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

Friends:

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

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

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

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

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

2-9-10 Word Whizzling with Sody Sallyraytus

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

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

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

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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

Friends:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eliana had to leave her mark…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until next time… WHO DAT!

Warmly, Dianne

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

Friends:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

2-4-10 Mardi Gras shoe box floats in the cafeteria for judging

Friends:

Today was the sixth day of my Story Fest residency at Strehle Elementary in Avondale, Louisiana. My first class was Ms. Hoadley’s PK class. It was my first visit and the students were tickled to hear Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach. I love how they laugh when I do Madame Poulet’s voice. Then, by special request from one of the teachers’ assistants, I told my story, “Rockin Three Billy Goats.” We had a blast!

2-4-10 Ms. Hoadley's PK students participate in Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach story

My second class was Ms. Jones’ kindergarten class. It was my second visit so I told the story of “Sody Sallyraytus.” Then we danced with scarves to jazz music. The students loved it.

Ms. Jones and Ms. Brenda got their new Strehle Saints shirts and I had to have them strike a pose. Too cute!

2-4-10 Ms. Jones and Ms. Brenda pose with their new Strehle Saints Super Bowl shirts

Next, I headed to Ms. King’s kindergarten class. They were waiting for me and so excited to see me. They listened to “Sody Sallyraytus,” danced to jazz music, and even second-lined around the room to New Orleans brass band music. We had a kickin’ time!

2-4-10 Ms. King's class second lines around the room

Then it was time for Ms. Davis’ special ed PK class. I told my story, “Rockin Three Billy Goats” and the students enjoyed it. Ms. Davis told me that a couple of years ago, one of her students really took to that story from my Jump, Jiggle & Jam CD. He learned the story and could retell the whole story. She said that story has been special to her since then. It really touched my heart to hear that story. Thank you for sharing, Ms. Davis!

2-4-10 Giant student art in Ms. Davis' special ed PK class

After my storytelling, we danced to jazz music and had so much fun!

2-4-10 Dancing with Ms. Davis' PK special ed students

During my lunch, I read a stack of letters and looked at drawings from Ms. Hervey’s first grade students. They were so precious. I wish I could show you all of them but here is one of my favorites, an illustration of Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach. Wow! Thank you, Ms. Hervey’s class!

2-4-10 A student from Ms. Hervey's first grade class illustrates Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach

Don’t you just love this picture of me?!!!

2-4-10 It's Ms. Dianne!

After lunch, I went to Ms. A. Hoadley’s second grade class. They were so jazzed to see me. Ms. Hoadley and the students cheered when I walked in the class. What a feeling! It was my first visit so I told the story of Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach. Boy, did the students get into the story! They laughed so hard. At the end of the day, Ms. Hoadley delivered handmade cards. They are adorable – I will post some pics of them in tomorrow’s blog.

2-4-10 Eating a roach in Ms. Hoadley's second grade class

Ms. Hoadley and I posed for pictures in front of her SUPER BOWL SAINTS bulletin board. She is so creative. The boys decorated footballs while the girls decorated fleur de lis. What a great board!

2-4-10 Ms. Dianne and Ms. Ally Hoadley in front of her Saints Super Bowl bulletin board

Then it was on to Ms. Till’s fourth grade class. The fourth grade was split up this week with the addition of a “new” fourth grade teacher to alleviate overcrowding in the grade. They moved Ms. Vega from second grade into fourth. As a result, my fourth grade classes are all “mixed up.” Fortunately, the fourth grade teachers worked with me and let me keep the original students for each story that I assigned. Ms. Till’s “old” class was as chatty as they were last time and it was a challenge to keep the entire group on task. Still, we managed to put together a really cool story theater with a beat master, a story chorus, dancers, and a solo dancer. Combined with the storytellers, their story is really good. If they can pull it together and perform as a cohesive group, it will be a phenomenal performance.

2-4-10 Ms. Till's fourth grade class rehearses The City Mouse and the Country Mouse

My last class was Ms. Glass’ third grade class. It was my first visit with them. After eating some king cake with the students, I assigned roles for storytellers and the story chorus in the story, “Beaver and Turtle’s Race.” Then we did my Story Fest warm-up activities with them acting out roles. They loved it. We had some time at the end and the students created the rap for their story chorus. It is so cute.

2-4-10 Ms. Glass' third grade acts out the role of a school bus filled with mischievous kids

I had a great day at Strehle. Look at what Ms. Hoadley’s PK class said! Awwwww. I love y’all too! I look forward to tomorrow at Strehle.

2-4-10 Ms. Hoadley's PK students express how they feel about Ms. Dianne and her story

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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

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.

2-3-10 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1-30-20 UNO Professor of Children's Literature, Pat Austin, gives a passionate book talk

Friends:

I spent half of my Saturday at a professional development seminar hosted by the University of New Orleans (UNO) and Metairie Park Country Day School. Pat Austin, Professor of Children’s Literature at UNO, headed the program. The program began with Pat discussing this year’s ALA winners: the Newbery, the Caldecott, the Prinz, the Sibert, the Geisel, the Pura Belpre’, and the John Steptoe New Talent awards. She booktalked her favorite and not-so-favorite selections from the list. Then Pat showed us some excellent books that didn’t win awards but should have.

After Pat, the lower elementary librarian from Country Day shared how she used the Kindle with her 6th graders. It was interesting to see the school embrace and integrate new technology. The final presentation was by the high school librarian, who shared her experiences in Saudi Arabia, traveling on grant funds. It was very interesting. After a discussion of “Have the Newberys lost their way?”, it was time to eat.

1-30-10 Lunching with Librarians at Country Day's Book Update Event, including my dear friends, Ellen Miller to my left and Betty Brodtmann, to my right

We were treated to a 3 course meal of mixed greens with tomatoes and artichoke hearts, pan seared Marsala chicken, buttery Yukon gold potatoes, haricot vert, and delicious Spumoni cheesecake. Every bite was delectable. The Country Day chef, Jerome, did a phenomenal job. Thank you!

I enjoyed my morning and loved meeting new people. It’s always great to hang out with librarians because they get excited about championing books. We all have the same goal – literacy! Getting kids to read is a job we must all do together.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

1-27-10 Showing Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach book to Ms. King's Kindergarten class

Friends:

It was my third Story Fest residency day at Strehle Elementary in Avondale, Louisiana. My day began in 5th grade with Ms. Walter’s students. I really enjoyed working with this group. They totally energized my day. They cooperated, communicated and collaborated to create a wonderful story theater. Their story was “The Ant and the Grasshopper” and they were so creative, coming up with a cool rap with a beat and a colorful twist of their scarves. Even the teachers were feeling the beat!

1-27-10 Ms. Walter's 5th graders create a story chorus with scarves for the story, The Ant and the Grasshopper. Storytellers are in the background.

My second class was Ms. Guidry’s third grade class. Ms. Guidry was out of class today and her students were not on their usual best behavior. It was a challenge settling them down. I even had to send one of the students to the office for poor behavior. Still, we managed to rehearse their story, “The Turtle Who Could Not Stop Talking.” Ironically, it was the class’ talking that was the issue!

1-27-10 Ms. Guidry's 3rd grade class creates a story chorus for The Turtle Who Could Not Stop Talking

Next, it was on to kindergarten and Ms. King’s class. They loved my telling of Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach. It was so much fun. They laughed so much. I even gave the class a preview of my new book, Mama’s Bayou.

1-27-10 Being Madame Poulet for Ms. King's Kindergarten class

After kindergarten, I saw Ms. Walker’s students in 5th grade. Again, the 5th graders rocked. They were so wonderful, creating the coolest raps and motions. There was such enthusiasm in the class. Even the most reserved students in the class participated and I was so pleased with the end result. I am sooo looking forward to seeing 5th grade perform!

1-27-10 Ms. Walker's 5th grade students pop like popcorn in Paul Bunyan and the Great Popcorn Blizzard

After lunch, I looked at the wrong scheduled and accidentally went to Ms. Vega’s room. When I discovered the mistake, I had to leave to go to Ms. Hervey’s first grade class. The class and Ms. Vega were so disappointed that I was leaving! It feels so good to be loved like that!

I went to Ms. Hervey’s class and the students remembered me from kindergarten. I told Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach and the class loved it. They danced, sang, and laughed like crazy. Then, we used scarves and dance “La Morenada.”

It was on to Ms. Creecy’s fourth grade class. When I arrived in class, two of the students were so excited to show me their art. I even received an original piece of art, a frog, from these two boys. How cool is that?!

1-27-10 4th grade students in Ms. Creecy's class create beautiful art!

Then it was time to rehearse our story theater. This class did a phenomenal job creating their story chorus for “The Tortoise and the Hare.” Their chorus was so catchy that I found myself singing it the rest of the day! Great work, Ms. Creecy’s class. I am very pleased with your teamwork!

1-27-10 Ms. Creecy's 4th grade class!

Tonight, I received an email from students in Ms. Creecy’s class. They were so sweet:

“Hi, Ms. Dianne. I am in Ms. Creecy’s class, I just wanted to tell you thank you for doing those fun things you did with us. The tortoise and the hare beat sounded really good. I can’t wait to perform it! When you read this, I hope you remember me when you come back to Catherine Strehle and Ms. Creecy’s class. Warmly, Ashlyn L.”

“Hello. I am Bailee from Ms. Creecy’s class. I know you are a good storyteller. I so love your books.”

Thank you, Ashlyn and Bailee for your wonderful emails. You touched my heart and I appreciate your taking the time to send me a note. You and your classmates did a fabulous job and I am also excited about seeing your class perform “The Tortoise and the Hare.”

I ended my day in another fourth grade class, Ms. Landry’s class. They also did a great job with their story. They are performing “The Little Red Hen” and it is so cute! I love their chorus as well. They added dance moves and really rocked the chorus. Despite the fact that I had to send two students to the office, the class did some great work together. I look forward to seeing the presentation of these stories!

1-27-10 Ms. Landry's 4th graders rehearse their story chorus for The Little Red Hen

Strehle has the best teachers. I love them all! Here is Ms. Creecy and Ms. Wolf, such beauties! I love coming to Strehle. There is such a “family” atmosphere amongst the teachers, staff, and students. I love the teachers’ and staff’s attitude. They have opened their arms and welcomed me into the Strehle family. I always leave the school with a giant smile on my face.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

1-26-10 Telling Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach in Ms. Short's 1st grade class

Friends:

Today was my second day at Strehle Elementary in Avondale, Louisiana. My day began in first grade with Ms. Short’s class. Many of the students remembered me from last year and were very excited to see me. They loved hearing the story of Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach and then doing scarf activities. They were such a wonderful group of students to work with.

My second class was Ms. Giroir’s PK class. I told the story of Madame Poulet and they loved the song in the story. Ms. Giroir told me that they sang it all day and one of the boys even pretended to be Madame Poulet, the chicken in the story. They also had fun dancing with scarves to world music.

1-26-10 Ms. Giroir and her PK class dance with scarves

After PK, I went to Ms. Badeaux’s second grade class. The students were excited to see me and loved hearing Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach. It was so cute when one of the little girls laughed uncontrollably because I “sneezed” in her hair. They enjoyed dancing “La Morenada,” the dance of the butterfly. Ms. Badeaux told me that the class was learning Spanish. Through the song, they added two new words to their Spanish vocabulary (”manos” meaning “hands” and “pie” meaning “feet”).

Following second grade, I went into PK special ed. I don’t have pictures because my hands were full, literally. One of the students, Jevon, an autistic child became attached to me and wouldn’t leave my lap. Pat Runge said that it was so unusual for Jevon to respond to a “stranger” like that and that I generated a response from him they had not seen all year. Normally agitated and unresponsive, Jevon was calm and relaxed the entire time I was in the room. Another student, Shae Lynn, also gravitated to me and claimed my other arm, hanging by my side for nearly the whole time. I told “Mr. Wiggle and Mr. Waggle,” sang my song, “ABC Rock,” and sang “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.” The teachers didn’t want me to leave.

After lunch, I headed to Ms. Avist’s first grade class. I showed them my books and gave them a sneak peek of Mama’s Bayou on the Elmo. Afterward, I told Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach and they loved it. We finished with creative movement to world music. Even Ms. Avist danced! It was so much fun and a great workout too!

1-26-10 Ms. Avist's 1st grade class moves!

Next, I had Ms. Till’s fourth grade class. After discussing the “Storytelling Tool Kit” (imagination, body, face and voice) and the “Three Cs” of story theater (cooperation, communication, and collaboration), we moved into our story theater exercises. They loved the role-playing activities. Their class was assigned the story, “The Country Mouse and The City Mouse.” We didn’t have enough time to create the story chorus but will work on that during my next visit.

1-26-10 Students in Ms. Till's 4th grade class portray a football field goal scene

My last class was Ms. Johnson’s third grade class. The students were very chatty and it was challenging to settle them down long enough to move to the next activity. They processed their thoughts out loud and became so excited about the activity. I was able to assign parts for their story, “The Frog and the Ox” but unable to work on the story chorus with them. At the last minute, one of the students created a beat and a rap for the story chorus. It was like magic – just perfect! I can’t wait to see it all put together when I return to their class.

1-26-10 Students in Ms. Johnson's 3rd grade class portray a mechanic fixing his car

It was a great day but I had to rush quickly out of school. I had a literacy night event at another school – Bissonet Plaza Elementary in Metairie. Tomorrow, I see another seven classes!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

12-19-09 Telling The House that Santa Built

Friends:

I performed a holiday program for the St. Bernard Parish Library on Saturday. Because the library in Chalmette is still located in a trailer (from Katrina), the program was held in the new St. Bernard Council for Aging building. I began my program with a new story, “The House that Santa Built” and it was so cute. Then we sang “Up on the House Top” with members of the audience performing with me.

12-19-09 Performing Up on the Housetop

Then I told a new personal story called “Eliana’s Christmas Surprise,” a story about my youngest daughter and how Santa left behind evidence of his visit to our house. It is a hilarious story and the adults as well as the children were cracking up. Then I told my story, “Santa’s Stuck” with the help of reindeer from the audience.

12-19-09 The reindeer and little mouse pull Santa out of the chimney

Finally I ended with everyone singing, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” It was a fun program and I had a blast. Afterward, Eliana and I enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Community Grill with Janet Perez from the library and her beautiful 21 year old daughter, Sam. Thank you, Janet! I had a blast at the library and can’t
wait to return!

12-19-09 Janet Perez of the St. Bernard Parish Library with her daughter, Sam

12-19-09 Performing Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Ho! Ho! Ho! It’s time to go…

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne