Arts

Bissonet Plaza Elementary Twisted Tales Residency Day 7 – Tuesday, December 14, 2010

by Dianne on December 15, 2010

12-14-10 Telling Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach to Ms. Anchissi's Kindergarten class

Friends:

Today was the 7th day of my “Twisted Tales: Spinning Stories into Fractured Funnies” residency at Bissonet Plaza Elementary in Metairie, Louisiana. I started the day signing books in the Teacher’s Lounge for all the students who ordered books. My first class was Ms. Anchissi’s kindergarten class. We had a lot of fun with Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach. They loved the story and enjoyed making their story shakers.

12-14-10 A row of chicken story shakers from Ms. Anchissi's Kindergarten class

My next class was Ms. Frechette’s third grade class. They were assigned the story, “The Gingerbread Man” to fracture. While each group had fantastic stories (“Easy as Pie,” “The Beignet Boy,” and “The Rat Race”), the stand-out story was “Easy as Pie.” Since the students had finished their stories, we worked on a final of “Easy as Pie,” with me typing the story on my iPad. The students were so amazed and watched on the Smart Board as I demonstrated my iPad using the Elmo. The refrain in the story is so cute: “Roll, roll, roll as easy as pie. You can’t catch me, I’m the pie guy!” Adorable! Needless to say, I chose this story to turn into a story theater script that the students will perform on Thursday. Phenomenal work, Ms. Frechette’s class! Woo hoo for you!

12-14-10 Easy as Pie by Ms. Frechette's third grade class

Next, I headed to Ms. Morrow’s fourth grade class. They had not progressed as quickly as I had hoped but they certainly worked hard while I was in class! The stand-out story of the class was by Jasmine, Dairon, Bennett and Madison. It is titled, “The Big Yellow Lion,” a fractured version of “The Little Red Hen.” I loved how the story was set in the jungle with a big yellow lion making a mud pie (chocolate mud pie, that is) and included a cute refrain: “Me oh my, a mud pie? I won’t help you, no, not I!” It will be so much fun to perform as a story theater!

12-14-10 The Big Yellow Lion from Ms. Morrow's 4th grade class

After 4th grade, it was on to Ms. Chieffo’s 2nd grade class. As soon as I walked into the room, they cheered for me. And it cheered me up because I had been feeling under the weather all morning. Ms. Chieffo asked me to quickly show them how to fold their “Ma Farmer’s Down Home Cookbook.” They are cute little recipe books made into an origami 6-page book using a single sheet of 8 1/2 X 11″ paper. After performing a rousing rendition of Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach, they made their stylish story shakers. It was such a pleasure to be in their class because they were so well-behaved.

12-14-10 Second graders from Ms. Chieffo's class with their story shakers

I spent my lunch in the teachers lounge again, signing books for all the classroom teachers I have working with during my residency. After lunch, I went to Ms. Tonguis’ 1st grade class. She asked me to share Mama’s Bayou and I happily obliged. Afterward, I performed Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach, and the students created their fanciful story shakers. Ms. Tonguis is so much fun to be around! She even acted out the part of Monsieur Roach, complete with lying on the ground with her “legs up” to simulate a roach’s early demise. Too funny!

12-14-10 Showing Mama's Bayou to Ms. Tongui's first graders

My last class was Ms. Dagneault’s 5th grade class. The students worked in their groups, completing their fractured fairytales. They were assigned “Cinderella” and turned it into “Cinder Man,” “Raparella,” “Cinderella Gone Bad,” and “Minirella.” Phenomenal creativity flowed in this class!

12-14-10 Ms. Dagneault's 5th graders work on their fractured fairytale

It was such a wonderful day at school (except for the part about me being under the weather). This year, I have not written one behavior report. I haven’t had to counsel any students on their behavior and all the students have been super polite and helpful. Thank you so much, Bissonet students, for being so terrific! A special shout-out and thank you to Destiny in 5th grade, who helps carry my bag down the stairs every day! Ms. Easley, if you are reading… YAY for Bissonet!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Bissonet Plaza Elementary Twisted Tales Residency Day 6 – Monday, December 13, 2010

by Dianne on December 13, 2010

12-13-10 Dianne tells Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach to Ms. Johnson's kindergarten class

Friends:

Today was the sixth day of my ten-day Twisted Tales residency at Bissonet Plaza Elementary in Metairie, Louisiana. My day began in Ms. Naugle’s 4th grade class. The students worked hard on writing their fractured fairytales. “Little Red Riding Hood” was the assigned original tale and it was fractured many ways by different groups in the class: “Code Red,” with Little Red Riding Hood as a spy, “Little Red Riding,” with Little Red driving a red corvette, and “Petite Rouge” with Little Red in the bayou meeting a grinning gator.

12-13-10 Ms. Naugle's 4th graders work on their fractured fairy tale, Little Red Riding

Next, it was on to Ms. Fury’s 3rd grade class. The students worked in their groups perfecting their fractured fairytales. Their assigned story was “The Three Billy Goats Gruff.” There were many creative stories including “Who Dats Crossing My Bridge?” and “The Three Little Pelicans.”

12-13-10 Ms. Fury's 3rd graders collaborate on their fractured fairytale

My third class was Ms. Johnson’s Kindergarten class. The students absolutely LOVED the story of Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach (Mrs. Chicken and Mr. Roach). After the story, the class made story shakers with Madame Poulet on one side and Monsieur Roach on the other side.

12-13-10 A student in Ms. Johnson's Kindergarten class shows his colored story shaker template

My fourth class was Ms. Leblanc’s second grade class. Ms. Easley, the acting principal, came by to observe and watched the story of Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach come to life with the help of the students. It was so much fun.

12-13-10 Madame Poulet approaches Monsieur Roach in Ms. Leblanc's second grade class

After participating in the story, the students worked on their creative story shakers. Too soon after, it was time for lunch! How time flies when you’re having tons of fun!

12-13-10 Ms. Leblanc's second grade students show their shakers

During lunch, Cajun Cornbread Boy and I had a Skype visit with a Kindergarten class in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania who wanted to know all about The Cajun Cornbread Boy book. Ms. Naugle, 4th grade teacher, was kind enough to allow me to Skype in her room with her students. It was a blast. The Kindergarten class showed me the puppets they made to act out the story, asked me a few questions, and even sang the refrain for me: “Run, cher, run as fast as you can. You can’t catch me. I’m full of cayenne.” Ms. Heistand, their teacher, told me that they loved reading The Cajun Cornbread Boy! Yay! They told Ms. Naugle’s class that it snowed flurries that morning. It was a fantastic experience. Thank you, Ms. Heistand’s class!

12-13-10 Dianne de Las Casas Skypes with a Kindergarten class in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

A special thank to Ms. Naugle for allowing me to Skype in her room with her students present. Ms. Naugle even Tweeted about it!

12-13-10 A student in Ms. Naugle's 4th grade class holds Cajun Cornbread Boy next to Ms. Naugle's Tweet

After lunch, it was off to Ms. Hadley’s first grade class. I told the story of Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach to a very enthusiastic response. Over the weekend, Ms. Hadley even bought my book, The Gigantic Sweet Potato!

12-13-10 Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach in Ms. Hadley's first grade class

After the story, they made their story shakers and they danced all over the room with them! They LOVED shaking their homemade maracas!

12-13-10 Ms. Hadley's first graders hold up their Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach story shakers

My last class was Ms. Brumfield’s 5th grade class. The class was assigned the story, “Sleeping Beauty” to fracture. They had such clever stories: “Sleeping Ugly,” “Snoring Beauty,” and “Weeping Beauty.” I look forward to seeing them finished! Ms. Brumfield had to leave early and all the groups worked so nicely. I was so impressed with their cooperation and collaboration with each other!

12-13-10 Ms. Brumfield's 5th graders work on their fractured fairytale, Sleeping Ugly

It was a great day and I look forward to two more days in the classrooms. Days 9 and 10 will be spent with all the grades during their P.E. periods.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Bissonet Plaza Elementary Twisted Tales Residency Day 5 – Friday, December 10, 2010

by Dianne on December 13, 2010

12-10-10 Telling Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach to Ms. Hahn's Kindergarten class

Friends:

On my 5th day at Bissonet, I began a second visit to the classrooms for this artist residency titled “Twisted Tales: Spinning Stories into Fractured Funnies.” My first visit was to Ms. Clement’s 4th grade class. They worked on their fractured fairytales and turning them into a full written story. Their assigned story was “The Princess and the Bean.” I love their fractured versions of “A Royal Pain” and “The Queen and the Bean Burrito!”

12-10-10 Ms. Clement's 4th graders collaborate on their fractured fairytale

In Ms. Arnett’s 3rd grade class, they also worked on writing their fractured fairytale based on the story of “The Three Little Pigs.” I simply love this group’s version: “The Three Little Fish and The Big Bad Shark.” They came up with such a clever refrain in the story. The Shark said, “Little Fish, Little Fish, let me in!” The fish answered, “Not by the scale of my finny fin fin!” I LOVE how creative and talented these students are!

12-10-10 Ms. Arnett's 3rd grade students collaborate on their twisted tale, The Three Little Fish and The Big Bad Shark

Then it was time to visit Ms. Hahn’s kindergarten class. I told the story of “Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach.” They loved it and had fun making their story shakers out of paper plates.

12-10-10 Ms. Hahn's kindergarteners make Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach story shakers

Ms. Presser’s second grade class impressed me with their creative Sweet Potato Pals from my last visit to their class. They hung the completed Pals on the wall. Cute!

12-10-10 Ms. Presser's 2nd graders' finished Sweet Potato Pals!

I told the story of Madame Poulet and Monsieur roach to Ms. Presser’s second graders and they were so enthusiastic with their participation in the story that Ms. Presser had to settle them down.

12-10-10 Dianne de Las Casas is a mad Madame Poulet in Ms. Presser's 2nd grade class (photo taken by a second grade student)

After the story, they worked on their Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach story shakers.

12-10-10 A second grader in Ms. Presser's class works on his story shaker

My visit to Ms. Duhe’s second grade class yielded an equally enthusiastic response. When I walked in the door, they all yelled, “Ms. Dianne!” It’s nice to be so well-received! After telling the rockin’ story of Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach, they made story shakers out of paper plates filled with beans, folded in half, and glued closed.

12-10-10 Ms. Duhe's first graders and their Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach story shakers

My last class of the day was Ms. McLeod’s 5th grade class. They had fun collaborating and writing their fractured fairytales. They were assigned “The Frog Prince” and the two stories that stood out were “The Camel and the Princess” and “The Gummi Frog and the Fruity Princess.” Such amazingly clever kids! I can’t wait to see how these stories turn out!

12-10-10 Students in Ms. McLeod's 5th grade class work on their fractured fairytale

After my last class, I had to hurry and leave to get to a book signing at Barnes & Noble Citiplace in Baton Rouge. Unfortunately, I lost my car keys and the whole school had to be searched! Fortunately, some students helped me find my keys and I only lost 20 minutes. I made it to my book signing on time! Whew!

I look forward to the next week, finished the residency at Bissonet Plaza Elementary.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Bissonet Plaza Elementary Twisted Tales Residency Day 4 – Thursday, December 9, 2010

by Dianne on December 9, 2010

12-9-10 Ms. Johnson's Kindergarten class pull that sweet potato with a heave and a ho!

Friends:

Today was the fourth day of my artist residency at Bissonet Plaza Elementary in Metairie, Louisiana. The school receives a grant through the Arts Council of New Orleans and have been bringing me in for over ten years. I love seeing “my students” grow through the years, like a sweet potato! :)

12-9-10 Ms. Lemoine's first graders pull the gigantic sweet potato

My day began in Ms. Mora’s fourth grade class. I taught them my Twisted Tale technique, showing them how to fracture a fairytale to make it funny and unique. They were assigned the story of “Henny Penny,” a chicken who thinks that the sky is falling. They worked in groups and came up with some creative ideas. One group decided to set their story in the bayou and call it “Froggy Loggy.” Too cute. A branch falls on the frog and he needs to tell someone. His friends, crawfish, snake, and catfish travel with him. They meet “Gator Lator!” So cool! Another group came up with “Guinea Piggy,” set inside a house with a ferocious cat. Impressive work, Ms. Mora’s class!

12-9-10 Students in Ms. Mora's class work on their fractured fairy tale

My second class was Ms. Lemoine’s first graders. Ms. McGivern was substituting for Ms. Lemoine, who had laryngitis! :( The students had a blast and really loved the story of The Gigantic Sweet Potato.

12-9-10 The sweet potato is so GIGANTIC, Ms. Lemoine's first graders can't circle around the sweet potato!

Afterward, they made Sweet Potato Pals, designing their own special faces on their sweet potatoes.

12-9-10 Ms. Lemoine's first grade Sweet Potato Pals

Then it was on to Ms. Johnson’s kindergarten class. They were sitting so nicely on their carpet, ready for me when I arrived! So nice! I had so much fun with these students and with Ms. Johnson. After telling the story, they made their Sweet Potato Pals.

12-9-10 A student in Ms. Johnson's Kindergarten class creates his Sweet Potato Pal

Then we had a blast dancing! I taught the kids a new dance called “The Wobble!”

12-9-10 Dianne de Las Casas teaches Ms. Johnson's kindergarteners how to do The Wobble dance!

My last class before lunch was Ms. Vizzini’s second grade class. I love telling The Gigantic Sweet Potato! Kids always respond so well to the story and these students were no exception!

12-9-10 Love how Ms. Vizzini's second grade class gets into the fun!

They even got to make Ma Farmer’s Down Home Cookbook! So precious!

12-9-10 Ms. Vizzini's second graders create Ma Farmer's Down Home Cookbook

After lunch, it was time for Mr. Boone’s third grade class. They were assigned the story, “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.” Here are some of their groups’ ideas for fracturing the story: “Boydilocks (the main character is a boy), “Monkeylocks,” set in a jungle with a tiger as the adversary, and “Goldilocks in the Hood.” I can’t wait to see all these stories!

12-9-10 Teaching Twisted Tales in Mr. Boone's third grade class

My last class was Ms. Muller’s Pre-K. Those children had so much fun with the story and they were so funny that I had to pause several times to laugh!!

12-9-10 Just like in The Gigantic Sweet Potato book, Ms. Muller's Pre-K students fall into a tired heap when the mouse comes by

It was another fantastic day at Bissonet!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Bissonet Plaza Elementary Twisted Tales Residency Day 3 – Wednesday, December 8, 2010

by Dianne on December 8, 2010

12-8-10 Ms. Chieffo's 2nd grade class loves The Gigantic Sweet Potato!

Friends:

Today was the third day of my artist residency at Bissonet Plaza Elementary. Ellen Miller, the librarian, applies for a grant every year from the Arts Council of New Orleans to fund my visit. It’s my 13th year at Bissonet! Yay! It has been so much fun teaching the upper grades how to fracture fairytales and sharing stories with the lower grades. My day began in Ms. Morrow’s 4th grade class. They were so excited to see me! Ms. Morrow told me that one of the students even told her that she dreamed about me coming to class! How cool is that?

The students were very attentive and enthusiastic about the project. Their class was assigned “The Little Red Hen.” I loved the ideas that oozed from their creative little brains. One group came up with “The Little Green Gator,” to take place in the bayou. Another group created, “The Little Ninja Hen.” They did great work and I can hardly wait to see the stories take shape! Awesome work, Ms. Morrow’s class!

12-8-10 Ms. Morrow's 4th grade class works on their fractured fairytales

Next, it was on to Ms. Frechette’s third grade class. They were a sweet group of students and were excited about their project. Ms. Frechette’s class was assigned “The Gingerbread Man.” After analyzing and breaking down the story, it was time to work on fracturing the tale. One group came up with “The Rat Race,” about a school science teacher whose rat escapes from the maze and students, a teacher, and a principal end up chasing the rat. Too clever! Another group came up with “The Beignet Boy,” changing gingerbread to a beignet and setting the story in the French Quarter of New Orleans. The last group created “Easy As Pie,” changing the gingerbread to an apple pie with ice cream for eyes, a cherry for the nose, and whipped cream for the mouth. The pie rolls instead of runs. What amazing work!!

12-8-10 A student in Ms. Frechette's class works on her Twisted Tales worksheet for her group's story, The Rat Race, based on The Gingerbread Man

In Ms. Joy’s Pre-K class, we had so much fun with my story, The Gigantic Sweet Potato. They giggled and had a blast participating in the story!

12-8-10 Ms. Joy's Pre-K students get into the action in The Gigantic Sweet Potato

After the story, they made Sweet Potato Pals and they came out so cute!

12-8-10 Ms. Joy's Pre-K Sweet Potato Pals!

Next, it was on to Ms. Chieffo’s second grade class. The class enthusiastically received the story of The Gigantic Sweet Potato and had fun participating in the performance. Afterward, they created Sweet Potato Pals.

12-8-10 A student in Ms. Chieffo's 2nd grade class colors her Sweet Potato Pal

I love the faces Ms. Chieffo’s second graders created on their Sweet Potato Pals! No two are alike. They are as unique as the students who created them. :)

12-8-10 Ms. Chieffo's 2nd grade Gigantic Sweet Potato Pals!

After lunch, it was time for Ms. Tonguis’ first grade class. Boy, were they excited to see me! I always have a blast with Ms. Tonguis and Ms. Bonnano joined us too. It was like a big Sweet Potato Party. LOL The students had a ball with the story. They were so participatory and full of laughter. Joy rang through the air!

12-8-10 Dianne de Las Casas tells The Gigantic Sweet Potato to Ms. Tongui's first grade class

They enjoyed creating their Sweet Potato Pals. The word “Pals” was one of their vocabulary words! Look at these precious Sweet Potato Pals from Ms. Tonguis’ first graders!

12-8-20 Dianne's awesome Sweet Potato Pals in Ms. Tongui's first grade class

My day ended in Ms. Dagneault’s 5th grade class. The class was so excited to see me that they had a difficult time settling down. Even so, I was able to get through the lesson and we had enough time to start group work. They were assigned “Cinderella” and there were lots of great ideas bandied. I loved “Cinder Man,” the story of a fellow who wants to go to a rap battle to see his favorite female rap artist. Then there was also “Minirella,” Cinderella in miniature! These students are so creative and incredibly bright. I can’t wait to turn these amazing stories into story reader’s theater scripts!

12-8-10 Ms. Dagneault's 5th grade students works on her Twisted Tales worksheet

After school, I had a really awesome, unexpected treat. I stopped by Ms. Muller’s Pre-K classroom and she fed me collard greens. Get this… the greens were grown in the Pre-K garden.

12-8-10 Ms. Muller's Pre-K garden growing cabbage, lettuce, and greens!

They were the best collard greens I have ever tasted! Ooooh yeah! Thank you so much, Ms. Muller and Ms. Renee’!!

12-8-10 Yummy collard greens from Ms. Muller's Pre-K's class, taken straight from the PK garden!

Another fabulous day at a fabulous school. Keep up the fantastic work, Bissonet Plaza Elementary! :)

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Bissonet Plaza Elementary Twisted Tales Residency Day 2 – Tuesday, December 7, 2010

by Dianne on December 7, 2010

12-7-10 Dianne de Las Casas and her Sweet Potato Pals from Ms. Hadley's class

Friends:

Today was Day 2 of my “Twisted Tales: Spinning Stories into Fractured Funnies” residency at Bissonet Plaza Elementary in Metairie, Louisiana. My day began in wonderful Paula Naugle’s 4th grade class. I love Ms. Naugle – she is a teacher who uses the power of technology – blogs, wikis, Skype, Twitter and other social networking – to turn her students into 21st century learners. On the day I arrived, Ms. Naugle was preparing the Gingerbread cards the students made for their pen pals at schools across the nation. So cute!

Ms. Naugle’s 4th grade students were awesome. I taught them the lesson on how to fracture a fairytale and split them into groups of 5-6. Their assigned story was “Little Red Riding Hood.” One group came up with “Code Red,” about Little Red Riding Hood (a spy) and the wolf (a super villain). Another group created “Little Red Riding,” about Little Red riding a hot red Ferrari. It crashes and the wolf appears as a mechanic. The last group set the story in the bayou, created a gator antagonist, and came up with Little Red riding in a pirogue (boat). So amazingly clever!

12-7-10 Ms. Naugle's 4th grade students work in a group

In Ms. Fury’s 3rd grade class, they worked on fracturing “The Three Billy Goats Gruff.” My favorite was “Who Dats Crossing My Bridge,” with the Saints players as the goats and the Dallas Cowboys as the bad guy. Wow! I was so intent on working with the kids that again, I neglected to take pictures!

12-7-10 In Ms. Anchissi's Kindergarten class - That sweet potato was so big...

In Ms. Anchissi’s kindergarten class, the kids were very excited to hear The Gigantic Sweet Potato! Ms. Anchissi is such a sweet teacher – she treated me to a diet soda! Her students did a fantastic job focusing and creating their Sweet Potato Pals. Adorable!

12-7-10 Ms. Anchissi's Kindergarteners create Sweet Potato Pals

In Ms. Leblanc’s second grade class, again, I performed The Gigantic Sweet Potato. They were so enthusiastic and had such a great time with the story! I even shared a little bit about the publishing process and how a picture book is put together.

12-7-10 Ms. Leblanc's third enjoy their roles in The Gigantic Sweet Potato

Because of lunch, Ms. Leblanc’s students didn’t have the opportunity to finish their Sweet Potato Pals but they were close. Only a couple of students were able to have their pal done and made before lunchtime. But we still had TONS of fun!

12-7-10 Students in Ms. Leblanc's third grade class show off their Sweet Potato Pals

After lunch, it was time to head for Ms. Hadley’s first grade class. We had a ball with The Gigantic Sweet Potato!

12-7-10 Telling the Gigantic Sweet Potato to Ms. Hadley's class

Ms. Hadley’s first graders really enjoyed inventing their own silly Sweet Potato Pal.

12-7-10 Ms. Hadley's Sweet Potato Pals

My day ended in Ms. Brumfield’s 5th grade class. They enjoyed learning about fractured fairytales and couldn’t wait to twist their own tale. Unfortunately, we ran out of time so Ms. Brumfield said that she could give the students some time in homeroom to finish brainstorming their ideas. Again, I was so busy trying to fit in my lesson before the bell rang, that I forgot to take pictures! Grrr. When the bell rings, 5th graders move fast!

12-7-10 A 5th grader gets ready to leave for the day

It was a sweet, smooth day. Yay! More tomorrow…

Warmly, Dianne

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

by Dianne 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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Strehle Elementary Story Fest Residency Day 9 – Tuesday, February 9, 2010

by Dianne on February 9, 2010

2-9-10 Ms. Dorsey's second graders love Sody Sallyraytus

2-9-10 Ms. Dorsey's second graders love Sody Sallyraytus

Friends:

Today was my last day to visit classes at Strehle Elementary in Avondale, Louisiana. It was a short day. I only had three classes. I began in Ms. Allison Hoadley’s second grade class. They were ecstatic to see me. Upon request by Ms. Hoadley, I told the story of The Cajun Cornbread Boy. Then, the students begged me to tell them a “Scared Silly” story so I shared “The Ghost of Mabel Gable.” With the lights dimmed, I told the spooktacularly hilarious tale. The kids loved it.

2-9-10 Ms. Hoadley's second grade class enjoys the story of The Ghost of Mable Gable

2-9-10 Ms. Hoadley's second grade class enjoys the story of The Ghost of Mable Gable

Next, I went to Ms. Carol Hoadley’s PK class. They enjoyed the story of “Sody Sallyraytus” for my second visit and then we second lined to Mardi Gras music around the room and into the hallway. It was a ton of fun!

2-9-10 Dianne second lines with Ms. Hoadley and her PK class

2-9-10 Dianne second lines with Ms. Hoadley and her PK class

Finally, I visited Ms. Dorsey’s second grade class. I was greeted at the door with hugs and kisses by nearly the whole class! It’s such a good feeling to be loved! :) I shared the story of Sody Sallyraytus and the students loved it. Then I taught them about alliteration. Finally, we “whizzled” the words “Sody Sallyraytus.” We created new words out of a combination of letters from “Sody Sallyraytus.” The words had to be three letters or longer. Ms. Dorsey’s class came up with 46 words!!

2-9-10 Word Whizzling with Sody Sallyraytus

2-9-10 Word Whizzling with Sody Sallyraytus

After my classes, I drew a name for the teacher basket raffle I do every year. Ann Craiggie, a paraprofessional, won the big basket filled with great goodies, including my book, The Cajun Cornbread Boy.

2-9-10 Ann Craiggie wins the teacher goody basket from Dianne

2-9-10 Ann Craiggie wins the teacher goody basket from Dianne

Tomorrow is my last day at Strehle. My uppper grades (third, fourth, and fifth) will perform for each other and the lower grades. It’s going to be so much fun! I look forward to it!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Strehle Elementary Story Fest Residency Day 8 – Monday, February 8, 2010

by Dianne on February 8, 2010

2-8-10 Saints Super Bowl Champion Spirit in the Teacher's Lounge!

2-8-10 Saints Super Bowl Champion Spirit in the Teacher's Lounge!

Friends:

Today was the 8th day of my Story Fest residency at Strehle Elementary in Avondale, Louisiana, located in the Metro New Orleans area. On Sunday, the day before, the New Orleans Saints won a historic Super Bowl XLIV championship. As a result, half of the students and many of the teachers were absent from school. Eliana, my 9 year old daughter, didn’t have school so she accompanied me and was my little assistant all day long. It was wonderful to have her help!

2-8-10 Eliana poses with Saints Quarterback and Super Bowl XLIV MVP, Drew Brees

2-8-10 Eliana poses with Saints Quarterback and Super Bowl XLIV MVP, Drew Brees

Our first class was Ms. Walker’s 5th grade class. It was definitely a skeleton crew but we rehearsed their story, “Paul Bunyan and the Great Popcorn Blizzard,” with Eliana filling in for missing storytellers. The 5th graders perform on stage on Wednesday. This has been a big week so I hope they are ready!

2-8-10 Ms. Walker's 5th grade story chorus rehearses their part in Paul Bunyan and the Great Popcorn Blizzard

Then it was on to Ms. Guidry’s third grade class. They were model students today! I love the way their story, “The Turtle Who Could Not Stop Talking,” turned out. They added a lot of flair to the story, and I can’t wait to see their performance!

2-8-10 One of Ms. Guidry's 3rd grade storytellers rehearses his part as a goose in "The Turtle Who Could Not Stop Talking"

I had my first visit with Ms. Dorsey’s second grade class. They were so excited to see me! Ms. Dorsey told them that I was her favorite author and storyteller. Awwww! I shared the story of Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach and then we explored world music with movement and scarves. What a fun time!

2-8-10 Ms. Dorsey's second grade class explore world music with scarves

2-8-10 Ms. Dorsey's second grade class explore world music with scarves

I had a great time in Ms. Champagne’s PK special ed classroom. I told the story of “Rockin Three Billy Goats” and then we danced to jazz music.

2-8-10 Dianne dancing with Ms. Champagne's PK special ed

2-8-10 Dianne dancing with Ms. Champagne's PK special ed

Then we rocked the room with the Saints’ Super Bowl song, “Party in the MIA.” Eliana danced up a storm with the students too!

2-8-10 Ms. Champagne's PK special ed dances to "Party in the MIA," a Saints Super Bowl song

Eliana had to leave her mark…

2-8-10 Eliana makes her mark - WHO DAT! Saints are the Super Bowl XLIV Champs!

2-8-10 Eliana makes her mark - WHO DAT! Saints are the Super Bowl XLIV Champs!

During lunch, I caught one of the teachers dressed in a tutu… Oh, Ms. Vega, you must have been the Saints’ fairy godmother! LOL

2-8-10 4th grade teacher, Ms. Vega, is a Saints fairy godmother!

2-8-10 4th grade teacher, Ms. Vega, is a Saints fairy godmother!

Then it was on to Ms. Avist’s first grade class. They were so excited to see me that they all ran to me for hugs. :) It was my second and final visit to their class. I told them the story of “Sody Sallyraytus” and they had a wonderful time!

2-8-10 Ms. Avist's first graders enjoy the story of Sody Sallyraytus

2-8-10 Ms. Avist's first graders enjoy the story of Sody Sallyraytus

Ms. Glass’ third grade class was my last class of the day. For the third and final time, we rehearsed their story, “Turtle and Beaver’s Race.” They did a really great job and I love the way they have shaped their story. It’s going to be a great performance.

2-8-10 Ms. Glass' third grade story chorus rehearses Turtle and Beaver's Race

2-8-10 Ms. Glass' third grade story chorus rehearses Turtle and Beaver's Race

I have two half days left at Strehle. I see three more classes tomorrow and then on Wednesday, my upper grades (third, fourth and fifth) perform. I am excited to see the final product of their hard work.

Until next time… WHO DAT!

Warmly, Dianne

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Strehle Elementary Story Fest Residency Day 7 – Friday, February 5, 2010

by Dianne on February 8, 2010

2-5-10 Ms. Glass third grade storytellers rehearse Turtle & Beaver's Race

2-5-10 Ms. Glass third grade storytellers rehearse Turtle & Beaver's Race

Friends:

Friday was my 7th day at Strehle Elementary in Avondale, Louisiana doing my Story Fest story theater residency. It was the Friday before the BIG GAME. The New Orleans Saints were playing in the Super Bowl and the whole school had team spirit!

2-5-10 It's Who Dat spirit at Strehle!

2-5-10 It's Who Dat spirit at Strehle!

My day started in Ms. Giroir’s PK classroom. It was my second visit in the class and I told the story of “Sody Sallyraytus.” Then we explored creative movement with scarves to jazz music. Fun!

2-5-10 Dianne tells Sody Sallyraytus to Ms. Giroir's PK students

2-5-10 Dianne tells Sody Sallyraytus to Ms. Giroir's PK students

Then it was on to Ms. Robinson’s PK class, right next door. They were seated and waiting quietly for me. Boy, did we have a blast! It was my second visit there too and they loved the story of “Sody Sallyraytus.” Not only did we dance with scarves, but we also second-lined around the room!

2-5-10 Ms. Robinson's PK students enjoy storytelling!

2-5-10 Ms. Robinson's PK students enjoy storytelling!

Next, it was on to Ms. Clausing’s kindergarten class. The students had fun with the story and again, loved dancing with the scarves.

2-5-10 Ms. Clausing's Kindergarteners dance with scarves

2-5-10 Ms. Clausing's Kindergarteners dance with scarves

My next class was Ms. Williams’ 5th grade homeroom but I followed the room number on my schedule and oops, I ended up in the wrong class. Fortunately, Ms. Williams’ students and I had time to rehearse their story, “The Lion and the Mouse.” It’s so cute. I can’t wait to see them perform it!

2-5-10 Ms. Williams' 5th grade storytellers all have Saints spirit!

2-5-10 Ms. Williams' 5th grade storytellers all have Saints spirit!

After lunch, I had an unexpected break so I signed books for the teachers who placed an order. Then it was on to Ms. Landry’s class. Unfortunately, Ms. Landry had to attend a meeting and the class was uncharacteristically rambunctious. I had to admonish the class several times and try to maintain order. For the first time ever, I actually sent students to detention! It broke my heart but it had to be done. I was finally able to settle them down enough to go through one rehearsal of their story. I hope they are ready on performance day.

2-5-10 Ms. Landry's 4th grade story chorus

2-5-10 Ms. Landry's 4th grade story chorus

My last class was Ms. Glass’ third grade class. They did such a wonderful job with their story, “Turtle and Beaver’s Race.” It was a pleasure to work with them. I love what they did with their story chorus.

2-5-10 Ms. Glass third grade story chorus does a great job

2-5-10 Ms. Glass third grade story chorus does a great job

At the end of the day, announcements came on. Over the speaker the office said, “We have only one announcement…” Then they played “Get Crunk,” the Saints’ touchdown song! Ms. Glass and her students began dancing. Then we all chanted, “Who Dat!” It was so much fun and a great way to end the day!!”

2-5-10 Strehle students stand up and Get Crunk! at the end of the day during afternoon announcements

2-5-10 Strehle students stand up and Get Crunk! at the end of the day during afternoon announcements

I am nearing the end of my residency. One more full day to go and then two half days. My third, fourth and fifth graders perform on Tuesday and Wednesday for each other in grade level performances and for the lower grades. Fourth grade will perform for first grade. Fifth grade will perform for second grade. Third grade will perform for PK and kindergarten. I look forward to it.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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