Literacy

Hammond Eastside Elementary Author Visit – Friday, April 1, 2011

by dlcasas on April 19, 2011

4-1-11 Dianne takes a picture with a first grade class

Friends:

On Friday, April 1, 2011, I visited Hammond Eastside Elementary, courtesy of my friend and first grade teacher, Michelle Cardaronella. Here I am performing The Gigantic Sweet Potato with students from my first show.

4-1-11 Performing The Gigantic Sweet Potato at Hammond Eastside Elementary

I saw two groups of students in different grade level seatings. I love performing Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach with the students and they had so much fun!

4-1-11 Performing Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach at Hammond Eastside Elementary

I love seeing them on the ground with their little roach legs sticking up at the end of the story. It’s hilarious!

4-1-11 Roaches on the ground in Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach story

I performed Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach with both groups and I love the expression of this third grade student, who played the part of Monsieur Roach!

4-1-11 Madame Poulet has words with Monsieur Roach

After my shows, it was time to sign books for the students. There were long lines of students waiting to have their books signed. It’s always a treat for me to interact with the students one on one during a book signing!

4-1-11 Students line up for book autographs

I made sure that all the students received bookmarks and that all the teachers received reading posters. Thank you, Michelle, for such an enjoyable visit!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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St. Mary Parish PK Tour Day 5 – Friday, March 18, 2011

by dlcasas on March 18, 2011

3-18-11 Aucoin Elementary welcomes Dianne de Las Casas in three languages - English, Spanish and Vietnamese!

Friends:

Today was the last day of my five day PK tour of St. Mary Parish Schools sponsored by the Title 1 Department of St. Mary Parish School Board. I went to Amelia, Louisiana to J.S. Aucoin Elementary. I was greeted warmly by the Aucoin Elementary principal, Mr. Joe Stadalis. Mr. Stadalis was so warm and friendly and he has an amazing rapport with his students!

3-18-11 Dianne de Las Casas & Joe Stadalis, Principal of Aucoin Elementary

I had two shows back to back and my first show was for students bussed in from Wyandotte Elementary.

3-18-11 Dancing zydeco with students from Wyandotte Elementary

My first story was Mama’s Bayou, performed with a large magnetic story board that is an enlarged page from the book. The animals are placed on the board as I sing the story. It’s so much fun to have students from the audience on stage with me. Full of audience participation, Mama’s Bayou is a great story for the PK and Kindergarten set.

3-18-11 Performing Mama's Bayou with students from Wyandotte Elementary

After performing The Cajun Cornbread Boy, we had a blast with The Gigantic Sweet Potato. A shy teacher played the part of Lily Mouse so it was fun to see her act on stage!

3-18-11 Performing The Gigantic Sweet Potato with students from Wyandotte Elementary

My second show was for students from Aucoin Elementary. Aucoin is very diverse with a large Hispanic and Vietnamese student population. I spoke Spanish and even used the few Vietnamese words I knew. I began with Mama’s Bayou and really enjoyed the students I had on stage with me (Hi Eric!).

3-18-11 Aucoin Elementary students help perform Mama's Bayou

After Mama’s Bayou, I performed The Cajun Cornbread Boy. The children really enjoy meeting Cajun Cornbread Boy and I do a little skit showing them how spicy he is (he never keeps his pan on). He’s just full of cayenne!

3-18-11 Dianne de Las Casas explains how spicy The Cajun Cornbread Boy is

My favorite part of the day was performing Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach for the Aucoin Elementary students. They were such an amazing audience!

3-18-11 Aucoin Elementary students are the best audience!

The boy who played Monsieur Roach was absolutely adorable. His name was Angel and he was so much fun!

3-18-11 Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach with Angel playing the part of the roach

All of the roaches had a great time, singing and dancing!

3-18-11 Monsieur Roach and his friends dance and have a party!

I love having all the “roaches” on stage and the best part is the story’s end, when Madame Poulet slurps up all the roaches. They lie “dead” on the floor, with their “legs” up. It’s hilarious!

3-18-11 Madame Poulet leaves behind a trail of roaches!

After my show, one of the Aucoin students gave me a picture that she drew of Madame Poulet and the roaches. Too cute!

3-18-11 A drawing of Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach and friend from a student at Aucoin Elementary

I have two very special people I need to thank for taking care of me all week long. First, thank you to Alecia Rabalais from St. Mary Parish Schools Title 1 Department, who is responsible for my visit. Alecia works so hard to serve the students and teachers of St. Mary Parish. Another thank you to Tiffany Fakier, a consultant with St. Mary Parish School Board, who works with Alecia. Both Alecia and Tiffany really spoiled me this week, helping me unload, set up and pack up my show every day. We completed 14 shows this week. Yay! I am sending both Alecia and Tiffany a virtual hug! :) Another special thank you to Mr. Moncriffe his generous support of literacy and the arts in St. Mary Parish schools.

3-18-11 Tiffany Fakier, Joe Stadalis & Alecia Rabalais

I had an amazing time in St. Mary Parish. Thank you to all the principals, teachers, staff and students of St. Mary Parish Schools for hosting my visits! I had GIGANTIC fun! Laissez les bon temps rouler. Let the good times roll!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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St. Mary Parish PK Tour Day 4 – Thursday, March 17, 2011

by dlcasas on March 18, 2011

3-17-11 Morgan City, Louisiana, home of the Shrimp & Petroleum Festival

Friends:

Today was St. Patrick’s Day and although I am not Irish (I have Welsh blood coursing through my veins), I wore my bit o’green. But I did find my lucky leprechaun at Shannon Elementary in Morgan City! :)

3-17-11 Happy St. Paddy's Day from Shannon Elementary!

My first show was a mix of PK and K students. I began with Mama’s Bayou, illustrated by Holly Stone-Barker. I love having the students become part of the show!

3-17-11 Mama's Bayou from first show at Shannon Elementary

Next, I performed The Cajun Cornbread Boy, illustrated by Marita Gentry. Cajun Cornbread Boy is such a spicy guy and he is fun to introduce to the students!

3-17-11 The Cajun Cornbread Boy at Shannon Elementary

I finished the show with a rousing performance of The Gigantic Sweet Potato, also illustrated by Marita Gentry. It’s tons of fun when everyone pulls up the gigantic sweet potato!

3-17-11 The Gigantic Sweet Potato from first show at Shannon Elementary

For my second show at Shannon Elementary, children were bussed in from a nearby school. Again, I began with Mama’s Bayou and then performed The Cajun Cornbread Boy. But by special request, I performed Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach because one of the PK teachers made the story shakers with her students and brought them to the show. Of course, I pulled volunteers from the group of students with their cool music makers to play the roaches. A cute little boy named Blaze played the part of Monsieur Roach. Adorable!

3-17-11 Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach from second show at Shannon Elementary

Alecia Rabalais was unable to accompany me today because of meetings in Lafayette but Tiffany Fakier was such a fantastic companion. She’s a take-charge, take-care-of-things person, and she has me totally spoiled. She helps me unload, set up, and pack up every day! What a wonderful woman!

3-17-11 Tiffany Fakier, a consultant with the St. Mary Parish School Board

Tiffany and I went to lunch at Castalano’s, a locally owned, family Italian restaurant. The portions are more than generous and the food was absolutely delicious! Tasty eggplant parmesan filled my tummy!

3-17-11 Eggplant Parmesan at Castalano's in Morgan City. Yum!

Tiffany and I were lucky enough to run into an old friend… Mr. Lenny Armato, Supervisor at the St. Mary Parish Schools Special Education Department. :) He’s such a sweet guy… he shared his chocolate cake with me! Thank you, Mr. Armato. You know a way to a girl’s heart!

3-17-11 Mr. Lenny Armato at Castalano's

At my second school, Maitland School, I was so excited to see one of my favorite school librarians – Ann Breaux! She is so sweet and goes out of her way to make children’s literature exciting for her students. She did some amazing displays for my books. Look at the Cajun Cornbread Boy she had made by her sister, Mary. Too cool!

3-17-11 Ann Breaux, the amazing librarian from Maitland School had her sister, Mary, create a replica of Cajun Cornbread Boy. Way to go, ladies!

Ann Breaux’s son, Jaden, created this phenomenal rendition of the Cajun Cornbread Boy out of homemade, hand-painted clay. Jaden, you are sooo creative!

3-17-11 Jaden Breaux from Maitland School created The Cajun Cornbread Boy from homemade, hand-painted clay. Awesome!

Ann Breaux also did this shoebox float for Mama’s Bayou. I love it!

3-17-11 The Maitland School Library celebrates Mama's Bayou with shoebox float

After visiting the library, it was time for the show to start. I opened with Mama’s Bayou. I just love this story time magnet board!

3-17-11 Dianne de Las Casas talks about Mama's Bayou at Maitland School

Mr. Armato said that he was going to stop by Maitland School to see Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach. He had heard that it was such a funny story and wanted to see it performed. Jaden, Ann Breaux’s son, played the part of Monsieur Roach.

3-17-11 Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach, played by Jaden Breaux from Maitland School

It was fun and hilarious, especially when the roaches get slurped up in the end…

3-17-11 Madame Poulet and the dead roaches at Maitland School in Morgan City, LA

After my shows at Maitland, my day was not over! I visited my dear friend, fellow storyteller, and Morgan City legend, Ms. Dolores Henderson. Ms. Dolores was a school librarian and has been a mentor to me for years. I cherish her friendship and feel blessed to have her in my life!

3-17-11 Dianne de Las Casas with Ms. Dolores Henderson, former school librarian and storyteller from Morgan City

Then it was off to meet my friends, the Breaux family, for dinner at the Latin Corner. Ann, Jeremy, Jaden, Shannon, Reagan, and Mary (Ann’s sister), you are an incredible family and I am honored to be your friend. Thank you for a wonderful dinner!

3-17-11 The Breaux Family

And thank you for the laughs!! LOL

3-17-11 Is that Mork and Mindy?!! Nanu, Nanu!

I am in love with the “Spirit of Morgan City.” The people of St. Mary Parish have been so fabulous and I have enjoyed every moment here!

3-17-11 The Spirit of Morgan City monument, a renowned landmark

One more day to go in St. Mary Parish!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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St. Mary Parish PK Tour Day 3 – Wednesday, March 16, 2011

by dlcasas on March 16, 2011

3-16-11 Taking pictures with students from Hattie Watts! Go Wee Jacks!

Friends:

Today was the third day of my five-day PK tour of St. Mary Parish Schools. Let me tell you something about St. Mary Parish Schools – their middle name is “Hospitality!” The minute I drove my car up to Hattie Watts Elementary, the custodian, “Pretty Girl” Steph, and the assistant principal, Charles Foulcard, helped unload my car. When I entered the auditorium, my table and microphone were ready. The principal, Niki Fryou, greeted me and welcomed me to Hattie Watts. Yes, hospitality is the “Louisiana Way,” especially in St. Mary Parish!

3-16-11 Dianne de Las Casas with Niki Fryou, Principal of Hattie Watts Elementary

My first show began with a mixed group of PK and K students or as Ms. Fryou referred to them, “almost Kindergarteners” and “almost First Graders.” I performed Mama’s Bayou with the help of audience members. They loved The Cajun Cornbread Boy and his iron skillet. I even danced with Mr. Foulcard, the assistant principal, who was “stylin’ and profilin’” with his Cajun two-step! :)

3-16-11 Charles Foulcard, Assistant Principal of Hattie Watts, dances Cajun two-step with Dianne de Las Casas

A rousing rendition of The Gigantic Sweet Potato had the kids singing and clapping. Talk about having a ball!

3-16-11 The Gigantic Sweet Potato from the first show at Hattie Watts Elementary

My second show as just as much fun with lots of wiggles and giggles from my Kindergarten audience, who were very participatory. Ms. Fryou, the principal, played the part of Lily Mouse in my story, The Gigantic Sweet Potato. She was awesome!

3-16-11 Hattie Watts' principal, Ms. Fryou, plays the mouse at the end of the line in The Gigantic Sweet Potato

I really loved it when she acted out the part of the mouse receiving the GIGANTIC sweet potato pies from Ma Farmer. Too cute!

3-16-11 Those swwet potato pies are heavy for such a little mouse!

We had special guests in the audience too. Lenny Armato, St. Mary Parish Schools Special Education Department Supervisor, and Maryanne Adams, St. Mary Parish School’s Elementary Coordinator, came by to observe the show. Thank you both for your support of literacy in St. Mary Parish Schools. The children are definitely benefiting from your generosity! Look at Mr. Armato with Cajun Cornbread Boy. I think they were destined to be friends!

3-16-11Two spicy guys together - Lenny Armato with from St. Mary Parish Schools Special Education Department with his Tabasco tie and Cajun Cornbread Boy with his cayenne pepper!

All of my shows were at Hattie Watts Elementary so I had a nice leisurely lunch from Lynn’s Hot Tamales Restaurant. I ate a yummy hot sausage sandwich and fried boudin balls. My taste buds did a happy dance!

3-26-11 Lunch from Lynn's Hot Tamales - Hot Sausage sandwich and fried boudin balls. Mmmm!

My last show was after lunch and a group from Cinderella Head Start joined us. I performed Mama’s Bayou with full audience participation. Holly Stone-Barker’s illustrations are just so amazing!

3-16-11 Dianne performs Mama's Bayou with the third group of Hattie Watts students

I taught some PK students how to dance the Cajun two-step, which is a perfect opener for the Louisiana stories I shared. The Cajun Cornbread Boy was a big hit and the students love meeting Cajun Cornbread Boy in person, even if he is a spicy guy who sometimes eschews his pan!

3-16-11 Dianne teaches PK students how to dance Zydeco

My last story, The Gigantic Sweet Potato, was hilarious because the boy who played Pa Farmer from the story was so funny and cute!

3-16-11 The third performance of The Gigantic Sweet Potato

This is Adonis, my little PK super star! Thank you for playing Pa Farmer, Adonis. (Now where are my diamonds?!!) LOL

3-16-11 Dianne with super star, Adonis, from Hattie Watts Elementary

It was a terrific visit at Hattie Watts. I couldn’t have asked for a better day. Upon my departure, Ms. Fryou, the principal, gifted me with a box of… CHOCOLATES! Luscious, dark chocolates at that! Way to endear yourself to me, Ms. Fryou. By the way, you will love my Fall 2011 book, Blue Frog: The Legend of Chocolate!

Hattie Watts Elementary, thank you so much for a wonderful visit! You totally rock! Alecia Rabalais & Tiffany Fakier, you ladies make my visit a splendid one indeed!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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St. Mary Parish PK Tour Day 2 – Tuesday, March 15, 2011

by dlcasas on March 15, 2011

3-15-11 The Gigantic Sweet Potato from second show at W.P. Foster Elementary

Friends:

Today was the second day of my PK Tour in St. Mary Parish Schools. My first two shows were at W.P. Foster Elementary in Franklin, Louisiana. When I first arrived, I was greeted by their friendly principal, Mr. Michael Payton. Ms. Renee, a PK teacher, totally took care of me, providing me with water, an easel, a microphone and anything else I needed. I began my first show with a performance of Mama’s Bayou with the help of the sweet students.

3-15-11 Mama's Bayou from first show at W.P. Foster Elementary

After a fun rendition of The Cajun Cornbread Boy, I performed The Gigantic Sweet Potato. “Heave ho! Heave ho! We’ll pull this sweet potato, just a little more to go…”

3-15-11 The Gigantic Sweet Potato from first show at W.P. Foster Elementary

After I finished my first show, I had a few minutes to refresh then it was show time again! Another fun group came in and we had the best time. I began with Mama’s Bayou, with the help of the students. Then I did The Cajun Cornbread Boy. Ooh yeah, cher!

3-15-11 The Cajun Cornbread Boy at W.P. Foster Elementary

When I performed The Gigantic Sweet Potato, my kitty cat was a precious little girl named Harlie, who was in PK3. She was soooo cute and hilariously funny! She had the audience rolling with her precocious little attitude. I totally fell in love with this child! I wanted to pack her up with me and take her home. :)

3-15-11 Harlie from PK3 with Cajun Cornbread Boy at W.P. Foster Elementary. What spicy friends!

After W.P. Foster Elementary, Alecia, Tiffany and I went to lunch at a Hot Tamale restaurant that served sandwiches and poboys. I had the hot tamales and made a mess with the juice dripping all over my dress! LOL My second school was J.A. Hernandez Elementary, also in Franklin, Louisiana. I was greeted by their wonderful principal, Ms. Sylvia Lockett. What a sweetheart! The first class to come in was Ms. Quantie Skinner’s PK class. I was so impressed because the whole class made Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach story shakers from my the book activities on my website!

3-15-11 Ms. Skinner's PK class made Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach story shakers!

This is the fabulous teacher who not only prepped her students for my visit but also had incredible control over her tiny tots. She is a third-year teacher but has the presence of a 20-year veteran! Way to go, Ms. Skinner!

3-15-11 Quantie Skinner, a fantastic PK teacher at J.A. Hernandez!

I began my show with a fun performance of Mama’s Bayou. One little girl, Tatiana, was so excited that I made up a song and a dance called “Do the Tatiana.” She helped me perform Mama’s Bayou along with fellow students.

3-15-11 Mama's Bayou with Tatiana and friends at J.A. Hernandez Elementary

I performed The Cajun Cornbread Boy and it was so much fun. The kids jumped and laughed and had a ball! But the star story of the day at J.A. Hernandez was Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach! I was so inspired by Ms. Skinner’s class that I performed the story in their honor. Boy, did we have FUN! After the show, boys were going back to class imitating Madame Poulet saying, “Monsieur Rooooooach!” Too cute!

3-15-11 Madame Poulet and roaches at J.A. Hernandez Elementary School

We were joined by Peter Pan Headstart from a local community center and the visiting students were so well-behaved. What a precious group of kids!

3-15-11 Madame Poulet and roaches at J.A. Hernandez Elementary School

I couldn’t have asked for a better day in St. Mary Parish. The weather was gorgeous and the principals, teachers, staff and students were AWESOME! I leave you with a picturesque scene, a bayou in Franklin, Louisiana.

3-15-11 A bayou with shrimp boats in Franklin, Louisiana

Thank you, Alecia Rabalais and Tiffany, for a wonderful Day 2 in beautiful St. Mary Parish, Louisiana! I can’t wait until tomorrow!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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St. Mary Parish PK Tour Day 1 – Monday, March 14, 2011

by dlcasas on March 14, 2011

3-14-11 Dianne and some sweet teachers from Raintree Elementary

Friends:

Today was the first day of my author visit tour in St. Mary Parish, visiting PK and K classes throughout the parish. My first school was Raintree Elementary and the school greeted me with such hospitality! Ms. Vee hooked me up with water, a microphone, and anything else I needed. I was ready to go! I had two shows. The first show was for PK students. They were shy at first but I finally warmed them up and we had a grand time.

3-14-11 PK Students from Raintree Elementary help with Mama's Bayou

My second show was for kindergarten and they were such a lively, participatory group. I had fun riffing with them and making jokes.

3-14-11 Kindergarten students from Raintree help with Mama's Bayou

We had a terrific time with all my stories: Mama’s Bayou, illustrated by Holly Stone-Barker, The Cajun Cornbread Boy, and The Gigantic Sweet Potato, both illustrated by Marita Gentry. Afterward, I had lunch from a local eatery called Chick’s. Talk about delicious!

3-14-11 Hot sausage po-boy from Chick's. Mmmm!

My second school was LaGrange Elementary. Again, the hospitality was superb! Everyone was so helpful and accommodating, providing me with water, an easel, a table, a microphone, and even a Diet Coke! Boy, did I have a fun group of PK and K students!

3-14-11 Greetings from LaGrange Elementary!

My first story was Mama’s Bayou and members of the audience helped with the story, including Alecia, who filled in for a faulty easel by becoming a human easel! :)

3-14-11 Dianne's hostess, Alecia Rabalais from St. Mary Parish Schools Title 1 Department

My second story was The Cajun Cornbread Boy. The students loved the story and were so responsive and participatory in the refrain, “Run, cher, run, as fast as you can. You can’t catch me, I’m full of cayenne!”

3-14-11 Dianne plays a fierce fox in The Cajun Cornbread Boy at LaGrange Elementary

My final story was The Gigantic Sweet Potato and I had a blast performing this story. The teacher who played the part of Itty Bitty Lily Mouse was ADORABLE!

3-14-11 Performing The Gigantic Sweet Potato at LaGrange Elementary

A special thank you to Mr. Michael Moncriffe, Supervisor of Federal Programs, who came to observe the last show. I am honored to be in St. Mary Parish working with the Pre-K and K cuties. They are so much fun! Another GIGANTIC thank you to Alecia Rabalais, my hostess, who is as sweet as potato pie!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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South Carolina Association of School Librarians Conference – March 10-11, 2011

by dlcasas on March 14, 2011

3-9-11 SCASL 2011 Welcome basket in my room

Friends:

I’ve had some technical difficulties with my photos from my new camera so I only have a few shots on this blog from my iPhone. Last week, on Thursday and Friday, March 10 and 11, 2011, I was a featured author and speaker at the SCASL (South Carolina Association of School Librarians) conference. I was picked up at the airport by Drucie Gullion and Angie Bardin. They were so sweet and so much fun! When I arrived at my room, a welcome basket was waiting. Very classy!

On my first day of the conference, my first workshop was “Story Safari,” a workshop about the basics of storytelling. It was hilariously fun, especially the storytelling exercise in which groups had to act out animals in dire situations such as the one below.

3-10-11 Story Safari workshop participants acting out three animals stuck inside a boat adrift at sea

At the SCASL Awards luncheon, I was amazed by the incredibly gorgeous “vases” in the middle of the tables. They were vases made out of books that were handcut to look like vases! WOW!

3-10-11 Gorgeous handmade book vase centerpiece

After taking an amazing workshop on “Handmade Books” by Susan Gaylord, it was time to sign autographs. My friend, the amazing Kitt (“Kee-yit”) Lisenby, was at the head of the line. She is such a wonderful person!

3-10-11 Dianne's autograph line

My second workshop of the day was my “Tangram Tales” workshop. I taught the workshop participants how to create Tangram sets without a pattern, how to manipulate the geometric shapes to create pictures, and how to perform a “Tangram Story Theater.” They even invented new Tangrams!

3-10-11 Gorgeous handmade book vase centerpiece

On Day 2 of the conference, I delivered a talk at the Author’s Award Luncheon on how important libraries have been in my life and ended with the story of “The King’s Advisor,” from Handmade Tales. The talented author and illustrator, Joe Kulka, was awarded the Picture Book of the Year award. What a great guy!

3-11-11 The audience at the SCASL 2011 Author Awards Luncheon

I connected with old friends (Thanks Kitt, Jed & Kristen!), made new friends (Drucie, Angie, Susan, Joe, and so many others), and had a fantastic time. Thank you SCASL for honoring me with a return visit!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Stories on Board Residency at Strehle Elementary, Avondale, LA, Day 10 – Monday, January 22, 2011

by dlcasas on January 25, 2011

1-24-11 5th graders play The Hunter's Trap by fellow students

Friends:

Today was the 10th and final day of my “Stories on Board: Creating Board Games from Favorite Tales” at Strehle Elementary in Avondale, Louisiana. It was “Gradewide Game Day” where all the students came to the cafeteria to play the games their fellow students created. The first group to come into the cafeteria first thing in the morning was 5th grade.

1-24-11 5th graders play The Troll Troubles by fellow students

The students really enjoyed playing the games and it was fun to see their reaction to the games their fellow students created. All the games were fabulous but the students had their favorites. The game that received the most acclaim was “The Three Billy Gs.”

1-24-11 The Three Billy Gs game was voted Favorite Game Overall in 5th grade

The next group to come in was 3rd grade. We had a special visitor from Jefferson Parish Public School Board: Mr. Dermady, from the Social Studies Department. He came to observe the lesson and see the students’ work. He was so enthralled by the process that he even joined the students for some fun and games!

1-24-11 Mr. Dermady from the Social Studies Department of Jefferson Parish School Board plays Makin Bacon with 3rd grade students

Again, the students were fully engaged in the Game Day, playing games created by their fellow students. I loved observing their reaction to the artwork, the game design, and the perils and triumphs of the board. The great part about this process is the success ratio. Everyone participates, everyone succeeds, and everyone has fun.

1-24-11 Six 3rd graders play Killer Foxy Loxy by fellow students

Another great element about the “Stories on Board” process is the collaborative process. The students have to work together to create their board games. One student simply cannot complete the planning, designing and coloring of the games by him/herself within the alotted time frame. It is a team effort and a team success.

1-24-11 3rd graders play The Kooky Cookie by fellow students

The last group to come to the cafeteria was 4th grade. They are a boisterous group and we had to work to settle them down. Once we passed out the board games and they started playing, they had a good time.

1-24-11 4th graders play self-created board games on Strehle Game Day

They made some really clever and inventive games. One of my personal favorites was Hen-Opoly. Reptile Road was a cleverly conceived game based on the story of “The Tortoise and the Hare.”

1-24-11 4th graders play Reptile Road, based on The Tortoise and the Hare, created by fellow students

On my last day of the residency, I always like to do something special for the teachers to show them my appreciation. I asked my mom to make pancit, a Filipino noodle dish with chicken and vegetables, similar to Chinese lo mein. I also brought two containers of macaroons for dessert. Needless to say, the teachers enjoyed the food!

1-24-11 Pancit (Filipino noodle dish) made by Dianne's mom almost gone!

I also stuffed the teacher’s in-boxes with posters from my book, The Gigantic Sweet Potato.

1-24-10 Teachers' in-boxes stuffed with The Gigantic Sweet Potato posters from Dianne de Las Casas

Last but not least, I had a bag full of goodies to raffle off to the teachers. Tina Champagne, Special Ed Teacher, was the lucky winner! Woo hoo, Tina!

1-24-11 Tina Champagne, Special Ed Teacher, wins Dianne's bag of goodies! Woo hoo!

It was a fabulous day and I loved every minute of my time at Strehle! Special thanks to Patti Waddell, Principal; Pat Runge, Special Ed Teacher and Grant Writer; and Betty Brodtmann, Librarian! Another special thank you to the Arts Council of New Orleans for providing the grant funds that made my visit possible.

1-24-11 Dianne de Las Casas with 3rd grade students on Strehle Game Day

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Stories on Board Residency at Strehle Elementary, Avondale, LA, Day 9 – Friday, January 21, 2011

by dlcasas on January 21, 2011

1-21-11 5th grade students play their game, The Troll Troubles, based on the story of The Three Billy Goats Gruff

Friends:

Today was Day 9 of my 10-day “Stories on Board: Creating Board Games from Favorite Tales” residency at Strehle Elementary School in Avondale, LA. The first class I visited was Ms. Hervey’s first grade class. Because the class was on a field trip yesterday, we have to rearrange my schedule to fit them in today. I told the story of “The Little Red Hen Makes a Pizza” and then they played the game based on the story. When I left their class, they were as quiet as can be. Great job, Ms. Hervey’s class!

1-21-11 Students in Ms. Hervey's first grade class play The Little Red Hen's Pizza Party

After Ms. Hervey’s class, I visited Ms. Giroir’s Pre-K class. The children were so excited to see me and I was bombarded with hugs from the moment I walked into the classroom. I told the story of “The Gingerbread Man” and they played the game, “The Gingerbread Jam.”

1-21-11 Students in Ms. Giroir's PK class play Gingerbread Jam

Next, I headed to fifth grade. Most of the students in this class were finished designing and coloring their boards. This particular class was assigned the story, “Little Red Riding Hood,” and they did such an amazing job with their board games! Look at this!

1-21-11 Little Red's Escape, a game created by 5th grade students, based on the story of Little Red Riding Hood

This next game is absolutely amazing. It’s called “Little Red’s Caper,” and I love the play on words and how they used Little Red’s cape as the game board. I also LOVE her adorable face! Great job on the face, Antonio!

1-21-11 Students in 5th grade play their game, Little Red's Caper, based on the story, Little Red Riding Hood

My next class was also a fifth grade class. This class was less organized than the previous class and were not as far along on their board games. They worked for most of the class plotting their spaces, outlining, and coloring their boards. They were assigned the story, “The Lion and the Mouse.” Still, many of the boards came out great although they ran out of time to play.

1-21-11 The Lion Escapes, a game created by 5th grade students, based on the story of The Lion and the Mouse

I also loved the concept of the zig zag board used in this game called “The Hunter’s Trap. It was well-executed and look like a lot of fun to play.

1-21-11 The Hunter's Trap, a game created by 5th grade students, based on the story of The Lion and the Mouse

Next, it was time to visit special ed Pre-K. We had a great time with my new book, There’s a Dragon in the Library. We made dragon roaring sounds and sang a song. It was fun and they were very responsive. I just love working with Ms. Pat, Ms. Tina, and Ms. Katie!

1-21-11 Dianne de Las Casas with Special Ed PK

My last class of the day was my final fifth grade class. The class was assigned the story, The Three Billy Goats Gruff. This class worked so well together that I had the opportunity to play a game: The Troll Troubles. We had a fantastic time and I loved seeing their games come to life!

1-21-11 5th grade students with their game, The Billy Goats Trippity Trap, based on the story of The Three Billy Goats Gruff

There was so much creativity and the students were so inventive, using both the left and right sides of their brains. I truly enjoy seeing them delight in their accomplishments. I also love seeing their reaction to other students playing and enjoying their games. It’s a terrific process and I can’t wait until Monday, when we have Gradewide Game Day for all the grades. Classes in each grade will exchange games and play each others’ games.

1-21-11 5th grade students with their game, The 3 Billy G's, based on the story of The Three Billy Goats Gruff

Monday is going to be a total blast and I can’t wait!! Fantastic job, Strehle students!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Stories on Board Residency at Strehle Elementary, Avondale, LA, Day 8 – Thursday, January 20, 2011

by dlcasas on January 21, 2011

1-20-11 Dianne de Las Casas with students from Ms. Loszczyk's first grade class

Friends:

Today was the 8th day of my “Stories on Board: Creating Board Games from Favorite Tales” residency at Strehle Elementary in Avondale, Louisiana. First and second grades went on a field trip to the Insectarium in the morning so I had a little break. My first class started in second period. I visited Ms. Jones’ Kindergarten class for the second time. I told the story of “The Little Red Hen Makes a Pizza” and the students enjoyed the rollicking rhythm of the story. Afterwards, they played the accompanying game, “The Little Red Hen’s Pizza Party.”

1-20-11 Ms. Jones' Kindergarten class plays The Little Red Hen's Pizza Party

In Ms. Royster’s third grade class, we had so much fun! The students completed their board games and were able to play. They were so excited to play the games they had created. Ms. Royster loved their collaborative work and their creativity. It was great to see their enthusiasm!

1-20-11 Students in Ms. Royster's third grade class play their game, The Ferocious Fox, board game from , based on the story of Henny Penny

My next class was PK Special Ed. Boy did we have a great time. I shared my stories, “Rockin 3 Billy Goats” and “Mama’s Bayou.” We sang songs and the kids loved it. And I did it with a child in my lap the whole time! :)

Next, it was on to Ms. Badeaux’s second grade class. They had just returned from an exciting field trip to the Insectarium. I told them the story, “The Little Red Hen Makes a Pizza.” They loved it. By Ms. Badeaux’s special request and in honor of their trip to the Insectarium, I told an excerpt of Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach (Mrs. Chicken and Mr. Roach), showing them the book. Then they began asking questions about how a book is published. I deviated from the planned lesson and embraced the “teachable moment,” sharing insider information about how a book goes from manuscript to a printed book on the shelf. They soaked up the information!

1-20-11 Ms. Badeaux's smiley second grade students!

My last class was Ms. Lojszczyk’s first grade class. It was my second and final visit to their class. We had a great time with the story, “The Little Red Hen Makes a Pizza.” Afterward, we played “The Little Red Hen’s Pizza Party. It was a slice of fun!

1-20-11 Students in Ms. Lojszczyk's first grade class play The Little Red Hen's Pizza Party

Friday is my final day in the classrooms. I can’t wait to see the 5th graders finish their board games. It’s going to be a blast!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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