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

5-17-10 Me with Tarsier Monkeys in Bohol, Philippines

Friends:

On Day 3 of my Bohol Tour, Zarah Gagatiga and I visited Chocolate Hills, saw the rare Tarsier Monkeys, ate on a floating restaurant on the Loboc River, and visited the second oldest church in the Philippines. First on the day-long tour, a stop near Baranguay Corella to see the Tarsier Monkeys. They are the world’s smallest primate and reside only in Southeast Asian countries such as Sumatra, Borneo and Bohol in the Philippines. They are nocturnal animals and although their eyes are big, they are nearly blind during the day. They were very calm creatures and I was able to get really close to them! Amazing!

5-17-10 Tarsier Monkeys, the world's smallest primate, in Bohol, Philippines

Next, our guide took us to Chocolate Hills in Carmen on Bohol, Philippines. On our way to the hills, we saw a sea snake in the middle of the road. Local boys had it attached to a string on a pole and were trying to get it run over. It was sport for them. The snake was long and gray with a black patter on its body. It had a very small head and flat tale. It was quite ugly in my opinion.

5-17-10 On our way to Chocolate Hills, we see a sea snake on the road

Chocolate Hills are a geologic anomaly, named not for any relation to chocolate but because of its brown color. We had to trek up 214 stone steps to reach the top viewing deck. It felt like nothing compared to the trekking and caving I did in Sagada!

5-17-10 Chocolate Hills, Bohol Philippines

The hills dot the landscape like little drops of chocolate kisses. It was quite a sight to behold.

5-17-10 Dianne and Zarah in Chocolate Hills, Bohol, Philippines

I met the cutest little girl in Chocolate Hills. Her name is Wershi.

5-17-10 Wershi, a 4 year old native from Bohol, Philippines

Following Chocolate Hills, we stopped at a Butterfly Sanctuary in Baranguay Bilar. The butterflies were so beautiful, fed by the nectar of the beautiful Lentana flower. It is a common flower in Bohol.

5-17-10 The Lentana flower in Chocolate Hills, Philippines

There were all kinds of butterflies fluttering in the garden. Some even stopped for more important things than flying…

5-17-10 Two butterflies mating at the Butterfly Sanctuary in Bilar, Bohol, Philippines

For the first time, I willingly let an insect crawl on me!!! But at least it was a gorgeous butterfly.

5-17-10 My butterfly bracelet at the Butterfly santuary in Baranguay Bilar, Bohol, Philippines

At the Butterfly Sanctuary cafe, I saw a sight that made me laugh. It definitely represents the Philippines: a juxtaposition of modern life against a backdrop of traditional ways.

5-17-10 Traditional turon next to modern pizza rolls, Bohol, Philippines

After the Butterfly Conservation Center, we drove through a lush manmade forest. For forty years, students from the local university, Holy Name, have been planting mahogany trees in Bohol, creating a stunning forest canopy that welcomes visitors and shades them from the heat.

5-17-10 A man-made forest in Bohol, Philippines

From there, we went to the Loboc River port to eat lunch on a floating restaurant. A buffet lunch is served on a floating bamboo raft pushed down the river by a boat. There was even live music on the “Floating Resto.”

5-17-10 A snapshot of another floating resto on Loboc River, Bohol, Philippines

Zarah and I sat at a table with three other people from Korea. They were so nice. We had a language barrier but we joked and laughed anyway. I love making new friends!

5-17-10 New friends from Seoul, Korea I met on the Loboc River Floating Restaurant in Bohol, Philippines

At one point in the cruise, we were treated to a performance by local people from Baranguay Gotozon. From small children to teens to old people, everyone in the community greeted us with a welcome dance. It was a part of their effort to boost tourism and give the community a way to improve their livelihoods. The singing, guitar playing, and dancing was so beautiful! They wore traditional Patadyong costumes of the Visayas. They even danced Tinikling, an intricate and difficult dance where the dancers jumped in and out of moving bamboo. I was moved to tears.

5-17-10 Children from Baranguay Gotozon on the Loboc River dance Tinikling with bamboo sticks

I loved floating on the Loboc River. It was my favorite part of the day!

5-17-10 Small waterfalls on the Loboc River, Bohol, Philippines

What really impressed me about all the tourist destinations in Bohol was not just the friendliness of the people but they had the cleanest restrooms I have ever seen in the Philippines! When you travel abroad, the “comfort room” can be a big issue. The Bohol Tourism Department put a lot of thought into this to make visitors feel as comfortable as possible.

5-17-10 A type of Sampaguita (jasmine) in Chocolate Hills, Bohol, Philippines

Our next stop was the Immaculate Conception church in Baclayon. It is the second oldest church in the Philippines. It sits on a bay with the ocean breeze blowing through this non air-conditioned church. Zarah and I toured the church and attached museum. What concerned me was preservation of the church and its artifacts. There is no temperature control and its proximity to the sea contributes to its demise.

5-17-10 A display of feast saints next the main altar in the Baclayon Church, Bohol, Philippines

But the old Catholic church is beautiful and its antiquity gives it an air of regalness.

5-17-10 Baclayon Church, the second oldest church in the Philippines, Bohol, Philippines

Our last stop on our very full day tour of Bohol was the Blood Compact Shrine at Barangay Bool, a few kilometers from Tagbilaran City. It is said to be approximate spot where Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Rajah Sikatuna made a ritual to enter a pact of friendship and end the hostilities between them. The shrine was created by the national artist Napoleon Abueva. It overlooks breathtaking Bohol Sea.

5-17-10 The Blood Compact in Bohol, Philippines

Zarah and I had an enormously full day. Bohol is an amazing island and I loved the people and its landscape.

5-17-10 Sunset on Alona Kew White Sand Beach, Bohol, Philippines

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

5-16-10 Morning on Alona Kew White Beach, Panglao Island, Bohol, Philippines

Friends:

Zarah Gagatiga (my co-author for Tales from the 7,000 Isles: Filipino Folk Stories) and I went island hopping on our second day in Bohol, Philippines. We rented a bangka boat for the day. A bangka is a canoe with a bamboo outrigger. Our bangka was also motorized.

5-16-10 The bangka boat we used to go island hopping in Bohol, Philippines

We had to leave very early: 6:00 am! First, our bangka driver, Ren Ren, took us to dolphin watch. There were so many other bangka boats out too. Despite the crowded sea, we were still able to view large schools of dolphins jumping in and out of the water.

5-16-10 Caught a dolphin jumping when we went island hopping in Bohol, Philippines

After dolphin watching, we went snorkeling on a coral barrier reef near Balicasag Island. I saw so many gorgeous fish I had never seen up close! There were clown fish, blue devil fish, angelfish, parrot fish, and other colorful sea creatures. It was like going to an aquarium. I loved swimming like a mermaid through Poseidon’s garden! After snorkeling for an hour and a half, we stopped at Balicasag Island to rest.

5-16-10 Zarah, on the right, posing with Balicasag Island jewelry merchants

The people on the island were so sweet and friendly, especially Manang Trudes, from whom I bought tons of jewelry. I taught a little island girl, Hannah, how to make a star from string.

5-16-10 I taught, Hannah, a 5 year old Balicasag Island girl, how to make a star out of string

On Balicasag, I spotted a new nipa hut. This “bahay kubo” reminded me of my mom’s island of Marinduque, where I actually stayed in one for some time. It is constructed of bamboo, rattan, and leaves of local plants such as banana and palm. It is built on stilts so that it can avoid flash floods from the sea or nearby rivers.

5-16-10 A traditional nipa hut (bahay kubo) on Balicasag Island, Bohol, Philippines

After Balicasag, we headed to a tiny island called Putod for some swimming. There I met a couple from Poland and some warm Filipinos from Dumaguete City in Negros, Visayas, Philippines.

5-16-10 I made new friends from Dumaguete City in Negros, Visayas, Philippines

While Zarah and I were swimming, I found this gorgeous starfish. I named him “Spike.” hahaha

5-16-10 I found a starfish on the small swimming island of Putod and named him Spike

After a lovely day of island hopping, Zarah and I were pooped but we ended up working beachside, writing as the waves lapped the shore. Such a wonderful life!

5-16-10 Native Bohol boys play in the sand

Night fell on the beach and I sighed with contentment…

5-16-10 The beachside restaurant lights at our resort, Alona Pyramid

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

5-15-10 View of Bohol from above as we approach to land

Friends:

On Saturday, May 15, Zarah Gagatiga, my co-author for Tales from the 7,000 Isles: Filipino Folk Stories, traveled to Bohol, an island in the Visayas region of the Philippines. The purpose of the trip was to collect stories for the book and tour parts of the Philippines I had not yet seen.

5-15-10 Zarah and I arrive at Tagbilaran Airport, Bohol, Philippines

After claiming our luggage, we headed out of the airport, where we were greeted by our driver from the resort’s car service. Nice!

5-15-10 Alona Pyramid Resort car service welcomes me to Bohol

I booked us at Alona Pyramid Resort because of their Filipiniana style beach bungalows.

Our little cottage is like an apartment. It is two stories with a living room and bathroom downstairs, and the bedroom upstairs. It has a refrigerator, cable TV, air conditioning, and free WiFi.

5-15-10 Our room at the Alona Pyramid Resort

The bungalow also has a beautiful front porch that overlooks the pool. The beach is just steps away.

5-15-10 Alona Kew White Beach, Panglao Island, Bohol, Philippines

We decided to rest and scheduled an island hopping tour for the next day so that night, we had dinner at the resort’s restaurant. They serve an array of fresh seafood every day. You pick what you want and they grill it for you.

5-15-10 The vast array of fresh seafood available for grilling at the hotel's restaurant

The beach is lovely and not crowded like Boracay. It is quiet and a good place to take a working, writing vacation. Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Pulling up the gigantic sweet potato...

Facebook “Fan of Dianne” Friday Fanfare
Keeping in Touch with Author & Award-winning Storyteller Dianne de Las Casas
September 11, 2009

Note from Dianne:
Friends, thank you so much for being a “Fan of Dianne!” I now have 421 fans. Thank you so much for your support. I <3 U!

Today is the 8th Anniversary of 9/11. Let’s all pause a moment to remember and honor those who lost their lives on this fateful day in United States History.

Each Friday, you will receive a short update (Friday Fanfare) letting you know what’s new on the Fan Page. I want “Fan of Dianne” to be a place where you can get cool ideas, interact with me, and have fun! If you REALLY love me, you can sign up for SMS updates. This means that when content is updated on “Fan of Dianne,” you will receive a text message on your phone.

I look forward to hearing from you! Laissez les bon livres rouler! Let the good books roll! -Dianne de Las Casas

What’s New?!
* Author Copies of Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach came in. The book is beautiful! Be sure to check Dianne’s calendar for book signing events!
* CONTEST! “How FANtastic are you?!” Send in a creative picture of you, your child, or your classroom with one of Dianne’s books or CDs. The winner will receive 2 copies of Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach, signed by author Dianne de Las Casas and illustrator Marita Gentry. (Marita even draws a cool picture inside the book!) Post the pics to the “Fan of Dianne” wall, send them via Facebook message or email them to Dianne at dianne@storyconnection.net. Contest ends September 30, 2009 at 11:59pm CDT.
* Dianne now has a Blog Talk Radio Show called “Together Time – Creative Ideas for Grown-ups and Kids to Spend Time… Together” on Monday nights at 10pm CDT. Even if you miss it, you can always hear it on demand on my website, http://www.storyconnection.net, on the “Fan of Dianne” page, and on iTunes for free!
* Dianne’s story “Bandana Man” from her book, Handmade Tales: Stories to Make and Take, has been making the rounds in the Philippines courtesy of Zarah Gagatiga, Storyteller and Librarian. Thank you, Zarah!
* Dianne received a new book contract from Libraries Unlimited for Tell Along Tales! Playing with Participation Stories. It will be filled with tips, techniques and tellable tales on the art of audience participation.
* Dianne saw the dummy for The Gigantic Sweet Potato, her children’s book with Pelican Publishing illustrated by Marita Gentry. It’s gorgeous! The Gigantic Sweet Potato is slated for a Fall 2010 release.

Get in the Spirit!
Tell your friends about “Fan of Dianne” and encourage them to join the party! Send this link – http://www.facebook.com/fanofdianne There is also a new fan box on Dianne’s regular Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/diannedelascasas so people can get to the fan page from there too!

Got a picture with Dianne? Or a cool picture reading one of Dianne’s books? Post it to the wall. You can post videos too!

Cheers for Dianne’s Fans:
Hip Hip Hooray! for:
* Zarah Gagatiga for spreading the joy of The Bandana Man (AKA The Handkerchief Man) throughout the Philippines
* Zarah Gagatiga, Percy Gapas, Ally Hoadley, Veronica L. C. Stevenson-Moudamane and Liz Smith Parkhurst for leaving wonderful comments on the “Fan of Dianne” wall
* Dianne’s new fans… 22 since last week! You are FANtastic!

Meet & Greet!
You can find out where Dianne is signing books by checking the calendar. Purchase a book and get a signed reading poster!

Dianne de Las Casas
Author & Award-Winning Storyteller
The Story Connection
dianne@storyconnection.net
storyconnection@gmail.com
http://www.storyconnection.net
http://www.storyconnection.net/blog
Friend me! http://www.facebook.com/diannedelascasas
Fan me! http:/www.facebook.com/fanofdianne
Follow me! http://www.twitter.com/storyconnection

Books:
Mama’s Bayou (Pelican Publishing; Spring 2010)
The Gigantic Sweet Potato (Pelican Publishing; 2010)
Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach (Pelican Publishing; Fall 2009)
Stories on Board: Creating Board Games from Favorite Tales (Libraries Unlimited; 2010)
Scared Silly: 25 Tales to Tickle and Thrill (Libraries Unlimited; Spring 2010)
The Cajun Cornbread Boy (Pelican Publishing Co., 2009) ISBN 1-58980-224-1
The Story Biz Handbook: Managing Your Storytelling Career from the Desk to the Stage (Libraries Unlimited; 2008) ISBN 978-1-59158-730-9
Tangram Tales: Story Theater using the Ancient Chinese Puzzle (Teacher Ideas Press; 2008) 978-1-59158-652-6
Handmade Tales: Stories to Make and Take (Libraries Unlimited; 2007) ISBN 978-1-59158-536-7
Kamishibai Story Theater: The Art of Picture Telling (Teacher Ideas Press; 2006) ISBN 1-59159-404-3
Story Fest: Craft Story Theater Scripts (Teacher Ideas Press; 2005) ISBN 1-59469-009-X

8-22-09 Dianne de Las Casas & Marita Gentry signing books

Friends:

After moving my 19 year old daughter, Soleil, into her dorm room at LSU (where I had to take a shower in her dorm bathroom!), we headed to Barnes & Noble Citiplace, where I had a book signing with Marita Gentry, my illustrator for The Cajun Cornbread Boy. We were part of a big event called “One Book, One Community.” Check out this big book!

8-22-09 Dianne & The Book

And here is The Book’s (ahem) backside. hahaha

8-22-09 The Book's backside

Our time began with revved-up storytelling (by me) and live illustration by Marita. It was fun and interactive. The kids AND the grown-ups had a marvelous time.

8-22-09 Dianne telling & Marita drawing

Here is a closeup of one of Marita’s uber cool drawings! Thank you to Eliana, my 9 year old daughter and resident photographer!

8-22-09 Marita's alligator

After our presentation, it was time to sign books. We had quite a crowd and sold quite a few books (there were only 7 left at the end).

8-22-09 Dianne & Marita signing books after their presentation

Marita and I have the absolute cutest fans! Look at Lila Rae!

8-22-09 Dianne de Las Casas & Lila Rae

We had a fantastic time and can’t wait until our next book signing together, which will be the book launch party of Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach at Octavia Books in New Orleans on Saturday, October 3, 2009 from 1:30-3:30pm. We hope to see you there!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Ms. Dianne tells The Gigantic Sweet Potato to Ms. Ragusa's first grade class 2-17-09

Friends:

After a four day weekend, today was my fifth day at Bissonet Plaza Elementary doing my Louisiana Story Fest residency. My day began in Ms. Ragusa’s first grade class where I told a new story, The Gigantic Sweet Potato. Then we explored Louisiana’s jazz and brass band music with scarves, movement and dancing. The class was enthusiastic and we had so much fun.

I then went to Ms. Presser’s second grade class. I always love visiting this class because they are so well-behaved, inquisitive, and are genuinely interested in learning. After telling my story, I was even able to share a little social studies lesson with the students. Afterwards, we danced to jazz music with our scarves. Those students can really get down!

Ms. Presser's second graders dance to jazz music 2-17-09

Then it was on to Ms. Johnson’s kindergarten class. We had fun with The Gigantic Sweet Potato, Pile it on the Pie (a cumulative chant with Louisiana foods), and a frog subtraction handplay. We then danced to the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and Marcia Ball.

Ms. Johnson's kindergarteners play with scarves to jazz music 2-17-09

After kindergarten, it was back upstairs to Ms. Frechette’s third grade class. Ms. Frechette was out and the class was a little unsettled. It took a while to get them to where they needed to be to rehearse. But when they did, it was wonderful.

Ms. Frechette's 3rd grade storytellers rehearse their Brer Rabbit story 2-17-09

They are performing “Brer Rabbit and the Tar Baby” and the story is going to be fabulous! I can’t wait to see it come together for performance day next week.

Ms. Frechette's 3rd grade chorus rehearses 2-17-09

After lunch, I went to Ms. Morales’ fourth grade class. Were they excited to see me! The class worked quickly and nearly effortlessly creating their chorus parts for their story, Jean Sotte – Foolish John. It was amazing. They were so good – in fact, they rocked!

Ms. Morales' 4th grade chorus rehearses 2-17-09

The 4th grade storytellers did an equally astounding job. They went through their parts quickly and worked well with the chorus. I think they are going to turn out an amazing performance.

Ms. Morales' 4th grade storytellers 2-17-09

After 4th grade, it was on to Mr. Joyce’s fifth grade class. While the class, as a whole, did a much better job than my last visit, they were still so disjointed and chatty. There are several class clowns and students who are attention-seekers. This disrupts the flow of the lesson and causes constant interruption and counseling. Once I was able to get the chorus to focus and commit to their part, they settled down a bit.

Mr. Joyce's 5th grade chorus rehearses La Petite Fourmi 2-17-09

Once the storytellers began their parts, things started to flow a little better. The storytellers were more focused than the chorus and really tried to execute their roles, working on properly pronouncing the French words in the story.

Mr. Joyce's 5th grade storytellers rehearse La Petite Fourmi 2-17-09

It will be interesting to see how this group of 5th graders performs their story next week in dress rehearsal and during the actual performance. I look forward to seeing tomorrow’s classes.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Ms. Chieffo's 2nd graders dance Zydeco 2-12-09

Friends:

I had such a good time on Day 4 of my Story Fest residency. It was a late day, with my first class starting at 9:40 am so I took advantage of the extra time and worked out for an hour at home. I came to school refreshed and ready to go! My first class was Ms. Chieffo’s 2nd grade class. They were perfect little angels – so incredibly well-behaved. They listened intently to the tale of The Cajun Cornbread Boy and followed instructions when it came time to explore Louisiana’s Cajun and Zydeco music through scarves, movement, and dance.

2nd graders play the washboard 2-12-09

After 2nd grade, I went downstairs to meet Ms. Bonnano’s kindergarten class. They were an enthusiastic, curious group of students who really enjoyed my activities. I told them the story of The Cajun Cornbread Boy and they loved it.

Ms. Dianne shows Ms. Bonnano's Kindergarteners The Cajun Cornbread Boy book 2-12-09

Ms. Bonnano (my first time meeting her) was so sweet and accommodating. Here they are dancing and passing a good time!

Ms. Bonnano's Kindergarteners dance Zydeco 2-12-09

Then it was on to Mr. Boone’s 3rd grade class. I love Mr. Boone. He is a great teacher who knows how to balance fun and discipline. I arrived a tad early so I helped Mr. Boone finish up his lesson on ABC order. It was fun to “team teach” with Mr. Boone! Afterwards, we transitioned into my activities.

Ms. Dianne walks a "dog" in Mr. Boone's 3rd grade class 2-12-09

The class had a blast with the role-playing drama activities. They did a great job.

Mother comforting jilted brides in Mr. Boone's 3rd grade class 2-12-09

The class was assigned the story rap, “Jackie Rabbit,” and I can’t wait to see Mr. Boone’s class perform it. It is going to be awesome!

After lunch, I visited Ms. Leboutillier’s preschool class. What a sweet group of students! They were ready for me as soon as I walked in! I told them the story of The Cajun Cornbread Boy and they fully participated in all the motions and songs.

Ms. Leboutillier's preschoolers listen to The Cajun Cornbread Boy 2-12-09

Then we explored Louisiana through Cajun and Zydeco music and dance. And did we dance!

Preschoolers second line around the classroom 2-12-09

My last class was Ms. Muller’s preschool class. When I arrived, they were all napping. They had been on a field trip in the morning and were zonked out completely. After unsuccessfuly trying to rouse them, we decided it was better to let them rest. Fortunately, I will be visiting their class again.

Friday and Monday were off days for me so I headed for a nice 4 day weekend! I look forward to Week 2 with my Bissonet students.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Friends:

Today, I performed my “Jump, Jiggle & Jam” program for a PK-5 elementary school in the Metro New Orleans area. I had so much fun with the students. I saw about 600 students in two assembly performances in the gym. The show is a rousing and energetic performance of favorite folktales “remixed with rhythm, rhyme, and rap.” My first story was “The Little Red Hen Makes a Pizza,” a signature story full of humor and tons of audience participation. Both groups (PK-2 and 3-5) really enjoyed it.

Following that tale, I performed my original song, “Peanut Butter and Jelly Jam.” We build a “gourmet” PB&J. The sandwich begins with traditional peanut butter and jelly. Then there’s a twist as the other ingredients are added (apples & bananas, peppers & pickles, ketchup & mustard, and finally sardines & anchovies). By the end, the kids are really grossing out and laughing at the concoction. Here are some students helping me put that interesting sandwich together.

My last story was another signature story, “Rockin’ Three Billy Goats.” Kids love the “trippity trap” chorus and my rapping “Hoogedy Boogedy Woogedy” Troll. I never get tired of telling this story because every audience’s reaction to the story makes it fresh for me.

After my upper elementary performance, I had a Q&A session. The kids asked questions such as “Is it fun to travel to other countries and learn new languages?” “Where have you traveled?” “How do you remember so many stories?” I spoke to them about the importance of reading, writing, social studies, and taking learning seriously. I told them that when they are old enough to decide what they want to do in life, they will need to know as much as they can about the world around them.

When the students were filing out, they were high-fiving me, hugging me, and asking for autographs. One little boy exclaimed, “This is my first time meeting a millionaire!” They assumed that because I travel so much, I’m rich. Hahahaha!

It was a special day at school and they had other activities going on including a visit from the NBA Hornets Bookmobile. Parents were also in attendance at my show and I sold quite a few CDs. One of the 1st grade teachers returned with three of their students, who read me fractured tales from their writing journals. Wow! They were really amazing writers!

It was such a wonderful day and they told me they would be inviting me back again next year. Yay! (Thank you, Jeanne! Your school is wonderful – I love the teachers, staff and students!) I am really blessed to be able to do what I do for a living. Who wouldn’t want to have a job where you can be silly, have fun, and inspire children and teachers all at the same time?!! Thank you to all my clients and fans for helping me achieve my mission of “Connecting Children and Learning through the Arts.”

Boys and girls, if you are reading this, remember ~ keep reaching for the stars; sky’s the limit!

When I arrived home, I had more work to do (of course). I began preparing for my last two days at my Stories on Board Residency. I am going to tell a fun version of “The Three Little Pigs” and have the students play “Pigopoly.” (I couldn’t resist.)

My nieces are coming over to help me color the boards once again. (Thank you Eliana, Camrynn & Jasmynn!)

Next week, I finish my residency and then head to Dallas for the Texas Librarian’s Association conference. Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Friends:

Today was my eighth day doing my Stories on Board Residency at a school in the Metro New Orleans, Louisiana area. Every day this week, the library has been hosting the Scholastic Bookfair. Of course, I can never get away from a book fair without spending any money. There was no shortage of top-notch books from which to choose.

My first and second classes were a bit of a challenge. I had first grade as my first class. Their teacher was out and there was a sub but the children were a bit unruly. I had to spend ten minutes at the end of class talking to them about their behavior. My second class, 2nd grade,  was also a challenge. Unfortunately, there are several students in the class that were very disruptive. I had to counsel them for ten minutes before I could begin my story. Once I began, they really enjoyed it.

Kindergarten was a delight. We had so much fun laughing and playing “The Little Red Hen’s Pizza Party” game. Their teacher, Ms. Anchissi, must wear a halo because she has the patience of a saint. She is so nurturing. I love watching her guide and counsel her students. She does it with such love.

My class before lunch is 3rd grade. I love going to Mr. Boone’s class. Mr. Boone is a fun guy and he LOVES taking pictures. Here is one of Mr. Boone with the game “Pizzalicious,” based on “The Little Red Hen Makes a Pizza.”

Since the class is right before lunch, we are always salivating over pizza – I guess it’s the power of suggestion. Here is a picture of me instructing the 3rd graders on how to create their game boards and label their game spaces.

This is “Pizzaopoly,” a “hands-on” game!

Here is “Pizzalicious,” completed. This game is going to be so much fun to play.

After lunch, I went to 4th grade. Their story was “The Ant and the Grasshopper.” There were some great game titles such as “Working for Winter”  and “The Ant Hill.” This game is called “Working for Winter,” and is still in progress.

My day ended in preschool. When I first walked in, they were all napping. It didn’t take long to rouse them when they found out the storyteller was there! I love how attentive they are when I am telling my story.

I loved ending my day in Pre-K. They are so loving and sweet. One little boy said to me, “You are the best teacher ever and you are never leaving this classroom!” Another little girl came and just planted herself in my lap, like we had known each other forever and a day.  Though my day started a little rough, my day ended in enchantment.

On Monday and Tuesday, I get to see all the classes together during their PE period. It’s going to be fun and challenging to manage a whole grade at a time but I look forward to it.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne