School assembly performances are age appropriate with different stories selected dependent on the age range of the students. Typical grade groupings are K-2nd grade, 3rd-5th grade and 6th-8th grade. (For audiences of pre-schoolers, contact us at 617-522-4335 to ask about special programming for young age ranges.) Maximum audience size is 225 unless special arrangements have been made. Audience size and space recommendations are based on consultations with the venue involved to make sure the event goes perfectly.
Enhance your student’s experience further with a follow-up workshop! In these sessions students receive a master class in classic storytelling techniques. They also learn about the power of their own imagination through hands-on exercises sure to have everyone participating. School Workshop and Residencies Descriptions
Download a PDF with descriptions of all of Diane’s Elementary School performances!
ENTER NATURE’S REALM
Recognized nationally as a leader in the use of storytelling to promote nature and environmental awareness, these performances have been favorites at schools, festivals and nature centers for over fifteen years.
“In working with elementary science today, we are very concerned with the integration of science into the total experience of the children, taking into account the emotions of the children and the presentation of accurate information. Your presentation does all of that.” Russ Stanhope, Curator of Education, New England Science Center
Digging Dinosaurs: These popular dinosaur adventures complement their scientific facts with a happy dose of humor.
Rainforest Legends: Folktales and Songs celebrate the birds and animals of Rainforest lands from Africa to the Amazon.
Tales for the Earth: Water conservation, Recycling and Habitat Protection are all explored using Diane’s entertaining and educational original tales.
Insect Comedy: Insect Comedy takes a delightful look at our six-legged friends as seen through the lens of folktales and original stories.
Night Lights: These folktales of significant constellations and other “night lights” are drawn from cultures all around the world.
EXPLORE CULTURAL RICHES
Diane has delved deeply into the cultures represented here. Each program takes a unique look at certain aspects of the culture it represents.
“The stories were wonderful. The teachers and students agreed that your presentation is one of the best we’ve ever had. Thank you so much for bringing to life our study of myths and legends.” Missy Thomson, Elementary teacher and school librarian, Woodville School, Wakefield, MA
Native American Nature Tales: From the humorous to the evocative, Diane’s unique collection of nature oriented tales brings to life native legends.
Tales of Enchantment: Diane brings to life best-loved fairytales from Europe, Ireland and England.
Fit for a King’s Ear: This performance, filled with Medieval lore, focuses on classic stories with harp accompaniment.
A Fire in My Heart: the Kurds of the Middle East: Features Diane’s new book of Kurdish legends. Stories, music and participatory dance celebrate this little known Culture
Fairytales of Ireland: Fairy stories and music from the Emerald Isle – accompanied by Diane’s long time collaborator Margot Chamberlain on Celtic harp
Around the World Folktales: Multi- Cultural Story/Songs from around the world encourage everyone to join-in!
CELEBRATE THE SEASON
No Matter what the time of year, you can find a reason to celebrate with one of Diane’s acclaimed storytelling performances. These programs are especially suited for early elementary and younger age ranges.
“Thank you so much for enriching our K-2 grade science curriculum with your stories about Seasons. My son still brings up little tidbits from the stories. Your performance was so captivating. It’s a pleasure having such a professional artist come to our school.” J.W.Killam School Enrichment Council, Reading, MA
Tall Fall Tales: This charming performance dovetails early elementary curriculum: fall colors, the star in the apple and a girl who just can’t sit still.
Once Upon A Wintertime: These tales of wintertime magic and fun are drawn from many cultures ranging from the lyrical Grimm’s tale of “Snow White and Rose Red” to stories of folksy New England escapades.
Welcome in the Spring: This program weaves together the best of spring folklore, nature tales and contemporary stories to create the perfect accompaniment for this joyful season.
Summer Escapades: End your school year on an UP note with this fun-filled performance featuring some of Diane’s best-loved stories.
Once Upon a Halloween: For elementary school audiences, Diane explores the cultural background of this season of disguises and trickery including the Celtic origin of the ‘Jack O’Lantern’.
