"My students had an opportunity to use their creativity to express themselves, which is something we have not focused on this year since we
are driven by standards and the gaps left from the pandemic." Erin, third grade teacher, New
York"
"Valerie provided a strategy to help students come up with different ideas for their writing. It was fun and helpful, the students were very engaged!" Lise, Media Specialist, British Columbia.;
"My students were all showing their parents the sign language for the story at parent pick up!" ; Here is what one expert writes: "Sign language improves vocabulary, spelling proficiency, self-esteem and a child's confidence in expressing emotion.," from Dancing with Words: Signing for Hearing Children's Literacy by Marilyn Daniels, Ph. D.
"My students had an opportunity to use their creativity to express themselves, which is something we have not focused on this year since we are driven by standards and the gaps left from the pandemic." Erin, New York
"I loved the way the presenters used fiction and non-fiction together. This has inspired me to do more interactive stories with the students. One first grade standard is to be able to retell a story and recall key details from the story. These interactive stories are perfect for students to practice this skill." Monica, at Ridge Crest Elementary
"We loved that all of the skills incorporated into the program were developmentally appropriate for our preschoolers and Kindergarten classes." Keisha, Shoreline Schools, Portland, OR.
"Valerie and Liz did an excellent job communicating prior to the program. This was a great science topic that was educational and fun! My students were engaged and thinking about it the rest of the day," Lisa, Birchwood Elementary, WI.
"This lesson was top-notch. The kids enjoyed it and were actively engaged throughout the lesson." MaryAnne, Seattle, WA
"She walked the students through things to do when they get stuck while writing and also taught the essential elements of storytelling which was good information for us as well." Anna, Sandy Searles Miller Academy.
"Ms. Marsh does a great job with teachers and students. She shared several great ideas for using video conference as a collaborative tool." Kathy P, at Tagnipahoa CM Fagan Schools, LA
"Valerie showed me how to dovetail writing lessons into the fun of storytelling. My students love creating their own paper-cutting stories and then writing them down. And I get my writing standards covered!" Susan P., Cassopolis, MI
"The tangrams were just what my students needed to get them thinking creatively about their writing." Bryan B, 6th grade language arts teacher, Auburn, IN
"I appreciated the 'actual' activities used and will definitely use them again. In fact, many of my kids are going to extend Valerie's activities as part of our Writer's Workshop." Beth L, fifth grade teacher, Carmel, IN.
"I would recommend this program because it encourages children to write, draw, and otherwise communicate their creativity . Storytelling and writing is something teachers should always find time to do." Dave W, fourth grade teacher, Indianapolis, IN
"The presenter uses tangrams to spark students' ideas for writing and retelling of stories. It's something new to my students and therefore held their attention. It's also great for those students who are creative and love art. It gives them the chance to create their own artwork connected to what we are studying in class. The presenter also gave other ideas for how to use the tangrams across the curriculum." Jennifer, fourth grade teacher, Wayne-Westland Schools, MI
"Students were given the time to be creative and share their creations with the presenter. It deepened their connection to the character study unit we had been working on." Jenny, fourth grade teacher, Ann Arbor, MI