4-16-10 Dianne de Las Casas signing books at ABC-Clio Libraries Unlimited

Friends:

What a busy week it’s been! I attended the Texas Library Association Conference in San Antonio, Texas with my two illustrators, Marita Gentry and Holly Stone-Barker. My days were non-stop, running from book signing to book signing. I signed at both of my publishers, ABC-Clio Libraries Unlimited and Pelican Publishing Company. The only time I got to see the Riverwalk was from my 27th floor room balcony!

4-15-10 View from private balcony at Marriott Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas

That evening, Marita, Holly and I attended the Storytelling Swap at the Grand Hyatt. Marita and I told a 7 minute version of Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach, with her drawing the tale as I told. It was so much fun and everyone loved it. The next day, when we signed books, we had a lot of librarians come to buy the book because of our performance.

On Thursday, the girls and I hit the ground running. We signed books at Pelican Publishing during the Exhibit Hall opening from 10am-12pm. It was crazy buzy with non-stop signing for all three of us.

4-15-10 Holly Stone-Barker, Dianne de Las Casas & Marita Gentry sign books

I was lucky enough to get a picture with my good friend, Phil Bildner, a fellow author and amazing person. Phil started a non-profit called NOLATREE. He lives in NYC but takes youth to New Orleans during the summer to rebuild the 9th Ward and areas devated by Hurricane Katrina. Phil, you totally ROCK!

4-15-10 Dianne de Las Casas with Author Phil Bildner

I had a lot of librarians who came looking for me. It was a good day!

4-15-10 Dianne de Las Casas & Marita Gentry with a librarian fan

In the afternoon, I signed books with ABC-Clio Libraries Unlimited. Again, it was busy but fun because I got to see people I adore like Debby LaBoon, my author rep and Sharon Coatney, my editor. Plus, I got to see a lot of librarians I knew as well as making a lot of new connections!

4-15-10 Dianne de Las Casas with a fan at the ABC-Clio Libraries Unlimited booth

Later that evening, I went to dinner with Shannon, an editor with Libraries Unlimited, Kendall Haven, an LU author with nearly 25 LU titles, Debby LaBoon, and Sharon Coatney. We ate at a charming restaurant called Josephine Street Cafe, which had a tree growing in the middle! The food was delicious but the company was even better.

4-15-10 Shannon, Sharon & Debby from Libraries Unlimited

On Friday, Marita, Holly and I headed back to the convention center to sign more books with Pelican Publishing. At the beginning of my signing, Eric Kimmel, author extraordinaire and my friend, came to see me. I was so touched that he stopped by! Thank you, Eric. I <3 U!

4-15-10 Dianne de Las Casas & Author Eric Kimmel

I was also fortunate enough to hang out with the amazing Matthew Gollub, who is an author and phenomenal performer. On Thursday night, I went to the Doo Wop dance with Shannon from Libraries Unlimited and hung out with the two of them all night. What fun! Thanks for swapping tips with me, Matthew. You are one cool dude!

4-16-10 Author & Performer Matthew Gollub with Dianne de Las Casas

My last signing was at ABC-Clio Libraries Unlimited, where the company interviewed me for a video podcast. I’ll let you know when the video is up. After signing, I had a little while to walk the exhibit hall, find friends, and shop. I happened to catch Jenni Holm, my friend and the author of the Baby Mouse series. Her 2 year old daughter, Millie, was with her. I sat on the floor with Millie and told stories while her mom signed books. Typical! LOL But I had a ton of fun with Millie!

4-16-10 Dianne de Las Casas with Author Jennifer Holm (Baby Mouse) and her 2 year old daughter, Millie

We had to leave on Friday evening because I had a keynote and workshop to present on Saturday so I had to stop at the San Antonio airport store to buy gifts for Eliana. To my delight and surprise, I was privileged to meet Suzanne Collins, the author of The Hunger Games series. Suzanne and I were both buying “tortilla warmers.” She was so sweet that she let me pick the one I liked best. Despite all her success, she remains humble and gracious. Now, I am an even BIGGER fan! Thanks, Suzanne!

4-16-10 Author Suzanne Collins (The Hunger Games series) and Dianne de Las Casas buying tortilla warmers at the San Antonio Airport store

The Texas Library Association conference was rockin’ awesome and I had a blast. I look forward to attending next year, with several new books including There’s a Dragon in the Library, illustrated by Marita Gentry.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Valerie Byrd Fort, Dianne de Las Casas & Amanda LeBlanc, The Red Hot Mamas of SCASL 3-12-09

Friends:

I had an amazing time in Greenville, South Carolina at the 2009 South Carolina Association of School Librarians (SCASL) Conference. Valerie Byrd Fort (President), Amanda LeBlanc (Conference Coordinator), Kitt Lisenby (Past President, Betty Davis Davis (one of my hostesses), Lena Lee (one of my hostesses), and so many other media specialists made this one of the best library conferences I have ever attended. They made me feel welcome and loved!

Teacher Librarians cut "Joseph Had an Overcoat" in Handmade Tales Workshop 3-11-09

My first workshop (“Handmade Tales”) was on the morning of Wednesday, March 11, 2009 as part of the SCASL preconference. I had a great time with the librarians cutting, folding, drawing and telling Handmade Tales.

These librarians are "STARS" in my book! 3-11-09

My afternoon session was “Story Fest: Reading Comprehension through Story Theater.” It is a fun, active workshop that has the participants role-playing and dramatizing stories.

Teacher Librarians dramatize a role in my Story Fest workshop 3-11-09

Here are some more pictures of the group acting up! LOL

Teacher Librarians "act up" in Story Fest workshop. hahaha 3-11-09

It was a blast to see them let go of their inhibitions and have a great time. The workshop culminated in the librarians acting out two stories (I divided the room in half). The first group performed “Sausage Nose,” a Swedish folktale.

Teacher Librarians dramatize the story, "Sausage Nose" in Story Fest Workshop 3-11-09

The created their flavorful story choruses while the storytellers rehearsed. Then they put it all together.

"Sausage Nose" story chorus cheerleaders in Story Fest workshop 3-11-09

The second group performed “The Ant and the Grasshopper,” an Aesop fable.

Teacher Librarians dramatize the story, "The Ant and the Grasshopper," in Story Fest workshop 3-11-09

The story chorus for “The Ant and the Grasshopper” got down with their flavorful hip-hop rap.

"The Ant and the Grasshopper" story chorus in Story Fest workshop 3-11-09

On Thursday, March 12, 2009, I did two breakout sessions, “Tangram Tales,” and “Tell Along Tales.” Tangram Tales was well-received and the librarians loved combining the math of Tangrams with stories.

Teacher Librarian does a Tangram boat on her computer! 3-12-09

Here is another Tangram, the “organic” way…

A Candle Tangram in Tangram Tales workshop 3-12-09

I didn’t get any pictures from my Tell Along Tales workshop! But my room was packed to capacity. I received lots of compliments on all my workshops. I also told The Cajun Cornbread Boy at the awards luncheon and afterward, my book, The Cajun Cornbread Boy, sold out. I autographed a lot of books at this wonderful conference! It was a pleasure and an honor to do so.

Children's Book Authors Dianne de Las Casas, Phil Bidner & Dan Yaccarino have fun at dinner 3-11-09

One of the many highlights of my trip was meeting fellow children’s book authors, Phil Bidner & Dan Yaccarino. They are wonderful guys and so much fun to be around.

"Mice on Main" art installation with "Goodnight Moon" in front of Hyatt Hotel in downtown Greenville, SC 3-12-09

Here is a picture of one of my favorite people from the conference – Kitt Lisenby. Kitt (Kee-Yit) taught me how to speak South Carolinian. Add a couple of syllables to every word and draw it out. I loooooove you, Kee-yit! LOL In addition to Southern speak, I had the best Southern food like fried green tomatoes! Yum!

I can’t wait to return to SCASL. I just love those librarians! Thank you all so much for making my trip to South Carolina so special!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

3rd grade storyteller tells Three Billy Goats Gruff - 1-27-09

Friends:

Tuesday, January 27, 2009 was my last day at Strehle Elementary for my Tangram Tales residency. It was the big performance day where the upper grades performed Tangram Tales for the lower grades. The 3rd graders performed for the pre-K students, the 5th graders performed for kindergarten and the 4th graders performed for 1st and 2nd grades. Students had parts as storytellers, Tangram artists, and chorus members.

3rd grade Tangram artist creates house - 1-27-09

The third graders did a fantastic job. I had to substitutute for missing students. It was fun to see the reaction of the younger students watch the upper grades perform.

3rd grade Tangram artists creates foxes for "The Cat and the Rooster" - 1-27-09

I really enjoyed seeing the students put in their best efforts and work as a team. Ms. Guidry’s 3rd grade class rocked the room with their “Feel the Story Beat” chorus in “Tiger’s Tale, Anansi’s Stories.”

3rd grader Tyren in Ms. Guidry's class rocks a beat as the chorus performs in "Tiger's Tale, Anansi"s Stories" - 1-27-09

After 3rd grade, the 5th graders performed. For the most part, they were prepared and I loved watching the audience rock out to their stories.

5th grader Ebony tells a story - 1-27-09

A student in the audience came up to me afterwards and said, “Ms. Dianne, your 5th graders were really good!” Boy, did that make me feel great! Great job, 5th graders!

5th grader Matthew creates rainbow Tangram in "Windbird and the Sun" - 1-27-09

Then it was time for me to take a break. My 4th graders were not performing until late afternoon so I had the advantage of a long lunch. Around 12pm, the Edible Arrangement I ordered for the teachers and staff of Strehle Elementary was delivered. It was gorgeous and a big hit with everyone!

Edible Arrangements delivered to Strehle Teacher's Lounge - 1-27-09

After lunch, I headed back into the cafeteria to direct the last of the performances. 4th grade performed, and much to my delight and surprise, did a great job, even after all the challenges we faced in with them in the classroom. Ms. Johnson’s class was great, shocking all of us. They definitely get the prize for “Most Improved!”

4th graders create pot and candle in "The Hodjas's Bet" - 1-27-09

Ms. Creecy’s 4th grade class had everyone dancing to their story chorus in “The Stoncutter,” a tale from Japan.

Ms. Creecy's 4th grade class performs "The Stonecutter" - 1-27-09

I loved seeing the students reach their creative potential. It was so much fun to see them work together to create a cohesive performance piece. I received a lot of gratitude from the teachers and the students gave me so much love while I was at Strehle. One student already emailed me and said, “I love your Tangram Tales and I miss you already, Ms. Dianne!” This school has such a special place in my heart.

2nd grade teacher Allison Hoadley wins Dianne's teacher gift basket - 1-27-09

Thank you Strehle Elementary for being such a wonderful school. I definitely feel like family when I am there. You all rock! Hugs! I’ll send you a postcard from NYC!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Ms. Dianne tells story to Ms. Jones' Kindergarten class - 1-26-09

Friends:

Today was Day 9 of my 10-day Tangram residency. This was my last day for classroom visits. I saw PK through 2nd grades twice and worked with grades 3-5 for three classroom periods. It was a whirlwind visit. My first class was Ms. Jones’ Kindergarten class. I was still trying to work through a hoarse voice so it was challenging to try to communicate with this group of overly energetic students. They were so different from Friday, chit-chattering and wiggling around.

Kindergartener in Ms. Jones' class creates horse Tangram - 1-26-09

Following Ms. Jones’ class, I went next door to Ms. Robinson’s Kindergarten classroom. It was like the two kindergarten classes did a personality switch. This group was calm, collected, and cooperative. It was fun sharing my Anansi tale with them. Deriving inspiration from the story, they created the “She be the Queen Bee!” slogan for Ms. Robinson and Ms. Brenda. Of course, I had to invent Tangram crowns for the ladies. They looked terrific! Gosh I had a blast in that class today. Ms. Brenda even wore her crown to lunch later that day!

Queen Bees Ms. Robinson & Ms. Brenda wearing Tangram crowns invented by Ms. Dianne - 1-26-09

When I finished with Kindergarten, I headed to Ms. Giroir’s PK class. The students were excited to see me and I was excited to see them. They are so cute, like the girl who says, “Ms. Dianne is a special guest visitor!”

Ms. Giroir's PK class works on their Tangrams - 1-26-09

It was then on to Ms. Guidry’s 3rd grade class. When I arrived, they were presenting a school project to their class, The Mouse and the Motorcyle poster by Beverly Cleary. The posters were fantastic and I enjoyed seeing the many faces of creativity.

Student in Ms. Guidry's 3rd grade class creates "The Mouse and the Motorcycle" poster, a book by Beverly Cleary - 1-26-09

Ms. Guidry had to help me corral this normally tame group of students (it must have been the morning donuts with all that sugar). Once they organized themselves, they did a good job of rehearsing. I can’t wait to see them perform tomorrow. I hope they will all perform without their scripts. They do such a good job of working as a team when they focus.

After lunch, I went to Ms. Walker’s 5the grade class. She is good at controlling the students and they were ready for me when I walked in. The students worked very well through their last rehearsal. We finished early and they were able to hear my story, “The Ghost of Mabel Gable.”

Students in Ms. Walker's 5th grade class work together to create Brahman and Tiger Tangrams in "The Tiger, the Brahman & the Jackal," a story from India - 1-26-09

Ms. Creecy’s 4th grade class was next. We had time to run through the script twice. The students did a fantastic job. I love Nelbert’s beat.

4th grader in Ms. Creecy's class creates prince with umbrella Tangram - 1-26-09

Ms. Mauer’s 4th grade class was last. With Ms. Mauer absent, the students were difficult to settle down, even with two other adults in the room. We did not make it through the rehearsal although there were some students did a fantastic job. I hope they pull it together for the show tomorrow!

4th grade storyteller and Tangram artist work together in "Windbird and the Sun" - 1-26-09

After the last class let out, 2nd grade teacher, Ms. Hoadley, invited me to see her new bulletin board, “Wild About Tangrams.” It was so cute!

Ms. Hoadley 2nd grade bulletin board "Wild About Tangrams" - 1-26-09

Here is a closeup of one of the Tangram pictures.

Student in Ms. Hoadley's 2nd grade class - "My Tangram is a candle."

It was such a bright, positive ending to my day, seeing a young, enthusiastic teacher so excited about the Tangram Tales lesson plan that she created a bulletin board showcasing her students’ work. Yay, Ms. Hoadley’s class!

On Tuesday, January 27, 2009, it is my last day in my 10-day residency. The upper grades perform for each other, the lower grades and parents. I hope they are ready to perform without their scripts! Good luck, students! Break a leg! Make your parents, teachers, school, and community proud.

Until next time,

Happy Tales to You!

Warmly, Dianne

Ms. Jones' Kindergarten class listens intently to Ms. Dianne - 1-23-09

Friends:

Friday was a rough day at school mostly because I was working through a very hoarse voice. My cold turned into bronchitis and the drip caused terrible laryngitis. Talking to 7 classes a day doesn’t help recovery either. Still, I had fantastic classes who really understood and cooperated. My first two classes were spent in Kindergarten. They were marvelous. I sipped my herbal tea throughout my visits, which seemed to give my voice some momentum. Ms. Jones’ kindergarten class was exceptionally wonderful.

Kindergarteners in Ms. Jones' class creates bunny Tangram - 1-23-09

After kindergarten, I headed to Ms. Giroir’s pre-K class. The kids loved my story and I made it through the storytelling, allowing the students to help me carry the story. One of the students yelled out, “Ms. Dianne is a good visitor!” So cute. They worked very well with the Tangrams, including the special ed students that joined us. With guidance from the teachers, the students did great work with the Tangrams. A couple had such good spacial reasoning that they were able to form some of the Tangrams on their own, remarkable for Pre-K.

PK student in Ms. Giroir's class creates candle Tangram - 1-23-09

It was on to Ms. Guidry’s third grade class. What a delightful group of students. We had so much fun creating the story chorus. Ms. Guidry is such a fantastic involved teacher. She chimed right in, leading the chorus. I cannot wait until this class performs. They were so awesome that we finished early and I had time to tell “The Ghost of Mabel Gable,” one of my most popular spooky stories with rip-roaring humor at the end.

Storyteller and Tangram Artist in Ms. Guidry's 3rd grade class work together in rehearsal of "Tiger's Tale, Anansi's Stories" - 1-23-09

After lunch, I went to Ms. Avist’s first grade class. On my way there, a second grade student from Ms. Dorsey’s class, Justin, gave me a gift – an orange from his grandfather’s backyard. Strehle really has some delightful students. Ms. Avist’s class is a sweet bunch of students who really enjoyed my telling of “Tiger’s Tale, Anansi’s Stories.” They worked intently on their Tangrams, eager to share their creations with me.

First grader in Ms. Avist's class creates house Tangram - 1-23-09

This class made me a pile of love notes – like I said they are a sweet bunch of students! Thank you, Ms. Avist’s class!

Piles of love notes from Ms. Avist's first graders - 1-23-09

From first grade, I moved into Ms. Dorsey’s second grade class. I tell you, these students are fabulous. They cheer when I walk into the class. Of couse, Ms. Dorsey has a lot to do with it! She is such an enthusiastic teacher who shares my stories with the class all the time. They are such big fans. The class loved the story of “Tiger’s Tale, Anansi’s Stories” and invented some creative Tangrams. One of the students, a Hispanic boy named Axell, sang my story chorus in Spanish as I sang in English. It was so awesome. Then, another Vietnamese student sang the chorus in his native tongue. Soon it was a multi-lingual story and song fest. What an absolute delight! They inspired a book idea… Thank you, Ms. Dorsey’s class!

Ms. Dorsey's multi-lingual second grade class poses with Ms. Dianne - Thank you for your songs! 1-23-09

My final class of the day was Ms. Johnson’s 4th grade class. Unfortunately, this class did not go so well. Ms. Johnson forgot that I was coming to her class and had the kids lined up to play outside. The students had their balls in hand and their jackets on as I walked into the classroom. When they found out that they had to rehearse instead of play, they were like a buzzing, bouncing hornet’s nest. They were agitated and would not focus. Between Ms. Johnson, the Special Ed teacher and me – we could not get the class to settle down. I tried to talk to them and work with them but they just did not want to cooperate. Ms. Johnson was upset with the class and severely admonished them for behaving in this manner in front of a guest. Unfortunately, she suspended them from performing in the Tangram Tales Story Fest on Tuesday. I hope she reconsiders and that her class is able to perform. It was my final visit with the class and they will not have the opportunity to work with me again before Tuesday’s performance day.

Fourth Grader in Ms. Johnson's class creates horse Tangram - 1-23-09

It was hard to end the day on a less than stellar note, especially since the rest of my day had been spectacular despite my health issues. By the end of the day, I was whooped and ready to go home and relax.

Then another disaster struck. My car would not start. Fortunately, another teacher, Ms. Giroior, who was parked next to me, stayed late and was able to give me a jump. I made it home where my car died in the drive way. The good news is that it was a faulty connection to the battery causing my battery to drain. The battery is still good and my car is now in working order.

Update on my health: On Saturday, I woke up with absolutely no voice and terrible asthma. I went to the doctor (Urgent Care). I received 2 shots – antibiotics and steroids. I had a dangerous asthma flare-up that caused me difficulty breathing. I knew I needed medical attention. The doctor prescribed me antiobiotics, a steroid dose pack, and asthma meds. My voice is slowly returning but still weak and hoarse. My breathing is much better. I hope to continue to get better as I leave for New York City on Wednesday!

Gotta get to bed now!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

4th grader in Ms. Creecy's class makes a mountain Tangram - 1-22-09

Friends:

Today marked Day 7 at Strehle with my Tangram Tales residency. I began in Ms. Creecy’s 4th grade class. They were a great group. They created a fantastic rap with beats for the story chorus, with Nelbert leading on the beats. It was so much fun. Congratulations to Gavin and Chase, who performed their parts without a script. Ms. Dianne is so proud of you! Ms. Creecy’s class did a phenomenal job today! Yay!

Ms. Clausing's Kindergarteners listen to "Tiger's Tale, Anansi's Stories" - 1-22-09

From 4th grade, I went to Ms. Clausing’s kindergarten class. They were as enthusiastic as ever, participating in the story. They enjoyed manipulating the Tangrams and were more skilled since it was my second visit to their class.

I then went to my second Kindergarten class, Ms. King’s class. I told “Tiger’s Tale, Anansi’s Stories,” a tale from the West Indies. Ms. King is a delight and the kids had so much fun, rocking to my story chorus “Hey mon, hey mon. Feel the story beat! Hey mon, hey mon. Feel the story beat.” They enjoyed it so much that nearly the entire class got up to dance to the story beat!

Ms. Till’s 3rd grade class was right before lunch. They did a great job rehearsing their story, “The Cat and the Rooster,” a tale from the Ukraine. I loved the way the story chorus came together on their parts. One of the students showed me a Tangram that she invented on her own, outside of the classroom. Wow!

Diamond flower invented by 3rd grader in Ms. Till's class - 1-22-09

After lunch, I went to Ms. Walter’s 5th grade class. The students were wound up and unfortunately, one of the students had to be disciplined and sent to the office. After that, the class was great. They made it through their entire script. I love their story, “It Could Always Be Worse,” a Yiddish tale. We had so much fun with the story chorus, which the students gave their own flavor by rapping it and adding a fun beat. I can’t wait to see how their class performs on Tuesday!

After 5th grade, I went to Ms. Hoadley’s 2nd grade class. They were so much fun, really getting into the story and their Tangram creations. Ms. Hoadley was so inspired by the Tangrams that she told me she is going to create a “Wild About Tangrams” bulletin board. How cool is that?!! Thank you, Ms. Hoadley!

Ms. Dianne & Ms. Hoadley, 2nd grade teacher - 1-22-09

My last class was Ms. Lankard’s 2nd grade class. They also enjoyed the story and invented some very creative Tangrams. Check out this rocket!

2nd grader in Ms. Lankard's class invents rocket Tangram - 1-22-09

One of the highlights of my day was when Carla Short, a 1st grade teacher, delivered a sweet treat to me… homemade pralines!! Mmm. Mmm. Mmm! They were so delicious – the best I have ever tasted. Ms. Short, did I ever tell you that you are sweeter than pralines?!!

Carla Short, 1st grade teacher & Dianne - 1-22-09

Then, Ms. Pat, a pre-K teacher and the coordinator of the arts grant that brought me to Strehle, showed me some extension lessons that one of the teachers had done with her students. 1st grade teacher, Ms. Hervey, had her students trace their Tangram shapes and color them, creating gorgeous Tangram pictures.

1st grade Tangram bunny - 1-22-09

Thank you, Ms. Hervey! What a wonderful job your students did!

Another great day at a great school!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Ms. Mauer's 4th graders rehearse their story - 1-21-09

Friends:

6th day at Strehle began in 4th grade. Sometimes, this chatty bunch is sometimes hard to settle down and this group was no exception. It took a while to organize the class and solicit their input for the creation of the story chorus. They were a challenge and we did not make it all the way through rehearsing the entire script.

After 4th grade, it was a refreshing change to walk into a Kindergarten class where the teacher excitedly yells, “She’s here! Ms. Dianne is here!” The students were quiet, cooperative and full of enthusiasm. I had so much fun with them.

Ms. Clausing's Kindergarteners listen intently to "The Old Woman and Her Pig" - 1-21-09

After the story, they went back to their tables to work with Tangrams. Here is Taylor, proud of her candle Tangram.

Proud Kindergartener Taylor creates candle Tangram - 1-21-09

Check out these gorgeous girls!

Kindergarten Cuties - 1-21-09

After Kindergarten, it was on to Ms. Landry’s 3rd grade class. They did such a phenomenal job rehearsing their story, “The Three Billy Goats Gruff,” that they received a special treat from me – me telling the story, “The Ghost of Mabel Gable.” They absolutely loved it.

3rd grader makes mountain Tangram in "Three Billy Goats Gruff" story - 1-21-09

Great job, Ms. Landry’s class! Ms. Dianne is proud of you! Woo hoo!

It was on to another 3rd grade class, Ms. Glass’ class. It took a little while to get the students organized but we made it through the whole script and there were some very wonderful moments in the class – students helping other students, students learning their parts without the script, and students just doing their best. My last visit was quite challenging but today, these 3rd graders really worked hard. I gave them 20 minutes of my lunchtime to finish rehearsal of their story, “The Mitten.”

3rd grader creates Mouse Tangram in "The Mitten" - 1-21-09

After lunch, it was on to 5th grade. Ms. Walters was out and a sub was in the room. The students were loud and unsettled when I walked in. The sub had no idea about my visit and it seemed to fluster her. Because so much time was spent trying to corral the students, we did not finish our rehearsal and it was my last visit with the students.

5th grader Ebony creates fire Tangram - 1-21-09

Of course, not everyone in the class was uncooperative. I had several 5th grade students who listened, followed directions, and showed personal responsibility. One of the students was a bright light in my day. Chastity, a pretty fifth grade girl, made me two pieces of art. One of them was a picture of a paddlewheel boat – it was partially airbrushed, inked and glittered. Just gorgeous! She gave it to me to remember the students at Strehle. I was so touched. Here I am with phenomenal Chastity.

5th grader Chastity gives Ms. Dianne a gorgeous piece of art - 1-21-09

After 5th grade, I headed to Ms. Dorsey’s 2nd grade classroom. What a delightful group of students. It was my first visit but the students were prepped. Ms. Dorsey plays my CDs for the students all the time. It was such a pleasure to walk into her classroom. The students participated enthusiastically in my story, “The Old Woman and Her Pig.” It was so much fun. Ms. Dorsey is one of those teachers I wish I had in elementary school! She makes learning a joy. Thank you, Ms. Dorsey!

Ms. Dorsey's 2nd graders listen to "The Old Woman and Her Pig" - 1-21-09

I finished my day in Ms. Johnson’s 4th grade class. It was hard to contain these students – so many of them just talk out of turn, walk around aimlessly, and do not pay attention. I felt like I was trying to keep popcorn from popping. The students were so wound up. I finally had to have a talk with them. I told them that the next time I visited their classroom, I “Expect excellence. No excuses.” My camera battery died in Ms. Dorsey’s class so I was unable to take pictures. I hope that this group of students settles down when they move to the next grade. I enjoy being around Ms. Johnson. She is wonderful. I just wish the students would appreciate the caliber of teacher they have.

Today was a mixed day. Partly cloudy with bursts of sunshine. Through it all, the gray clouds as well as the sunshine, I believe that my work has merit. Even when I face a challenging group of students, I know they are gleaning something from the lesson, even if they don’t yet understand it. Planting a garden takes time. Not all flowers bloom at the same rate. Some take longer than others. But you have to keep nurturing and cultivating. So I continue to “water my garden” and hope that the seeds I plant today will blossom and flourish tomorrow.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

4th graders working on Tangrams - 1-20-09

Friends:

On Tuesday, I left my camera in a first grade classroom so when I went home, I was unable to blog! So here I am catching up.

My 5th day at Strehle began in 4th grade. The students enjoyed their introduction to Tangrams and loved creating the Tangram pictures. After 4th grade, it was time to visit two Pre-K classes.

Pre-K working on Tangrams - 1-20-09

They were a sweet bunch, working intently on their Tangrams. In Pre-K, the object of of Tangrams is definitely process and not product. Tangrams are a great way for early childhood students to develop spatial reasoning as well as become familiar with shapes. When related to a story, Tangrams have a more significant impact for the students.

The period just before lunch was spent in Ms. Guidry’s 3rd grade class. It was my first visit to the class and Ms. Guidry prepped the students and had them excited to see me.

Ms. Guidry, 3rd grade teacher - 1-20-09

It was nearly time for the Presidential Inauguration – Barack Obama’s swearing in and the Inaugural speech. Ms. Guidry and I explained the significance of the moment the the students were phenomenal as we watched history on TV. They worked quietly on their Tangrams as we watched the Inauguration.

3rd Grader works on Boat Tangram - 1-20-09

Ms. Guidry’s class, you were fantastic! Ms. Dianne is so proud of you!

After lunch, it was time to head to Ms. Badeaux’s 2nd grade class. The students were quite antsy and, for the first time, I had to administer discipline, sending two students to sit with their teacher at the back of the room for being disruptive. After that, they settled down and worked on their Tangrams.

Following Ms. Badeaux’s class, I headed to Ms. Hoadley’s 2nd grade classroom. They loved working with the Tangrams and there was an enormous amount of creativity with this class.

Ms. Hoadley's 2nd graders work on Tangrams

This Tangram was created by one of Ms. Hoadley’s students. It is a small birthday cake with a candle in it. Very inventive!

2nd grader invents birthday cake with candle Tangram - 1-20-09

My day ended in Ms. Short’s first grade class. They loved having me in the class. Their exuberance was contagious and we had such a good time when I was telling an Anansi story.

Dianne tells Anansi story to Ms. Short's 1st grade class - 1-20-09

These first graders are inquisitive and inventive. Look at this wonderful Tangram creation – a rocket soaring to the moon.

1st grader invents rocket going to the moon Tangram

Ms. Short is one of those teachers whose passion for teaching reaches her students and translates into enthusiasm and the students’ genuine appreciation of the learning process. It is a joy to be in a classroom where learning is fun. Ms. Short surprised me on my birthday with a big king cake so I decided to surprise her and her class as well. I presented them with an autographed copy of The Cajun Cornbread Boy. Ms. Short was so ecstatic that she was jumping up and down. I wish I could have caught that on camera!

Thank you boys and girls for another great day at Strehle!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Dianne's Birthday Breakfast - 1-15-09

Friends:

Today was my birthday and it was a fabulous day! I woke up to a breakfast of banana bread (with a candle), turkey bacon, yogurt, apple juice, two dozen red roses & gifts! Eliana, my 8 year old, gave me an exercise mat, which she knew I wanted. My husband, Antonio, surprised me with bath and body products as well as a gorgeous sparkly piece of jewelry. Thank you, Eliana & Antonio! I love you! Then it was time to head to Strehle Elementary for my Tangram Tales Arts Education Residency.

I began my day in 5th grade in Ms. Walker’s class. Once again, the class was quiet and prepared when I walked in. As rehearsals progressed, they became a little unfocused and chatty. We did, however, manage to run through the whole script, which made me very happy.

5th graders assemble tiger and Brahman for rehearsal of "The Tiger, the Brahman & The Jackal" - 1-15-09

The students all wished me a Happy Birthday and one of the students even made me a birthday greeting! Thank you, sweet Rachel!

5th Grader Rachel makes Dianne a birthday greeting - 1-15-09

From Ms. Walker’s class, I went into Ms. Barry’s 5th grade class. They worked quickly, creating fun raps with beats for their story choruses in the tale, “It could always be worse.” I loved watching the story come together. I can’t wait to see them on performance day.

Third period saw me in Ms. Landry’s 3rd grade class. The class was a bit rambunctious but they enjoyed their story of “The Three Billy Goats Gruff.” Here I am, with Ms. Landry, who pinned a ribbon on me that said, “It’s my Birthday!”

Dianne takes a picture with cool Ms. Landry, 3rd grade teacher - 1-15-09

Here is a picture of one of Ms. Landry’s students who was a Tangram artist, forming the man in the boat in “The Three Billy Goat’s Gruff.”

3rd grader assembles man in boat Tangram for rehearsal of "The Three Billy Goats Gruff" - 1-15-09

After being given a “Happy Birthday” serenade, I headed to the teachers’ lounge for a long lunch (a scheduling mix-up gave me a free period – lucky me!). Was I surprised!

Happy Birthday Dianne! - 1-15-09

One of the teachers, awesome Carla Short from 1st grade, organized a birthday celebration with a big sign and a king cake. Betty Brodt, the librarian, gave me a pot of gorgeous tulips. It was all so sweet! Strehle Elementary, you have a special place in my heart! I <3 U!

Carla Short gives Dianne a birthday king cake - 1-15-09

After lunch, I went to Ms. Quaintance’s 2nd grade class. They really enjoyed the story of “Tiger’s Tale, Anansi’s Stories,” enthusiastically joining in the chorus and guessing the Tangrams in the story.

Dianne made tiger lying down Tangram for Ms. Quaintance's 2nd grade class - 1-15-09

They sang me a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday” before I left the class. It was off to Ms. Till’s 3rd grade class. When I arrived, they were ready, story scripts on their desks. Ms. Till said that I was now part of their “family” and they had to pin my picture on their family bulletin board. I was so touched. We went into rehearsing their story “The Cat and the Rooster.” The class is full of creative students who really embellished the story choruses with fun rap rhythms. They were, however, a bit boisterous at times, requiring several admonishments from both me and Ms. Till. Still, I love their enthusiasm and think that their story could be one of the best stories presented if the students focused their energies.

3rd graders from Ms. Till's class work as a team to create fox Tangrams for "The Cat and the Rooster" - 1-15-09

I finished my day in Ms. Runge’s Pre-K class. When I arrived, they were all napping. It took some time to get them up and coherent but once I progressed into the story, they really enjoyed it and participated.

Dianne tells an Anansi story to Ms. Runge's PK class - 1-15-09

Ms. Runge gave me a birthday present and let me leave a few minutes early. This was great because it allowed me to beat the buses and cars during dismissal. Thank you, Ms. Runge!

I had such a wonderful, special birthday at Strehle but it didn’t end their. Later that evening, my mom cooked me a special birthday dinner. My whole family was there. Here I am with Eliana and two birthday cakes!

Dianne & Eliana in front of 2 cakes - King Cake & Triple Berry Cream Cake. Yum! - 1-15-09

Friends also sent me birthday packages (Thank you Fe & Lanie!) and I received over 100 birthday greetings in the form of cards, e-cards, emails, and FaceBook messages. Thank you to all my friends! Thank you to the teachers, staff and students at Strehle Elementary. Lastly, thank you to Antonio, Eliana, my mom, and the rest of my family. Everyone made this a very special, memorable birthday. I love you!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

5th graders Christen (storyteller) and Ebony (fire Tangram artist) work together in "The Hodja's Bet"

Friends:

Today was Day 3 at Strehle Elementary doing my Tangram Tales Story Theater arts education residency.My morning began with another teacher welcoming me back to Strehle, telling me how much both the teachers and the students love my presence at the school. It is mutual admiration because I love being at this school as much as they love having me.

It is paradoxically both tiring and exhilarating to travel from classroom to classroom, working with the students and seeing them grasp the concept of the Tangram. Today, I had my second visit with Ms. Barry’s 5th grade class so we did a full rehearsal of their story, “The Hodja’s Bet,” a folktale from Turkey, collected for me by a friend. It took some time to organize the students but we made it through the whole script (causing me to run behind for my next class). I only have one more visit with them before they have to perform their stories.

5th graders Miranda and Tyler assemble Tangram wolves in "The Hodja's Bet"

My next class was Ms. Walker’s 5th grade class. These students were a model class! They were quiet when I arrived and listened to all of my instructions intently. It was my first visit with them so they worked on a Tangram practice exercise and then we assigned roles for our Tangram Tales story theater.

5th grade teams assemble Tangram dancers - 1-14-09

I really enjoyed working with these cooperative and conscientious group of students. Thank you, students! You earn an A+ from Ms. Dianne!

From 5th grade, I moved into Kindergarten. It’s such a nice change of pace. Greeting me was smiling Ms. King. She is such an enthusiastic teacher who radiates joy. Such joy is contagious and her students really enjoyed my rousing rendition of “The Old Woman and Her Pig” Tangram Tale. After the story, the students began work manipulating Tangrams.

Ms. King's kindergarteners manipulate Tangrams - 1-14-09

After kindergarten, I went to Ms. Glass’ 3rd grade class. Ms. Glass’ class was extra chatty and lacked focus today. I had to work hard to settle them down and organize them to rehearse their story, “The Mitten.” The student below, Jordan, is an absolute joy. He took on more than one part and is always ready to progress to the next task. He was like sunshine in the classroom. Thanks, Jordan!

3rd grader Jordan assembles Tangram fox for The Mitten

Ms. Avist’s 1st grade class was fun. They really enjoyed the storytelling and worked intently on their Tangrams.

Ms. Avist's 1st graders working on assembling Tangrams - 1-14-09

Tommy, a first grader, was very adept at putting together Tangrams. Way to go, Tommy!

1st grader Tommy assembles running girl Tangram - 1-14-09

I had my final visit with Ms. Hervey’s 2nd grade classroom. Today, I told the story of “Tiger’s Tale, Anansi’s Stories.” It was fun sharing a new story with them. They have this beautiful sense of curiosity and a yearning for learning that is encouraged by their teacher. Ms. Hervey is such a doll. She was so inspired by the Tangram Tales method that she gave the students extra time to work on Tangrams, providing them with more reproducibles. I showed her how to create a Tangram set without a pattern.

Wonderful Ms. Hervey learns how to cut a Tangram without a pattern - 1-14-09

Here is Ms. Hervey’s class mastering Tangrams.

Ms. Hervey's 2nd graders form Tangram weenie dogs - 1-14-09

I ended my day in Ms. Johnson’s 4th grade class. This very full class was another rambunctious group. Impulsive and talkative, the classroom sounds like a buzzing hive of bees. I had to use several of my “Settle Down” methods to quiet the students. I even had to counsel a couple of the students because of their inattentiveness and lack of respect. Despite this atmosphere, the students were genuinely interested in working with Tangrams. I saw a lot of good group work, like this:

4th graders in Ms. Johnson's class work as a team to assemble Tangram dancers - 1-14-09

Despite the challenges of the day, I find such joy in working with the students. Tangram Tales give me the opportunity to infuse geometry concepts with language arts. I love being able to share my unique methods with the students and look forward tomorrow!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne