Sunday, December 30, 2012

As 2012 comes to a close, I want to say a simple thank you to those who brought me on board this past month to perform as Mrs. Claus....
The Great Mall in Milpitas, CA
California Welcome Center
Girl Scouts
Downtown Music and Sound, Salinas, CA
Many private homes
Panoche Valley Elementary School..

and the list goes on and on and on....
Look for more entertaining ways to bring Story Time Adventures to your event!

Photo: Look who stopped by Mateo's School last week! What a surprise from Mrs. Clause!
Julie Engelhardt as "Mrs. Claus" with friends at Panoche Valley School, California.

Monday, April 16, 2012

Update on Neighborhood Pizza's Family Days



So, Story Time Adventures had its first 'Family Day' at Neighborhood Pizza in Hollister, California on Sunday, April 15.  As always, I was extremely nervous that it wouldn't work, no one would show up, and that we would have spent all of this time and money on something that just had no legs.

I walked into the place at about 12:45, fifteen minutes before 'Family Day' was supposed to begin. Gail, the promoter, was on the floor putting some things together, but she'd been there earlier putting out crafts and games, and getting it all together. She is wonderful! But, the only kids I saw were two who were aimlessly waiting for their dads to finish eating. I thought, "Is this it?" But they didn't even know about Family Day, so it was a bonus.

But, as we headed towards one, and past, people started to trickle in with their kids. Thank goodness for the kids! I feel as if my entire week was spent on Facebook promoting this to friends, acquaintances, and pretty much anyone who is on my friend list. I made event pages for this, inviting everyone I could think of.   To paraphrase a line from Field of Dreams, 'If you promote it, they will come.' And they did. And I am so grateful!

Okay, so it wasn't a wild, out of control, mass of kids, but I'd say we probably had between fifteen and 20, little to big. We played music, had dance 'contests,' held raffles, read books.. and generally had fun.

Our next one is on the 22nd and is Prince and Princess party. I have amazing friends who have stepped up to help. One bought some prizes, another is cutting out circles for me for a craft project, and another lent me some of her daugther's princess books.

Oh.. and I contacted Medieval Times in Buena Park and they are (hopefully) sending 35 of their paper crowns for us to give to the kids! Hezzah--not sure how you spell it.

This is great. Story Time Adventures is so THRILLED to be a part of this program. I hope it lasts forever!

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Family Pizza Day April 15, 2012--Hollister


In my quest to come up with ideas for this Sunday's Family Pizza Day at Neighborhood Pizza in Hollister, I came up with a cute little idea. When I go grocery shopping I get the paper bags and save them for projects just like this. I've already started cutting out the brown circles, but I need to find a way to shred paper to make the cheese, and I need lots of pepperoni circles.
I'm very excited about this new program at Neighborhood Pizza, and I hope we have a great turn out. The 15th will be Pizza Party, the 22nd will be Prince and Princess Pizza Party, and the 29th will be Pirate Pizza Party! Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's pizza party is for me!
For more information about Story Time Adventures and what we have available, check out my web site www.storytimeadventures.wetpaint.com.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Family Pizza Days Approaching!


Now that the spring Story Time Adventures "book" camp is over, I am going to concentrate on my next project, Family Pizza Days at Neighborhood Pizza in Hollister, California. I certainly hope you'll take this opportunity to visit with me, Julie Engelhardt, while you're there, and let me share some of my favorite books with you and your family. I promise we will have a fantastic time!
Family Pizza Days are April 15, 22, and 29 from 1 to 3. Come and see the changes that have been made to Neighborhood Pizza, and have some fun!

See you there.
Julie Engelhardt

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Story Time Adventures Camp--Update

So, here are a few of the happy campers who participated in my Story Time Adventures Mini Reading Camp. We had a busy day. The "Campers" and their parents/guardians, arrived at 'headquarters' at about 9 a.m. and we talked about reading, books and what they, and the adults, liked to read. I then read them a book about being a firefighter, then we were off to Fire Station 2 in Hollister, California.

The firemen were SO very nice, and funny, too! They took us through the kitchen, the day room, and their sleeping quarters, then we went to see the engines! Very impressive. The kids even had a chance to go inside the rigs to see what it would be like to ride up high in one of the trucks.

The best part was when one of the moms was 'volunteered' to dress in the turn out gear--the gear they wear to a fire. She was a great sport, and hopefully I'll have some photos to share once I receive them.

During our visit to the fire department, I asked the firemen why it is important for them to know how to read. They told us so they can find their way to a fire, but the captain said they also need to be good at reading, and spelling and grammar, because they have many reports to fill out after they go to a fire or accident. I'd never thought about that, but it does make sense.

After our visit to the fire station, we headed back to camp headquarters and had a visits from American Medical Response where EMTs and an ambulance came to visit us. The kids were able to get inside the rig and see a lot of the equipment they use on calls.

If you would like to find out more about Story Time Adventures Camps, check my web site www.storytimeadventures.wetpaint.com. I'm located in Hollister, California, which is near Monterey, San Jose, and San Francisco.

Happy Reading!
Julie Engelhardt

Monday, April 9, 2012

Story Time Adventures Mini Camp on 4/10/12


Tomorrow is the big day! I've been planning this for weeks, and finally I will have my first 'mini' reading camp in Hollister. The theme is 'Rescue Me From Bordom--Read a Good Book!' The sub theme is rescue heroes, and we'll be reading books about fire fighters and paramedics.
My initial idea was to do a three day camp and concentrate on different emergency personnel daily, but that didn't pan out. So, it's a one day camp that will last between 2 and 2 and a half hours. The kids will show up, I'll read them a book, then we're heading to the fire department down the road from us. After, we'll head back to my place and at 11, an ambulance with an EMT or paramedic will show up.
At first, this 'camp' was to be for younger kids, ages 5-8, but I've opened it up to younger, and older, kids as well. I hope they will enjoy themselves!
If you live near Hollister, Ca., and would like to participate, we'd love to have you! Go to my site www.storytimeadventures.wetpaint.com and contact me that way! Hope to see you there!
Happy Reading!
Julie Engelhardt

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Painting pictures with story telling

This morning I was thinking about my story time program at the National Steinbeck Center on April 7, 2012. Again, I had a great time, and I believe the kids and parents did, too! To be honest, there's really nothing 'scarier' as a performer to think that no one will show up. Okay.. not scary, but it does make me worry a bit.

When I started out with Story Time Adventures in 2010 I was so afraid no one would show up to the local coffeehouse where I was performing, but thankfully, about 70 people showed up on the first day. Wow. I am still grateful to Mars Hill Coffeehouse in Hollister, Ca., for allowing me to get my feet wet and start my journey on my entrepreneurial venture.

And.. yes, I do get paid for what I do. There are times when I will offer up my program for free, but that's more for organizations such as women's shelters and for a local group home for kids.

I still think back to this past Christmas which is when I appeared as Mrs. Claus. I was booked to do several assemblies at a local elementary school where a friend works. She was kind enough to suggest my program to her principal, and she was instrumental in getting me the booking.

But, I heard through my husband that her husband commented, "Wow, I wish I could get paid (xxx) to read to kids!" My fee really isn't that exhorbitant, by any means. I know assembly entertainers who get paid WAY more than I ever charge. But, if I take a step back and look at it from his perspective, I might say to myself, "Why would a school/mall/library, etc., hire someone to read books?" Good question, really.

So, let me explain. Yes, most definitely, anyone can read to their children, or to any child, for that matter. I hope they are doing it. I hope they are volunteering numerous hours to come in and read to all grades, not just the younger ones. Kids need to be read to in order to understand our language, patterns, thoughts, and to use their imagination! But, do you go to school and read to your sons'/daughters' classes? I used to when my sons were younger. That's how I found out I had an interest, as well as a knack, for doing this. And doing it quite well.

There's so much to reading out loud. It's not just reciting what's on the written page. It has to do with tone, inflection, and having fun! Some people don't realize how important it is to show the pictures while you're reading the book. It might feel a little awkward, but it's what kids like. Also, slow down! There's no need to rush through a book. Use your voice, make the characters talk in different voices, and bring it to life! Choose books with great illustrations, but little text on each page. I've had people offer me books at their parties, etc., to read to their kids, but they are often long and wordy, and kids get bored!!!

Yesterday at the Steinbeck Museum I received an affirmation that I am doing a good job. One woman came up to me and began talking with me after the program. Her first question was, "Where do you get your books?" I told her they come from all over--the library, book stores, grandparents--and I've even found a few in the bargain bin at our local grocery store.

Then she asked her real question. She asked, "Are kids listening to you because of the books you read, or because of the way you do it?" She then continued, "I read to my daughter, but she won't sit still and listen to me!" She then told me she'd seen me at the local California Welcome Center in Salinas, CA, at Christmas, when I was there as Mrs. Claus. She said she liked the books I'd read, which was great.

To be honest, I'm not trying to brag or be boastful in any fashion. I just love reading to kids, and I hope you do, too!

If you are in California on the 10th of June, I will be appearing at the Monterey Bay Aquarium for World Oceans Day, and I will also be appearing at Santana Row in San Jose, CA. This next school year I'm going to offer Skype sessions for schools across the country. I hope you will check out my site, www.storytimeadventures.wetpaint.com.

Keep Reading!
Julie Engelhardt