The Friendly Learning Theatre Company
Storytelling Programs:
These programs will expose children to a variety of educational topics and that we hope will inspire them to read, research and learn more! Children will be exposed to a story presented by an actor in a very unique way. They will also participate in a unique hands-on-activity that aims at reinforcing the topic being presented. Stories available for the upcoming season include (but are not limited to):
Feel free to ask about our seasonal programs that are not listed on our yearly programs listing below.
OUR YEARLONG PROGRAMS...
Toddler/Preschool Storytime Classics- An Introduction to the Magic of Books and Reading:
The Very Hungry Caterpillar (by Eric Carle) - This loved story, read by "Katie the Butterfly", is a great way to introduce younger children of a pre-school age to the interesting life cycle of a butterfly. Along with this program, the children will get to see a real-life butterfly garden with either a live caterpillar, a cocoon or a butterfly (depending on the stage it's in at the time of the presentation). "The children will be presented with pictures of different kinds of butterflies that they can find in their local communities. The program concludes with a butterfly making craft that each child can take home with them. [For schools that wish to keep their own butterfly garden for their classroom, a request must be made (for a small additional fee) at least 3 weeks in advance.]
If You Give A Mouse A Cookie (by Laura Joffe Numeroff) - This funny story is a great way to present mice facts to children. Children of a preschool age love this story. They find this little mouse funny and adorable. As part of this program, the children will also learn about the differences between a mouse and a rat and they will see distinguishing pictures of both. To conclude this program, the children will be invited to make mouse ears to take home.
Goodnight Moon (by Margaret Wise Brown) - This classic bed-time story is a favorite among toddlers. The children that participate in this program will be invited to attend the program in their favorite PJs. The reader will also be in her funny and favorite PJs. The children will be asked about bed-time routines and why they think sleep is important. All of the participants of this program will be provided with a glow in the dark moon or star to take home with them and put in their rooms.
The Very Quiet Cricket (by Eric Carle) - This story is about a baby cricket that is looking for his sound. Children really enjoy the journey made by the cricket in search of his very special sound. As part of this program, the children will learn about crickets and their life cycle. They will also be presented with various cricket pictures and will get to hear the interesting sounds they make! To conclude this program the children will make a cricket magnet.
The Tiny Seed (by Eric Carle) - This creative and well illustrated story is a great way to introduce younger children of a pre-school age to the miraculous way in which seeds, able to survive peril, produce beautiful flowers. The children will be presented with pictures of different kinds of flowers from their local community. In addition, they will be presented with interesting facts on the life cycle of a seed. The children will be provided with a planting set (including a pot, soil and seed). They will be encouraged to plant the seed with an adult and watch their flowers grow! This may also be done during the program (if the program venue allows for this). The children will conclude this program by learning a special dance and song about a tiny seed that becomes a beautiful flower.
Reading Series for Young Readers:
“Dr. Seuss Time” (by Dr. Seuss) – This is a popular program! Several of Dr. Seuss’ stories are read to the children ranging in ages from 3 to 6 years and from 7 to 9 years of age. We cater the storytelling to the age group present. The “Cat in the Hat” himself comes in to do the reading. The kids really enjoy that! In this program, the children will learn about Dr. Seuss and his writing style (the rhyming pattern etc…). They will also be asked to identify the lessons learned in each story. The program will conclude with the children making their very own "Cat in the Hat" style hat.
Thank You, Amelia Bedelia (by Peggy Parish) – This story is a great introduction to the concept of “idioms” for children ages 7 to 9 years. They really enjoy this humorous story and are encouraged to continue reading the series of Amelia Bedelia books that are available in local libraries and nearby bookstores. Amelia Bedelia herself makes a special appearance and asks the children to help her understand the “actual” meaning of Mrs. Rogers’ instructions in the book. A program participant will get to role play and be Mrs. Rogers. The children will laugh at Amelia's reaction to Mrs. Roger's orders.
(Other Amelia Bedelia storytelling programs include: Amelia Bedelia; Amelia Bedelia and the Surprise Shower; Come Back Amelia Bedelia; Play Ball Amelia Bedelia; Good Work Amelia Bedelia; Teach Us Amelia Bedelia; Amelia Bedelia Helps Out; Amelia Bedelia and the Baby; Amelia Bedelia goes Camping; Bravo Amelia Bedelia and Amelia Bedelia for Mayor.)
Happy Birthday Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle (by Betty MacDonald and Anne MacDonald Canham) – This is a fun book for children ages 8-12. This program is presented by Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle herself. Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle talks about some of the bad habit curing scenarios that she is confronted with in the book. Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle is a master at curing bad habits like… ”watching too much television”J. Children participating in this program will be able to role play some of the bad habit scenarios from the book (on a volunteer basis) with Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle herself.
Environment Awareness:
Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf (by Lois Ehlert) – This is a story about a sugar maple tree and a child who planted it. The story shows how the child and the tree grew together and how the tree changed throughout the year. Children ages 3-8 enjoy this colorful story! In addition, enlarged photos of different types of trees found in your community will be displayed for the children to learn about and be able to identify. The children will be provided with a planting set (including a pot, soil and seed). They will be encouraged to plant the seed and care for their tree. This activity will teach them about the life cycle of a tree and will help to increase their awareness about their environment and the usefulness of trees on Earth.
The Giving Tree (by Shel Silverstein) – This story is a lovely and touching story about a boy and a very special relationship he develops with a tree. Children ages 4-9 enjoy hearing this sweet story. With this program, children will be able to learn about the many different ways that the trees are always giving to us and how important they are to our environment. Facts about the life cycle of a tree will be presented to the audience. The children will also be provided with a planting set (including a pot, soil and seed). They will be encouraged to plant the seed and care for their plant or tree. This may be done during the program (if the program venue allows for this). This program will increase the young audience's awareness of their environment and will teach them about the usefulness of trees on Earth.
The Oak Inside the Acorn (by Max Lucado) - This is a charming story about an acorn's journey to becoming a full grown Oak tree. The acorn found his role in life. This story is a great way to inspire children to think about the beauty of a tree's life cycle and how we all have our own life journey. Children ages 4-9 love to hear this story. They will be presented with tree facts and will also be asked to role play... "what I would like to be when I grow up"! Props/Costumes will be provided for this portion of the program, on a volunteer basis.
All About Bunnies:
Guess How Much I Love You (by Sam McBratney) - This story is about a bunny that wonders just how much he is loved by his father.
This story is a great Spring and Father's Day story for children to hear. Children ages 3-6 love this warm and sweet story. This
program includes facts about bunnies and they will learn how to care for a bunny. Certain programs scheduled will include a live bunny
petting time. In addition, the children will enjoy making bunny ears to take home with them.
It's Not Easy Being A Bunny (by Marilyn Sadler) - A bunny (which is a bit sad) tells the children how difficult a life he has as a bunny andwhat bunnies do all day. Then the bunny decides to read a book that he finds lying around entitled... It's Not Easy Being a Bunny! After reading the story, the Bunny realizes that his life is not so bad after all! The program may be enjoyed by children ages 3-9 and concludes with a “bunny ears” making craft. If the school/library permits, the children will also get to pet a real live bunny.
Building Self Confidence, Empowering the Child and Promoting Inner Peace:
Incredible You! (by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer) - This is a great book to have interactive and open discussions with children on how to lead a happy and peaceful life. Dr. Dyer's book is wonderful and children that participate in this program will be able to give their own ideas to the group on how to use the "10 secrets for Success and Inner Peace" in their own lives. The program is suitable for children ages 4 and above. At the conclusion of this program, the children will create a self-portrait painting that will be placed in a mat to be taken home with them. This is a lovely program to bring to any school or library!
Unstoppable Me! (by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer) - This is a great book to have interactive and open discussions with children on how there are no limits to what they can accomplish. Dr. Dyer's book is wonderful and children that participate in this program will be able to give their own ideas to the group on how they can use the peaceful lessons addressed in the book in their own lives. The program is suitable for children ages 4 and above. At the conclusion of this program, the children will create and decorate a thank-you card to be given to someone special in their lives. They will be prompted to think of someone special who has been kind to them (i.e. a parent, friend, teacher etc...). This project will help to reinforce the idea of identifying the beauty around us. This is a lovely program to bring to any school or library!
Career Choices:
What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up? - This program would begin by addressing all sorts of jobs available. A diverse set of books would be chosen that talk about a variety of professions that may be of interest to the children. Then, the program would conclude with a role playing set of excercises. The children will be able to dress up in the attire of a profession of choice and role play the activities of that profession. This is a fun program for children of any young age.
Biographical History:
A Picture Book of Helen Keller (by David A. Adler) – In this story, children are inspired by the challenges and hardships that Helen Keller overcame. Helen became blind and deaf at a young age, yet she went to college and became an advocate for disabled individuals. Children of ages 4-8 will be able to understand Helen Keller’s courage with this program. They will be presented with pictures and facts about her life. The children will also be asked to identify the ways in which Helen Keller and her family demonstrated courage as a conclusion to this program. As part of this program, some children may volunteer to participate in an exercise to perceive items being placed in front of them using only their sense of smell, touch, taste and hearing.
A Picture Book of Louis Braille (by David A. Adler) – This amazing story is about Louis Braille’s life. Louis became blind at an early age, yet he found a way to use his intelligence and his creativity to come up with a system to help blind people read and write. This system is called "Braille". Children of ages 6-9 will learn about Louis Braille's inner vision, persistence and dedication. As part of this program, some children may volunteer to participate in an exercise to perceive items being placed in front of them using only their sense of smell, touch, taste and hearing. The children will also be provided with Braille alphabet maps and they will be able to write their names in Braille.
A Picture Book of Martin Luther King (by David A. Adler) – This inspiring story presents children with the story of a man who fought tirelessly and endlessly for racial equality. This biography reflects on Martin Luther King's childhood experiences and family environment. Children ages 4-8 will learn about Martin Luther King's courage and dedication to cause of equality. Portions of Martin Luther King's famous "I have a Dream" speech will be played for the children. In conclusion, the children will be asked to participate in a question and answer session that identifies the aspects of Martin Luther King's life that showed courage and bravery. This is a great program to bring to the schools near January 18th, Martin Luther King Jr. Day!
A Picture Book of Abraham Lincoln (by David A. Adler, John Wallner and Alexandra Wallner) - Abraham Lincoln is one of the most famous and most written about presidents of the
A Picture Book of George Washington (by David A. Adler, John Wallner and Alexandra Wallner) - As the "Father of our Country" (as he is most commonly referred to), this account of George Washington's life is a popular book for children to listen to. Martha Washington herself comes into the classroom to visit with the children and talk to them about her husband. Children ages 4-8 will learn about how George Washington dedicated his life to his country beginning at a very young age. They will also see pictures of George Washington throughout different stages in his life. To conclude the session, the children will be able to ask Martha Washington anything they want to know about George Washington.
Featured Art at Your Fingertips Program:
Swimming with Leo Lionni – Featuring the award winning story of “Swimmy” (by Leo Lionni) - This is a heartwarming story about a small courageous little fish that devises a plan to camouflage himself and his new friends. The students will learn about Leo Lionni’s illustrations and style. They will be given the opportunity to design their own underwater scene and develop their own artistic expression with an art project that will be inspired by Leo Lionni’s award winning book… “Swimmy”. The participants of this program will explore the simple beauty of the sea life with this fun hands-on project! This program is ideal for children from 3 to 8 years of age.
Fun with Puppets:
Storytelling with your Puppet - This program will enchant young children as they listen to the age old classic stories of Madeline and Good Night Moon...as told by Michelle Cowbelle, the puppet. The children will learn how to use a puppet and to develop a voice/character for the puppet. At the end of the program...the children will be able to make their own puppet, use their puppet in a puppet theater (made available during the program) and they will take their newly made puppets home with them. This program is appropriate for 3 to 9 year olds. The complexity of the puppet will vary with the age of the group attending.
Customized Reading Programs – If you have a special topic in mind, we provide you with a list of stories to choose from. We can then cater the program to the age group in your school/camp. Our readers arrive in costume and provide teachers/camp counselors with materials in advance (one week prior) to prepare the children on the topic chosen.
Puppet Show Performance:
Michelle Cowbelle and Farmer Joe: Loving Who You Are! (written by Katia Gomez) – This program is introduced with a mini-presentation on the "history of puppetry" in a fun and very interactive presentation. The puppet show features a sock puppet named "Michelle Cowbelle". Michelle shares her woes with the audience on how difficult it is to be a cow. When "Farmer Joe" arrives, Michelle is enlightened on how wonderul it is to be a beautiful, lovely and well mannered cow. This program will charm young audiences and will conclude with the audience making a puppet of their own to take home with them. (The type of puppet will vary depending on the size of the audience.)
