”

1-26-11 The Emperor's Dragon, a draw and tell tale from Dianne's Handmade Tales session at the Louisiana PreK-K Conference

They really loved making the snowflakes out of coffee flakes in the story, “Papa’s Teepee.”

1-26-11 A snow blizzard by PreK & K teachers in Dianne's Handmade Tales session

I ended the workshop with the story, “The Magic Star” for all of those “teaching stars” in the room.

1-26-11 Teaching stars in Dianne's Handmade Tales session

It was so much fun and the teachers really enjoyed the session. In fact, it was overfull; people were sitting on the floor and they had to close the session. My next session was just as full. There were 50 people waiting outside the door before it began! My second session was “Louisiana Picture Book Make and Takes.” I told excerpts of my books and showed them some fun accompanying book activities perfect for PreK and Kindergarten students. I featured activities for my books, Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach, Mama’s Bayou, The Gigantic Sweet Potato, and The Cajun Cornbread Boy. Holly Stone-Barker, illustrator of Mama’s Bayou was on hand to help out and sign books. She is such an amazing artist!

1-26-11 Teachers make Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach story shakers in Dianne's Louisiana Picture Book Make and Take session

After my session, I signed books and there was quite a line. Thank you to all the patient teachers!! A special thank you to Holly and her friend, Kathy, for all their help. I would never have been able to do it by myself. Kathy was a spectacular salesperson!

1-26-11 Dianne signing books for teachers at the Louisiana PreK-K Conference in Baton Rouge

It was a fantastic day and I had a wonderful time! A special thank you to Loren Barrios, Nicholy Johnson, and all the staff from the Department of Education, Early Childhood Division. Another special thank you to some amazing teachers: Tina Champagne, Katie Tilly, Joyce Muller and Alecia Rabalais!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

{ 0 comments }

Stories on Board Residency at Strehle Elementary, Avondale, LA, Day 10 – Monday, January 22, 2011

by dlcasas on January 25, 2011

1-24-11 5th graders play The Hunter's Trap by fellow students

Friends:

Today was the 10th and final day of my “Stories on Board: Creating Board Games from Favorite Tales” at Strehle Elementary in Avondale, Louisiana. It was “Gradewide Game Day” where all the students came to the cafeteria to play the games their fellow students created. The first group to come into the cafeteria first thing in the morning was 5th grade.

1-24-11 5th graders play The Troll Troubles by fellow students

The students really enjoyed playing the games and it was fun to see their reaction to the games their fellow students created. All the games were fabulous but the students had their favorites. The game that received the most acclaim was “The Three Billy Gs.”

1-24-11 The Three Billy Gs game was voted Favorite Game Overall in 5th grade

The next group to come in was 3rd grade. We had a special visitor from Jefferson Parish Public School Board: Mr. Dermady, from the Social Studies Department. He came to observe the lesson and see the students’ work. He was so enthralled by the process that he even joined the students for some fun and games!

1-24-11 Mr. Dermady from the Social Studies Department of Jefferson Parish School Board plays Makin Bacon with 3rd grade students

Again, the students were fully engaged in the Game Day, playing games created by their fellow students. I loved observing their reaction to the artwork, the game design, and the perils and triumphs of the board. The great part about this process is the success ratio. Everyone participates, everyone succeeds, and everyone has fun.

1-24-11 Six 3rd graders play Killer Foxy Loxy by fellow students

Another great element about the “Stories on Board” process is the collaborative process. The students have to work together to create their board games. One student simply cannot complete the planning, designing and coloring of the games by him/herself within the alotted time frame. It is a team effort and a team success.

1-24-11 3rd graders play The Kooky Cookie by fellow students

The last group to come to the cafeteria was 4th grade. They are a boisterous group and we had to work to settle them down. Once we passed out the board games and they started playing, they had a good time.

1-24-11 4th graders play self-created board games on Strehle Game Day

They made some really clever and inventive games. One of my personal favorites was Hen-Opoly. Reptile Road was a cleverly conceived game based on the story of “The Tortoise and the Hare.”

1-24-11 4th graders play Reptile Road, based on The Tortoise and the Hare, created by fellow students

On my last day of the residency, I always like to do something special for the teachers to show them my appreciation. I asked my mom to make pancit, a Filipino noodle dish with chicken and vegetables, similar to Chinese lo mein. I also brought two containers of macaroons for dessert. Needless to say, the teachers enjoyed the food!

1-24-11 Pancit (Filipino noodle dish) made by Dianne's mom almost gone!

I also stuffed the teacher’s in-boxes with posters from my book, The Gigantic Sweet Potato.

1-24-10 Teachers' in-boxes stuffed with The Gigantic Sweet Potato posters from Dianne de Las Casas

Last but not least, I had a bag full of goodies to raffle off to the teachers. Tina Champagne, Special Ed Teacher, was the lucky winner! Woo hoo, Tina!

1-24-11 Tina Champagne, Special Ed Teacher, wins Dianne's bag of goodies! Woo hoo!

It was a fabulous day and I loved every minute of my time at Strehle! Special thanks to Patti Waddell, Principal; Pat Runge, Special Ed Teacher and Grant Writer; and Betty Brodtmann, Librarian! Another special thank you to the Arts Council of New Orleans for providing the grant funds that made my visit possible.

1-24-11 Dianne de Las Casas with 3rd grade students on Strehle Game Day

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

{ 1 comment }

Stories on Board Residency at Strehle Elementary, Avondale, LA, Day 9 – Friday, January 21, 2011

by dlcasas on January 21, 2011

1-21-11 5th grade students play their game, The Troll Troubles, based on the story of The Three Billy Goats Gruff

Friends:

Today was Day 9 of my 10-day “Stories on Board: Creating Board Games from Favorite Tales” residency at Strehle Elementary School in Avondale, LA. The first class I visited was Ms. Hervey’s first grade class. Because the class was on a field trip yesterday, we have to rearrange my schedule to fit them in today. I told the story of “The Little Red Hen Makes a Pizza” and then they played the game based on the story. When I left their class, they were as quiet as can be. Great job, Ms. Hervey’s class!

1-21-11 Students in Ms. Hervey's first grade class play The Little Red Hen's Pizza Party

After Ms. Hervey’s class, I visited Ms. Giroir’s Pre-K class. The children were so excited to see me and I was bombarded with hugs from the moment I walked into the classroom. I told the story of “The Gingerbread Man” and they played the game, “The Gingerbread Jam.”

1-21-11 Students in Ms. Giroir's PK class play Gingerbread Jam

Next, I headed to fifth grade. Most of the students in this class were finished designing and coloring their boards. This particular class was assigned the story, “Little Red Riding Hood,” and they did such an amazing job with their board games! Look at this!

1-21-11 Little Red's Escape, a game created by 5th grade students, based on the story of Little Red Riding Hood

This next game is absolutely amazing. It’s called “Little Red’s Caper,” and I love the play on words and how they used Little Red’s cape as the game board. I also LOVE her adorable face! Great job on the face, Antonio!

1-21-11 Students in 5th grade play their game, Little Red's Caper, based on the story, Little Red Riding Hood

My next class was also a fifth grade class. This class was less organized than the previous class and were not as far along on their board games. They worked for most of the class plotting their spaces, outlining, and coloring their boards. They were assigned the story, “The Lion and the Mouse.” Still, many of the boards came out great although they ran out of time to play.

1-21-11 The Lion Escapes, a game created by 5th grade students, based on the story of The Lion and the Mouse

I also loved the concept of the zig zag board used in this game called “The Hunter’s Trap. It was well-executed and look like a lot of fun to play.

1-21-11 The Hunter's Trap, a game created by 5th grade students, based on the story of The Lion and the Mouse

Next, it was time to visit special ed Pre-K. We had a great time with my new book, There’s a Dragon in the Library. We made dragon roaring sounds and sang a song. It was fun and they were very responsive. I just love working with Ms. Pat, Ms. Tina, and Ms. Katie!

1-21-11 Dianne de Las Casas with Special Ed PK

My last class of the day was my final fifth grade class. The class was assigned the story, The Three Billy Goats Gruff. This class worked so well together that I had the opportunity to play a game: The Troll Troubles. We had a fantastic time and I loved seeing their games come to life!

1-21-11 5th grade students with their game, The Billy Goats Trippity Trap, based on the story of The Three Billy Goats Gruff

There was so much creativity and the students were so inventive, using both the left and right sides of their brains. I truly enjoy seeing them delight in their accomplishments. I also love seeing their reaction to other students playing and enjoying their games. It’s a terrific process and I can’t wait until Monday, when we have Gradewide Game Day for all the grades. Classes in each grade will exchange games and play each others’ games.

1-21-11 5th grade students with their game, The 3 Billy G's, based on the story of The Three Billy Goats Gruff

Monday is going to be a total blast and I can’t wait!! Fantastic job, Strehle students!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

{ 1 comment }

← Previous Entries

Next Entries →