Kids

Book Signing at A Tisket A Tasket with Kid Chef Eliana – Saturday, November 13, 2010

by Dianne on November 17, 2010

11-13-10 Dianne de Las Casas and Kid Chef Eliana signing books at A Tisket A Tasket in the French Quarter

Friends:

Kid Chef Eliana and I had a joint book signing this past weekend at A Tisket A Tasket gift shop in the French Quarter. Eliana signed her new cookbook, Eliana Cooks! and I signed my children’s books, The Gigantic Sweet Potato, Mama’s Bayou, Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach, and The Cajun Cornbread Boy.

11-13-10 Dianne de Las Casas and Kid Chef Eliana signing books

From the moment we arrived, Eliana attracted attention! We were constantly busy, passing out samples of her Devil’s Food Monster Muffins and signing books.

11-13-10 There is a big crowd for Kid Chef Eliana!

I was so impressed by the way Eliana handled herself and spoke to people about her book. She sold 30 books in two hours! She’s such a pro! :)

11-13-10 Kid Chef Eliana poses with her sign at A Tisket A Tasket

I look forward to my next book signing with the coolest kid chef around!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Halloween Trick-O-Trunk at St. Martha’s Church – Saturday, October 30, 2010

by Dianne on October 31, 2010

10-30-10 La Familia Fiesta!

Friends:

Since Halloween falls on a Sunday during a Saints Game, our church decided to hold their annual Trick-O-Trunk event on Saturday, October 30, 2010. We all got ready…

10-30-10 Dianne in full Flamenco costume

Our theme this year was “Hola from Southern Spain.”

10-30-10 Dianne and Eliana... Fiesta Flamenca!

Antonio dressed up as “El Matador,” the bullfighter.

10-30-10 La Senorita and El Matador

Trick-O-Trunk is when people park their cars in the church parking lot, decorate the trunks, and kids go trick-o-treating from trunk to trunk.

10-30-10 A groovy graveyard trunk at St. Martha's Trick-O-Trunk

There is a DJ, food, and even a haunted house!

10-30-10 A princess ballerina gets her groove on

The kids love playing spooky games. It’s a big fun fall festival.

10-30-10 Kids play the magic pumpkin

Everyone comes dressed in costume! Families get into the theme…

10-30-10 My brother's family of super heros with one villain, Joker's Harlequin Henchman

Check out this mother and her baby… So cute!

10-30-10 Mary had a little cranky lamb...

We took trips to the Wonderful World of Oz, we walked the plank, and we even traveled down the rabbit hole!

10-30-10 Alice in Wonderland and the Mad Hatter

Halloween is so full of imagination! LOL

10-30-10 A giant Woopie Cushion

The kids had fun trick-o-treating and giving away candy! Notice my spooky backdrop in the background…

10-30-10 Camrynn and Eliana pass out candy at Trick-O-Trunk

Eliana loves hanging out with her friends!

10-30-10 Zombie Cheerleader Tina, Batgirl Camrynn & Flamenca Eliana at Trick-O-Trunk

Eliana and I even met some fellow Flamenco dancers! :)

10-30-10 A whole Flamenco dancing troupe!

My brother was Batman, the Dark Knight and he had people line up to take pictures with him! Too bad we didn’t charge a fee. LOL

10-30-10 My brother, Gary, is Batman, the Dark Knight

It was a blast and everyone had a great time!!

10-30-10 A bull charges the Matador!

I love how holidays bring the generations together…

10-30-10 Nana and Eliana Bonita

Well now, it’s Halloween and this Senorita is off for more frightful festivities and the Boo Dat (Who Dat!) Saints game…

10-30-10 Dianne poses with Paw Paw Clay in the background

Adios for now… BOO DAT!

Warmly, Dianne

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The Gigantic Sweet Potato Launches at Octavia Books in New Orleans – Saturday, October 2, 2010

by Dianne on October 7, 2010

10-2-10 Marita Gentry and Dianne de Las Casas in their cute aprons

Friends:

It has been a busy couple of weeks! This past Saturday was the GIGANTIC book launch of my new book with Marita Gentry, The Gigantic Sweet Potato. We held our big party at our favorite independent bookstore in New Orleans, Octavia Books, owned by Tom Lowenberg and Judith Lafitte. The night before, we were busy baking and baking. Kid Chef Eliana and her friend, Breanne, helped make sweet potato chocolate muffins.

10-2-10 Eliana and Breanne make sweet potato chocolate muffins

Marita and I set a beautiful table full of delicious goodies: sweet potato pies, mini sweet potato pies, sweet potato chocolate muffins, and sweet potato chips.

10-2-10 The Gigantic Sweet Potato goodies table

We had such a wonderful turnout! It was a packed house. I performed the story with the kids from the audience acting out the parts of Pa Farmer, Bessie Cow, Ralphie Dog, Kitty Cat and Lily Mouse while Marita illustrated the story. It was full of fun and tons of comedy!

10-2-10 Kids from the audience help pull on the Gigantic Sweet Potato

When the story was finished, we put all of Marita’s drawings together and they formed a line of Ma Farmer, Pa Farmer and all the animals pulling on The Gigantic Sweet Potato. It was sooo cool! Marita, you ROCK!

10-2-10 When all of Marita's drawings are put together, it looks like Ma Farmer and everyone pulling the Gigantic Sweet Potato!

Afterward, it was time for party food! We served apple cider and milk with the sweet potato pies and muffins. While we were serving food, we had the kids create “Sweet Potato Pals” from our correlating book activities. http://www.storyconnection.net/activities/gsp/GSP-Potato-Pal.pdf The winner was Jon!

10-2-10 Winning Sweet Potato Pal by Jon

Then we gave away tons of prizes: gift baskets, a sweet potato pie, oven mitts, and other goodies. After that, it was time to sign books!

10-2-10 Dianne with #1 fans, Jordyn and Jon

It’s so great that Marita and I have the most wonderful little friends who come out to see us!

10-2-10 A fan hugs Marita oh so tight!

We had GIGANTIC fun at Octavia Books! Thank you to Judith Lafitte and Tom Lowenberg for welcoming us with open arms. And thank you to everyone who came out and supported us!

10-2-10 Cute girls in their Ma Farmer aprons

Reading is a TON of fun! Sweet reads!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Aloha Tales Summer Reading Program, LaSalle Parish Libraries – July 9, 2010

by Dianne on July 14, 2010

7-9-10 Eliana and Dianne dance The Little Brown Girl at the Olla Cultural Center

Friends:

Eliana and I ended our summer tour in Lasalle Parish, another of our favorite library systems. We go there every year. Andrea Book and Donna Estis have become close friends. I adore those women! Our first show was at the Olla Cultural Center. It’s a great space because it’s made for performances and it has space to accommodate a small crowd. Of course, we had a ton of fun!

7-9-10 Audience members learn to use poi balls at the Olla Cultural Center

Our last show was at the main library in Jena, Louisiana. It was great to see fans who come to our show every year. We love coming to Lasalle Parish! Besides the great people, we also love shopping at the Caboose!

7-9-10 Everyone dances the Hukilau in the show's finale, Lasalle Parish Library in Jena, Louisiana

It was another great summer in Louisiana Libraries! Eliana and I say “Mahalo!” (Thank you) and “Aloha!” (Farewell).

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Strehle Elementary Story Fest Residency Day 5 – Wednesday, February 3, 2010

by Dianne on February 3, 2010

2-3-10 Dancing to world music with Ms. Robinson's PK

2-3-10 Dancing to world music with Ms. Robinson's PK

Friends:

Today was my fifth day at Strehle Elementary in Avondale, Louisiana doing my Story Fest residency. My first class was Ms. Short’s first graders. Oh, they were such a sweet and fun group. This was my second visit and they were so excited to see me and hugged me as soon as I walked in the door. I told them the story of “Sody Sallyraytus” and they loved it. Afterwards, we danced to jazz and Mardi Gras music. We even did a second line. Ms. Short even gave me a gift when I left the class – a candied pretzel. Yum!

2-3-10 Telling Sody Sallyratus to Ms. Short's happy first graders

2-3-10 Telling Sody Sallyratus to Ms. Short's happy first graders

It was then on to Ms. Robinson’s pre-K class. The students were all waiting for me in a quiet circle. It was my first visit and I told them the story of Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach. They cracked up every time I said, “Monsieur Roooooooach.” They also loved singing and dancing with me.

2-3-11 Telling Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach to Ms. Robinson's pre-K class

2-3-10 Telling Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach to Ms. Robinson's pre-K class

My next stop was Ms. Badeaux’s second grade class. It was my second visit and again, the students were so excited to see me. They gave me a big group hug. Then I noticed all the marvelous Mardi Gras floats created from shoe boxes. So cool!

2-3-10 Mardi Gras Shoebox floats from Ms. Badeaux's second grade class

2-3-10 Mardi Gras Shoebox floats from Ms. Badeaux's second grade class

I told the story of Sody Sallyraytus and taught them about alliteration. Then we did some “word whizzling,” making new words out of a long word. We used the words “Sody Sallyraytus.” Together, we found 26 words!

2-3-10 Ms. Badeaux's second graders concentrate on creating new words out of Sody Sallyraytus

2-3-10 Ms. Badeaux's second graders concentrate on creating new words out of Sody Sallyraytus

I moved on to Ms. Walter’s 5th grade homeroom in Ms. Walker’s class. It was our third and last classroom visit and we rehearsed their story, “The Ant and the Grasshopper.” This class is so good. They really have their act together.

2-3-10 The storytellers of The Ant and the Grasshopper in Ms. Walter's 5th grade class

2-3-10 The storytellers of The Ant and the Grasshopper in Ms. Walter's 5th grade class

All the storytellers rehearsed without a script and the story chorus totally rocked. I loved watching them in action. I am so excited about seeing them perform!! They are going to be phenomenal!!

2-3-10 The story chorus of The Ant and the Grasshopper in Ms. Walter's 5th grade class

2-3-10 The story chorus of The Ant and the Grasshopper in Ms. Walter's 5th grade class

After lunch, I visited Ms. Hervey’s first grade grade class. Again, there were cool shoe box Mardi Gras floats. I love this Saints Who Dat Nation float, in honor of the Saints making it the Super Bowl. :)

2-3-10 The Who Dat Nation Shoe Box Mardi Gras float from Ms. Hervey's first grade class

2-3-10 The Who Dat Nation Shoe Box Mardi Gras float from Ms. Hervey's first grade class

It was my second visit so I told the story of “Sody Sallyraytus.” They really enjoyed the story and after the story was finished, they kept asking me to re-enact the characters. Then we danced to Mardi Gras music with scarves and second-lined around the room. It was fun.

2-3-10 Ms. Hervey's first graders open their big bear mouths and take a big bear bite in the story, Sody Sallyraytus

2-3-10 Ms. Hervey's first graders open their big bear mouths and take a big bear bite in the story, Sody Sallyraytus

Next, I visited Ms. Creecy’s 4th grade class. The students did a good job with their story, “The Tortoise and the Hare.” We did a few run-throughs and once the storytellers learn their parts, the story will be perfect. I love the story chorus with the pencil beat done by Angel. We even had other teachers stopping in to see what all the fun was about! Ms. Creacy’s class’ story chorus is so catchy! I can’t wait for performance day.

2-3-10 Ms. Creacy's 4th grade story chorus jams out in The Tortoise and the Hare

2-3-10 Ms. Creacy's 4th grade story chorus jams out in The Tortoise and the Hare

My last class was Ms. Johnson’s third grade class. The students did a nice job rehearsing their story, “The Frog and the Ox.” I love the multi-faceted parts of the story chorus. There are dancers and two “back-up” lines. They are using scarves and the result is stunning. The storytellers are learning their parts and tried hard to practice without a script today. Since this was our last rehearsal, the storytellers need to work on their lines so they can present a cohesive performance with their story chorus. Still, I love what the students have done with this story. They were fantastic!

2-3-10 Ms. Johnson's 3rd grade story chorus in formation for The Frog and the Ox

2-3-10 Ms. Johnson's 3rd grade story chorus in formation for The Frog and the Ox

Being with the students today was uplifting and wonderfully restorative, after all that I have been through the past couple of days with my dad (who is recovering now). I love my work!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Strehle Elementary Story Fest Day 4 – Thursday, January 28, 2010

by Dianne on January 28, 2010

1-28-10 Ms. Clausing's kindergarten class delights in the story, Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach!

1-28-10 Ms. Clausing's kindergarten class delights in the story, Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach!

Friends:

Today was my fourth day in residency at Strehle Elementary in Avondale, Louisiana, doing my Story Fest story theater activities. It was Pajama Day and teacher and students were dressed in the cutest jammies! My first class was a special ed Pre-K class. I told the story of “Mr. Wiggle and Mr. Waggle” and did movement with scarves to world music. They did very well, moving to the music with their scarves.

1-28-10 Working with Ms. Davis' PK Special Ed

1-28-10 Working with Ms. Davis' PK Special Ed

My next class was Ms. Jones’ kindergarten class. The kindergarteners loved the story of Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach. They were singing and dancing to the song and had a blast. Afterwards, we explored world music through scarves. It was a fun visit. I love the wonderment of the children when they are that young!

1-28-10 Telling Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach to Ms. Jones' kindergarten class

1-28-10 Telling Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach to Ms. Jones' kindergarten class

When I arrived at my next kindergarten class, Ms. Clausing’s little students were sitting on the carpet, criss cross applesauce, waiting for me. They were so quiet – until I started telling Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach. They loved Madame Poulet’s voice and antics. They laughted themselves silly. Then we danced with the scarves.

1-28-10 Ms. Clausing's kindergarten class dances La Morenada, creating butterflies, with scarves

1-28-10 Ms. Clausing's kindergarten class dances La Morenada, creating butterflies, with scarves

Next, it was on to fifth grade to see Ms. Williams’ students. The students rehearsed their story, “The Lion and the Mouse.” It took a while to figure out a beat for the story chorus, but once they did, it was great. Unfortunately, we ran out of time and were unable to rehearse the story in its entirety. Fortunately, I have another visit with their class scheduled for next week.

1-28-10 Ms. Williams' 4th grade storytellers rehears their part

1-28-10 Ms. Williams' 4th grade storytellers rehears their part

After lunch, I visited Ms. Mauer’s first grade class for the second time. As soon as I walked in, they said, “Mr. Roach” in that “roachy” sounding voice. This time, I told the story of Sody Sallyraytus and they loved it. We culminated with creative movement and dance to jazz music. Talk about a good time!

1-28-10 Ms. Mauer's class dances with scarves

1-28-10 Ms. Mauer's class dances with scarves

Then it was on to Ms. Till’s class. The class is very large and very chatty. Today, they were really into talking amongst themselves in little groups and it was a challenge to settle them down. There are some self-control issues and I had to send one of the girls outside in the hall to “check” her attitude. When we finally were able to work, the class did a good job coming up with a fun story chorus and beat for their rap. There are a lot of creative students in Ms. Till’s class; they just lack self-discipline. With a firm hand, I was able to guide them through the entire story. It still needs to be polished. Thank goodness we have another class visit before our performance. I did have some outstanding students in the class – storytellers who learned their parts by heart. There were 2 boys and a girl. I gave them a special treat: an autographed bookmark. :)

1-28-10 A student in Ms. Till's third grade tells his part of the story without his script

1-28-10 A student in Ms. Till's third grade tells his part of the story without his script

My final class of the day was Ms. Johnson’s third grade class. When I walked into the room, the students were in their seats with their scripts on their desks, ready to work. It was such a pleasure working with this group of students. The last time I went into their class, they were a little rambunctious. But this time, they were so different! They were a model class. Four of the boys told me that they worked together outside of class to create a dance for the story chorus. It was awesome and I am so excited about what this class is going to do! There is expressive storytelling, rapping, a beat, and a fully choreographed routine. While I guided the students, they really came up with all the ideas. It was a delight to end my day in Ms. Johnson’s class. To reward them for their good work, I gave them all Madame Poulet bookmarks. Thank you, Ms. Johnson’s class, for this happy grin I am wearing today! You did a phenomenal job!

1-28-10 The story chorus in Ms. Johson's 3rd grade class POPS!

1-28-10 The story chorus in Ms. Johson's 3rd grade class POPS!

I am off on Friday and Monday. I was supposed to be taking a trip to New York for a conference. Circumstances changed and I am not going. However, I am taking a professional development class on Saturday in New Orleans. I look forward to returning to Strehle. The students and staff of Strehle are so wonderful. I love working with this school!

1-28-10 Ms. Creecy's 4th graders take time for a group pajama picture

1-28-10 Ms. Creecy's 4th graders take time for a group pajama picture

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Bissonet Plaza Elementary Handmade Tales Residency Day 9 – Thursday, December 17, 2009

by Dianne on December 18, 2009

12-17-09 5th graders make string figures

12-17-09 5th graders make string figures

Friends:

Today was a big day at Bissonet Plaza Elementary. It was the 9th day of my Handmade Tales residency and my 3rd through 5th grade classes performed in a grade level Story Fest celebration. I saw all of the grades during their P.E. period. First was 5th grade. Ms. Brumfield’s class performed “The Pesky Skeeter” with string.

12-17-09 Ms. Brumfield's 5th graders perform The Pesky Skeeter with string

12-17-09 Ms. Brumfield's 5th graders perform The Pesky Skeeter with string

Then students from Mr. Joyce’s class performed the draw and tell story of “The Emperor’s Drazgon.”

12-17-09 Students from Mr. Joyce's 5th grade class perform The Emperor's Dragon

12-17-09 Students from Mr. Joyce's 5th grade class perform The Emperor's Dragon

Last but not least, Ms. McLeod’s class performed “The Magic Star,” a cut and tell tale. I was so proud of this class because my storyteller from this group told the story without a script! It was such a pleasure to teach 5th grade this year! They were such a delightful group of students. To reward their hard work, I gave all the students string and taught them the double star string figure. Yay 5th grade!

12-17-09 Ms. McLeod's 5th graders perform The Magic Star

12-17-09 Ms. McLeod's 5th graders perform The Magic Star

After a planning period break, pre-K came in. I told them the story of “The Mouse’s Wedding” and they loved the story with the little mice made of bandanas.

12-17-09 Performing The Mouse's Wedding for Pre-K

12-17-09 Performing The Mouse's Wedding for Pre-K

3rd grade was a lot of fun. They did a great job performing their stories. Ms. Fury’s class performed “The Girl Who Used Her Wits,” a cut and fold tale.

12-17-09 Students from Ms. Fury's 3rd grade class perform The Girl Who Used Her Wits

12-17-09 Students from Ms. Fury's 3rd grade class perform The Girl Who Used Her Wits

Mr. Boone’s 3rd grade class performed “Mr. Wiggle and Mr. Waggle,” a story that needs nothing more than your hands to tell the tale! Ms. Arnett’s class had two students to represent them. They told the cut and tell story of “Papa’s Teepee.” Alex, the storyteller, forgot his script and I didn’t have a copy so he told the story from memory! He did an absolutely magnificent job. I was completely impressed. It wasn’t just a couple of lines. It was the entire story!

12-17-09 Dianne with students from Ms. Arnette's 3rd grade class who performed Papa's Teepee

12-17-09 Dianne with students from Ms. Arnette's 3rd grade class who performed Papa's Teepee

Ms. Frechette’s 3rd graders performed “The Ugly Duckling” with towels. It was precious!

12-17-09 Ms. Frechette's 3rd graders perform The Ugly Duckling

12-17-09 Ms. Frechette's 3rd graders perform The Ugly Duckling

Eliana, my 9 year old daughter, came with me. She comes to Bissonet every year for one day and the students love her! She was such a big help! In fact, she took almost all the pictures I am using in this blog! She helped me with some draw and tell tales and even told stories by herself! Definitely a storyteller’s daughter! I love you, Eliana! Thank you for everything!

12-17-09 Dianne's daughter, Eliana, draws Pile It on the Pie a Mile High

12-17-09 Dianne's daughter, Eliana, draws Pile It on the Pie a Mile High

Here is Eliana telling “Mr. Wiggle & Mr. Waggle” while I demonstrate the story.

12-17-09 Eliana tells the story of Mr. Wiggle & Mr. Waggle while Dianne demonstrates

12-17-09 Eliana tells the story of Mr. Wiggle & Mr. Waggle while Dianne demonstrates

With Kindergarten through 2nd grade, I told stories including “The Mouse’s Wedding,” a handkerchief tale.

12-17-09 Performing The Mouse's Wedding for 2nd grade

12-17-09 Performing The Mouse's Wedding for 2nd grade

I even taught the 2nd graders a partner game from Singapore called “The Pearl.”

12-17-09 2nd graders learn a partner game from Singapore

12-17-09 2nd graders learn a partner game from Singapore

Unfortunately, I missed taking pictures of 4th grade because all the cameras we brought (3 of them!) either ran out of memory (from the videos we took) or ran out of battery and I didn’t have the charger! I am so sad!! :( But my 4th graders did a PHENOMENAL job, especially Ms. Morrow’s class who put their all into their performance. I was awesome!!

12-17-09 Dianne performs for kindergarten

12-17-09 Dianne performs for kindergarten

Tomorrow is my last day at Bissonet. I will be performing a holiday show for all the grades!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Bissonet Plaza Elementary Handmade Tales Residency Day 8 – Wednesday, December 16, 2009

by Dianne on December 18, 2009

12-16-09 Ms. Morales' 4th grade class turns April showers into May flowers

12-16-09 Ms. Morales' 4th grade class turns April showers into May flowers

Friends:

It was my 8th day of my Handmade Tales residency at Bissonet Plaza Elementary in Metairie, Louisiana. In the morning, I went into the teacher’s lounge and left them a big surprise. I decorated the lounge for Christmas with table runners and centerpieces. I also gave the teachers and staff a huge basket filled with gourmet coffee, syrups, tea, cocoa, chocolate, cookies and other treats. The school recently redecorated their lounge in rich colors of dark chocolate, red, and caramel. They call it “Cafe’ Bissonet.” So I themed my gift to go with their new cafe’.

12-16-09 Office staff, Donna & Tammy, with the basket of goodies Dianne made for Cafe' Bissonet

12-16-09 Office staff, Donna & Tammy, with the basket of goodies Dianne made for Cafe' Bissonet

My instructional day began in 4th grade with Ms. Morales’ class. After creating books from the story, “The King’s Advisor,” we rehearsed their story, “April Showers,” for their performance on Thursday. They did a great job. There are so many creative students in this class!

12-16-09 A student in Ms. Morales' 4th grade class with his flower from the story, April Showers

12-16-09 A student in Ms. Morales' 4th grade class with his flower from the story, April Showers

After that, I had a break and got to visit with my best friend, Author & Children’s Musician Johnette Downing, who performed for the lower grades. Johnette and I rarely see each other because of our hectic schedules so it was so nice to see her again! I love you, Johnette!

12-16-09 Dianne de Las Casas with her best friend, Johnette Downing

12-16-09 Dianne de Las Casas with her best friend, Johnette Downing

My next class was Ms. Lemoine’s 1st grade class. I told “The Stubborn Turnip” with string and they loved the story. Then we made the 6 page books from the story, “The King’s Advisor.”

12-16-09 Telling stories in Ms. Lemoine's 1st grade class

12-16-09 Telling stories in Ms. Lemoine's 1st grade class

In Ms. Vizzini’s 2nd grade class, they listened to “The Stubborn Turnip” and were awed by the trick in the string story. Afterward, we made 6 page books from a single sheet of paper. They wrote such cute little stories in their books.

12-16-09 A student in Ms. Vizzini's 2nd grade class creates a book

12-16-09 A student in Ms. Vizzini's 2nd grade class creates a book

In Mr. Boone’s 3rd grade class, we made the 6 page books after I told the story “The King’s Advisor.”

12-16-09 Instructing students in Mr. Boone's 3rd grade class

12-16-09 Instructing students in Mr. Boone's 3rd grade class

Then we rehearsed their story, “Mr. Wiggle & Mr. Waggle” for their performance on Thursday.

12-16-09 Rehearsing Mr. Wiggle & Mr. Waggle with students in Mr. Boone's 3rd grade class

12-16-09 Rehearsing Mr. Wiggle & Mr. Waggle with students in Mr. Boone's 3rd grade class

My last class was Pre-K. I told “Going on an Elf Hunt” and the story came out so cute!

12-16-09 Telling stories in Pre-K

12-16-09 Telling stories in Pre-K

Later that night, I went to the Bissonet Faculty and Staff Christmas party at Seymour’s in Harahan. I had a blast hanging out with all the teachers and staff of Bissonet! Thank you for inviting me, Nancy Morales (4th grade teacher)! You rock!

12-16-09 Paula Naugle, 4th grade teacher, and Dianne de Las Casas at the Bissonet Christmas Party

12-16-09 Paula Naugle, 4th grade teacher, and Dianne de Las Casas at the Bissonet Christmas Party

Another great day at Bissonet!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Terror on the Teche in New Iberia, LA; Saturday, October 24, 2009

by Dianne on October 25, 2009

10-24-09 Dianne, Eliana & Fan

10-24-09 Dianne, Eliana & Fan

Friends:

I had the pleasure of being the storyteller at Terror on the Teche at the Shadows on the Teche Plantation in New Iberia, Louisiana. The event was sponsored by the Iberia Parish Library. Shadows on the Teche is an old plantation with its own graveyard! The spooky tales were on the grounds of the plantation. Too cool!

10-24-09 The audience at Terror on the Teche

10-24-09 The audience at Terror on the Teche

I had a blast telling funny, spooky and creepy ghost stories. I was so excited to see my friend, Cheryl Robichaux and her little princess, Savannah. I met Cheryl’s husband and his children too. What a beautiful family! Savannah and Caroline came on stage to help me with some magic… “Bloop! I’m awesome!” (Those were the magic words that Caroline and the audience came up with. Too funny!)

10-24-09 Dianne on stage doing magic with Savannah and Caroline

10-24-09 Dianne on stage doing magic with Savannah and Caroline

Eliana, my 9 year old daughter, ran around, taking pictures. It was so dark and difficult to get really good pictures with my digital camera but here’s one of me telling a spooky story. Thank you so much, Eliana! You are wonderful and Mommy loves you!

10-24-09 Telling a spooky story

10-24-09 Telling a spooky story

It was such a fun event and I can’t wait to do it again! Here is a picture of me and Eliana with Kristy Rose and Gail Garcia with the Iberia Parish Library. Gail is the director of the library system. They are such a marvelous team and afterwards, we ate at Duffy’s, a 50s diner in New Iberia with delicious diner dishes!

10-24-09 Kristy Rose, Dianne de Las Casas, Gail Garcia & Eliana

10-24-09 Kristy Rose, Dianne de Las Casas, Gail Garcia & Eliana

Before we left the grounds, Eliana said I had to take a picture of the graveyard. And what is that spooky orb in the picture? A ghost? Who knows…

10-24-09 The Graveyard at Shadows on the Teche Plantation

10-24-09 The Graveyard at Shadows on the Teche Plantation

Eliana and I loved our brief but fun visit to New Iberia. Afterwards, I had to head back to New Orleans to catch a 6:15am flight to Chicago. Thank you to Gail, Kristy, Cheryl, Acadiana Lifestyles magazine, and everyone who came to Terror on the Teche. Have a spooktacular Halloween!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Together Time Activity: Playing Games

by Dianne on September 14, 2009

Eliana and Antonio playing Fairytale Frenzy 9-14-09

Eliana and Antonio playing Fairytale Frenzy 9-14-09

TOGETHER TIME ACTIVITY: PLAYING GAMES!
Games are a great way to bring people together. Games are also a great way to teach teamwork, discipline, cooperation, initiative, strategy, and good sportsmanship. Here some ideas.

* Organize a monthly family game night.

* Pull out favorite board games you played as a child and teach them to your children. Classics like Monopoly, Scrabble, Checkers, Chess, Sorry, Yahtzee, Life, Battleship, Chinese Checkers, Clue, and Connect Four.

* For younger kids, play simpler games like Candyland, Chutes & Ladders, Mouse Trap, and Hungry Hungry Hippo.

* Engage in hilarious games that use the body like Twister and Charades.

* Group games are tons of fun. Try Catch Phrase, Pictionary, and Balderdash.

* Check out the book Great Games by Matthew Toone. http://storyconnection.net/blog/2009/09/14/book-review-great-games-by-matthew-toone/

* Card games are great for critical thinking, strategy and thinking on your feet. Try Go Fish, Slap Jack, Gin Rummy, Old Maid, Crazy Eights, PIG or DONKEY, Battle, and Cheat!

* Outdoor group games are perfect for picnics and family get-togethers. Try Duck Duck Goose, Red Rover, Red Light Green Light, Hide and Seek, Freeze Tag and Dodge Ball. Not only are they fun – they are great exercise too!

* Moms, try playing hand games with your kids. “Down by the Riverside,” “Welcome to McDonald’s,” “Numbers,” and “Apple on a Stick” are fun ways to pass the time at the doctor’s office or any time you have to wait with your kids.

* You can also try your hand at creating your own board game or card game. In my family, we love to play a game I created called Fairytale Frenzy. You can even play Creepy Crawly Card Games based on my children’s book, Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach. http://www.storyconnection.net/?content=madamePoulet Scroll to the bottom to print out instructions and the creepy crawly cards.

* Next year, my book, Stories on Board: Creating Board Games from Favorite Tales, will be published by Libraries Unlimited. It will provide parents and teachers with a technique to turn a favorite story into a fun board game!

Note: The above commercial board games are registered trademarks of their respective companies.

There are so many great games you can play with your kids. Together time is fun and games!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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