10-26-09 Welcome to Dawes

Friends:

Today was my first day at Dawes School in Evanston, Illinois, where I am the storytelling/author in residence for grades K through 2. The visit was arranged by my good friend and Dawes parent, Juliet Bond, and the Dawes Librarian, Sue Jicha. Sue was such a sweetheart, facilitating my visit and making sure everything ran smoothly. Ms. Bradley, the principal, greeted me first thing in the morning, making me feel welcome at Dawes.

10-26-09 Dianne in the Dawes Library

My first class was Ms. Wilcinski’s kindergarten class. They were a sweet group of children and I had fun telling The Cajun Cornbread Boy and doing creative movement with scarves and jazz music.

10-26-09 Ms. Wilcinski's Kindergarten

Next, I went to Ms. Hamilton’s 1st grade classroom. They were sitting quietly and ready for me to start when I came in. We had a blast and the students really enjoyed the activity.

10-26-09 Ms. Hamilton's 1st grade

Then it was off to Ms. Shleker’s 2nd grade class. This group of energetic children were so participatory in my story and had a great time with the scarf activity. I found out that Ms. Shleker was involved in theater and she loved my jazz music. We had such a fun time!

10-26-09 Ms. Schleker's 2nd grade

After lunch, I visited Ms. Sovich’s 2nd grade class. Ms. Sovich is a singer and knew all the songs I played on the Jazz for Kids CD. I was so impressed. The students had a great time with the story as well as the music activity.

10-26-09 Ms. Sovich's 2nd grade

My last class was with Ms. Swanson’s 1st grade TWI (Two Way Immersion) class. the students are immersed in a Spanish language curriculum. I had the opportunity to speak some Spanish and the children were so much fun.

10-26-09 Telling a story in Ms. Swanson's TWI 1st grade

It was a wonderful first day. The teachers were so warm and welcoming and the students were very well-behaved and enthusiastic. I am totally looking forward to tomorrow!

10-26-09 Turtle Art at Dawes School

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

Ms. Lemoine's first graders have fun! 2-11-09

Friends:

It was Day 3 of my Louisiana Story Fest residency at Bissonet Plaza Elementary. Ms. Lemoine’s first grade class was my first visit. The students really enjoyed my telling of Cajun Cornbread Boy. They loved the scarf activity and had a ball. Here they are dancing to Zydeco music.

Ms. Lemoine's first graders dance Zydeco 2-11-09

Then it was upstairs to Ms. Vizzini’s second grade class. What a well-controlled group of students. They were quiet, attentive, and cooperative. They listened to me tell The Cajun Cornbread Boy, then we moved into our scarf and music activity.

Ms. Vizzini's 2nd graders dance with scarves 2-11-09

Ms. Vizzini joined us, playing the triangle in a Cajun band. You go, Ms. Vizzini!

Ms. Vizzini, 2nd grade teacher plays the triangle 2-11-09

With a couple of second graders helping me, we hauled my suitcase to Ms. Bonnano’s Kindergarten class. Ms. Bonnano had such energetic, inquisitive students who really enjoyed our activities. One little girl said, “Can you be our teacher forever?!” So cute!

Ms. Bonnano's Kindergarteners rock the Zydeco! 2-11-09

Then it was off to Ms. Massa’s third grade class. They were a wonderful group of students who really listened and participated in the activity.

Ms. Massa's third graders play women walking their dogs in Central Park 2-11-09

I had so much fun because the students really enjoyed the activities. Creativity abounded in this classroom!

Ms. Massa's third graders portray a bus full of bad students 2-11-09

After lunch, I went to Ms. Naugle’s 4th grade class. I love Ms. Naugle – she has been one of my favorite Strehle teachers for years. She is passionate about teaching and never shuns away from something new. This year, she has a technology integrated classroom – she has a website, an accessible E-board, an interactive blog, and even engages her students in video chat lesson plan exchanges with students from other schools around the country. Wow!

Ms. Naugle’s class was so excited about the activity that it was a challenge to get them to settle down between roles. But the class was bursting with creativity and I saw some exceptional work.

Ms. Naugle's 4th graders play a mother comforting her daughter, the jilted bride 2-11-09

Here are some students who worked so well in their group.

Ms. Naugle's 4th graders portray a restaurant scene 2-11-09

After 4th grade, it was time for my last class – 5th grade. When I first came into the room, they were quiet and attentive. But once we shed the structure of the classroom and moved into the drama activity, they lost self-control. It was the first time I had to terminate the scarf activity. They did get to do individual role-playing exercises but were not able to do partner work.

Ms. Brumfield's last period fifth grade class portray a boy who was caught stealing an apple from the neighbor's tree 2-11-09

I was disappointed in this bright group of 5th graders because I can see such potential in their young faces. I look forward to seeing how they will conduct themselves the next time I work with them.

That’s what teaching is about. There are joys and there are challenges. Ultimately, the joys outweigh the challenges and I love seeing the students’ faces light up when they are enjoying themselves and learning something new.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Ms. Buras' first graders explore Zydeco with scarves 2-10-09

Friends:

Today was my second day at Bissonet Plaza Elementary doing my Louisiana Story Fest residency. My day began in Ms. Buras’ first grade class. The students loved the story of The Cajun Cornbread Boy. Afterwards, we had a blast exploring Zydeco and Cajun music with scarves. Here are some students dancing Zydeco! Too cute!

Ms. Buras' first graders dance as couples to Zydeco 2-10-09

Afterwards, it was upstairs to second grade to visit Ms. Leblanc’s class. They were an attentive, fun-loving group of students. Here they are passing a good time with the music and scarves.

Ms. Leblanc's second graders dance Zydeco 2-10-09

Next, I traveled downstairs to see the Kindergarteners of Ms. Hahn’s class. We had such a great time with the scarves. Look at us in our dance circle!

Ms. Dianne dances with Ms. Hahn's Kindergarteners 2-10-09

I really enjoyed seeing Ms. Arnett’s third grade class. They loved hearing about The Cajun Cornbread Boy book. We then began preparing for story theater by doing some drama role-playing activities with the scarves.

Ms. Arnett's third graders role play a woman walking her dog in Central Park 2-10-09

Even Ms. Arnett participated! She is so cute role-playing with one of her students!

Ms. Arnett and a student portray a mother comforting her daughter, the jilted bride 2-10-09

After lunch, I headed to Ms. Morrow’s 4th grade class. What a fantastic group of students! They radiated joy and appreciation. With a teacher like Ms. Morrow, it’s no wonder! She is positive, upbeat and appreciative of my presence in her classroom.

Ms. Mrrow's 4th graders play a boy stealing an apple from a neighbor's tree 2-10-09

Here is Ms. Morrow getting in on the action with a group of her students. I love when a teacher leads by example, participating in the activity. What fun they all had! You rock, Ms. Morrow! And thank you for sharing your birthday cupcakes, Mishi! (Yes, Ms. Morales, I still love you too!)

Ms. Morrow and her 4th graders play a bus full of bad students 2-10-09

Finally, I ended my day in Ms. McLeod’s last period fifth grade class. They were a wonderful group of students to work with, at times a little chatty but they always settled down when asked. They delighted in the role-playing activities and I could see the sheer joy on their faces.

Ms. McLeod's 5th graders play a woman walking her dog in Central Park 2-10-09

I enjoyed this group of students. One of the girls said to me, “Ms. Dianne, you are so pretty!” We had to take a picture together. Thank you, sweetheart!

Ms. Dianne poses with a 5th grade student 2-10-09

I look forward to more time with my Bissonet students!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Stories on Board at Audubon Elementary - 11-3-08

Friends:

On Monday, I presented a professional development workshop at Audubon Elementary for the teachers. I forgot my digital camera but was able to take a few pictures with my phone camera.

I presented, “Stories on Board: Creating Board Games from Favorite Tales.” I showed the teachers my method of turning folktales into board games that the students create. They story-mapped, chose stories, and then worked in groups to create their board games. Finally, they played their board games and then traded games with other groups and played theirs.

A Teacher Finishing "A Cooking Chick Race" - 11-3-08

Here are P.E. teachers playing the game they created to teach health concepts based on the story of “The Tortoise and the Hare.”

PE Teachers Playing "A Healthy Pace Wins the Race" - 11-3-08

This is a group of teachers playing “Lil Red’s Tale,” based on the folktale, “The Little Red Riding Hood.”

Teachers Playing "Lil Red's Tale" - 11-3-08

This game is called “3 Pig-Opoly” based on the story of “The Three Little Pigs.

3 Pig-Opoly Game - 11-3-08

It was a fun workshop and the teachers appreciated a new technique that integrated reading, writing, and even mathematics into an engaging learning activity they could share with their children.

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