11-12-09 Dianne telling spooky stories to Gr. 4-8

Friends:

Today, I performed two school shows at Hynes Charter School on Gentilly Boulevard in New Orleans. It was my first school visit since I sprained my ankle last week. I arrived at the school and an army of helpers – teachers and parents helped me unload and set up my show. My first show was for grades 4-8. I performed “Haunted Louisiana” for the students and ended with the story “The Ghost of Mable Gable” from my Scared Silly Book. I had a good time with the students.

11-12-09 Dianne telling spooky stories on stool

My second show was for grades PK-3. With the help of some very deft parents, my backdrop was changed lickety-split and I performed my “Jump, Jiggle & Jam” show. This show features tons of audience participation with rhythm, rhyme and rap.

11-12-09 Dianne with helpers

I told “The Little Red Hen Makes a Pizza” and “Rockin’ Three Billy Goats.” I also sang “Peanut Butter and Jelly Jam,” an original song inspired by the classic.

11-12-09 Dianne doing Peanut Butter and Jelly Jam with helpers

The reason I was at Hynes is because of my #1 little fan, Jordyn. She and her mother, Erica, are big supporters and got me at the school. A special thank you to Sandra Roach, Jordyn’s teacher, for arranging and coordinating the visit. Sandra took care of me, even feeding me an international feast and dessert! I even had my own ice bucket filled with drinks!

11-12-09 Dianne with Jon and Jordyn

I had so much fun at Hynes. The little ones gave me a standing ovation and then rushed me after the show! I felt like Hannah Montana!

11-12-09 Dianne with Hynes Students - Precious!

Thank you, Hynes, for having me at your school! I had a fabulous time!!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Dianne on stage telling stories to 350 students - 1-16-09

Friends:

Today, I performed my “Jump, Jiggle & Jam” show at Norco K-3 Elementary for 350 students. It was literacy week and the students and teachers were dressed in their favorite character costumes. Look at this lovely ballerina…

Teacher with a great sense of humor dressed up as a Ballerina - 1-16-09

I began the show with my “Jump, Jiggle & Jam” intro song. Two helpers, Joseph (the bee) and Miranda (the teacher) came on stage to help me with the song. I told the students that Joseph and Miranda’s message was “Bee a Teacher!”

Dianne with a "Bee" and a "Teacher" - 1-16-09

My first story was “The Little Red Hen Makes a Pizza.” Kids love this rousing rendition jam-packed with fun audience participation. After that, I performed my ever-popular song, “Peanut Butter and Jelly Jam.” The kids love being grossed out. Several students helped me on stage including Captain Hook and Bad Kitty.

Dianne and helpers do "Peanut Butter and Jelly Jam" - 1-16-09

My last story was “Rockin 3 Billy Goats” and boy did we rock! I love my job because I get to have so much fun! I had a blast with the students and teachers of Norco Elementary. Thank you so much for inviting me to be a part of your literacy week! And now I leave you with one of my favorite book characters, Fancy Nancy.

Teacher dressed as Fancy Nancy - 1-16-09

Bon Jour! Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne