Now for the Fall and Winter

Story Time Adventures has taken somewhat of a hiatus during the summer, although I did do some programs at Linden Tree Book Store in Los Altos, California, and at Santana Row in San Jose, California. I am very thankful that my friend Valerie, took one of the days while I was in Southern California getting my older son prepared for college. She did a fantastic job.

Now that the fall will soon be here, and Thanksgiving, and the Christmas holidays, I'm gearing up for my favorite time of year when it comes to story telling. Last year I purchased a scarecrow costume for Halloween, a Mrs. Claus outfit, and this year, a good friend, Kim, found a Native American costume at a local thrift store. Kudos to you, Kim! Now I can do story time programs for all three holidays. I'm still pondering what I can do for the Native American story time. I know that there is much discussion about the Thanksgiving Holiday, so I need to be sensitive to this issue.

I'm also very excited because I may also lead a group of elementary school children in a Readers Theater program. Our elementary school has enrichment classes where the students can do anything from art to learning a foreign language. I've always wanted to do a Readers Theater, but I think this will be a good time to do that.

Keep your kids reading, all year long!

Best--Julie Engelhardt
Story Time Adventures
www.storytimeadventures.wetpaint.com

Gearing up for Christmas

Wow. The 4th of July was just yesterday, but I'm already getting ready for the holiday season. It was just a year ago that I began my foray into 'Story Time Adventures' by offering free story time programs at Mars Hill Coffeehouse in Hollister, California. I have counted my blessings many times over because with a bit of tenacity, and a knack for doing a bit of publicity, I've done my Story Time programs at Malls, schools, fairs, and many other places. As many know, I dress in costume and portray different characters. My favorite is Mrs. Claus.

I'm putting the word out now that I'm available to do story time programs, or just general appearances, as Mrs. Claus. I read, sing, interact, and just have a great time with the children.

You can reach me at 831 245 8462. I'm located in Central Coastal California, but will travel up to 100 miles from my home.

Thanks!
Julie Engelhardt

San Juan Bautista Story Time

I am going to blog about this til 'the cows come home.'

For the past couple of months I've been doing a bi-weekly story time for the preschool children from the San Juan Bautista Library in San Juan Bautista, CA. They walk over from their school and we start at about 10 a.m. each time. It has been a great deal of fun and the children are so adorable. There are a few who get a bit restless, but overall, they are great for a group of four and five year old kids. This past Thursday was the best, though. I did a story time program about transportation: cars, trucks, planes, boats, etc. I thought I was going to lose my crowd, when one little girl announced, "I want to leave!" You just have to plug through those times and keep on going. June 16 was my last regular date with them, until they start up again in September. But, thankfully, the library auxiliary has been pleased with the work I have done, so they asked me to do a summer reading program as well. I'm scheduled to read on Thursdays, June 30, July 14, 21, and 28, at 10 a.m. each time. I'm a bit worried because the town is small, and I'm not sure how many children will show up. I have contacted the local media, which is very small, to have them post in their community calendar the fact that I will be there, and I've put up flyers around town to get people to notice what I'm doing. I'm a bit disheartend, though, because I put flyers up at two key spots, and when I was in town the other day, they'd been taken down.

I'm not ready to give up, though! The story time for June 30 is Pirates, then on July 14--Sports; July 21 Around the world, and July 28--Dr. Seuss. Please, please, please oh please, pass this along to your friends, family and anyone who loves story telling. Taking a trip up the 101 to San Francisco, or down the 101 to Los Angeles? Come by and see us! The library's located at 801 Second Street. Call me, 831 245 8462 for more information!

San Juan Bautista Library Story Time

Story time program for this summer will be on Thursdays, June 30, July 14, 21, 28. Great fun for the whole family. The first one on June 30 will be Buccaneer Bay, Pirates! 10 a.m. til noon. Dress in your favorite pirate gear. 801 Second Street. For information, call Julie Engelhardt, 831 635 9674. It's a ton of fun! :-)

Scholarships for Alex Engelhardt

I received a call the other day from a local scouting official, letting me know that Alex Engelhardt will be receiving a $1,000 scholarship from scouting. Wow! I'm so thrilled. Yet, as many of us know, it takes a lot more than $1,000 to go to college. My advice to parents.. save, save, save, save, save!! We've done some, but not as much as needed. So, that's why we've created the site for Alex, www.sponsormydegree.com/AlexEngelhardt. Here, you, your friends, your company, anyone, can help sponsor Alex's degree. He wants to become a scientist, and he wants to get a Masters Degree. He's been accepted to California State University, or Cal State Fullerton. He really wants to attend this univeristy. If anyone would like to assist, please check out the URL above. Thank you!
Julie Engelhardt
Story Time Adventures

Scholarship Funds for Alex Engelhardt

So I'm taking my Story Time blog and changing it into a blog about trying to find money for my son's college education. We have some saved, through bonds, but need to acquire something more. So, we've created a site for Alex through Sponsor My Degree dot com. If you would like to donate even $5, you can do so through this site. He's a worthwhile student! Thank you,
Julie Engelhardt
http://www.sponsormydegree.com/AlexEngelhardt

Story Time Programs for May

There are many things in my life that I am thankful for, and one of them is that there are 'holidays' and observances that I can use to create programs for Story Time Adventures.

The month of May comes with two observances: Cinco de Mayo and Mother's Day. Because of these two holidays, a birthday, and a standing gig with Santana Row Mall in San Jose, I have 7 performances occurring within 8 days. I have three with the YMCA in San Benito County, one at the San Juan Bautista Library, one at Linden Tree Book Store in Los Altos, a birthday party in Hollister, and story time at Santana Row which will be about Cat in the Hat.

I started thinking about May story time program ideas last month and knew that I could score a couple with Mother's Day, which I did, but then someone suggested Cinco de Mayo. That's how I scored three more programs for the week, with the YMCA. I'm very fortunate that they have liked my programs, and I think they want to try to incorporate something 'cultural' into their after school program. Again, my main thing is I like to wear costumes of some sort while I do my program, so I was able to purchase two straw sombreros from a local thrift store, and a friend was able to lend me a sarape that she said I could use.

I also received some exciting news that our local library wants me to do a story time program June 30. This year's summer reading theme has to do with world travel, and my program is "Around the World in 60 Minutes!" During my program I will don four or five different costumes and read books that relate to that costume. So far I have the costume for Mexico, one for the Pacific Islands/Polynesia, and one for Asia.

I'm hoping that I can book several programs for the summer to help supplement my income while school's out (I'm a substitute teacher.) If you know of any groups that would like a story teller, you can contact me via my site www.storytimeadventures.wetpaint.com. Thank you! Julie Engelhardt

More Story Time News

So, it has been a busy few days for Story Time Adventures. Did an Easter party on April 16 for about 15 or so children. I love reading to the younger children. I met an adorable little boy named Jack who became my 'best buddy' at the party. Jack is 3 years old and just as adorable as can be. He truly believed I was "Miss Bunny" and I chose him to be my helper for one of the books. Then Jack, his big sister, and his mom showed up at the story time I did at our local coffee house, Mars Hill, and since he was such a trooper the first time, I chose him to help me again, which he did quite willingly. Got a break on Tuesday, but will be doing a story time at a local library on Wednesday, April 20, and then another one on Saturday, April 23 at Book Smart book store in Morgan Hill, California.

The one cool this is that I booked a birthday party for May while at the Easter party. Yay. Little by little. That's May 7, and I also have a Mother's Day program that day in Los Altos, Ca., at Linden Tree book store, then on the 9th I'm back to Santana Row for a Cat in the Hat story time program at Anubee Children's Boutique. Trying to think of some other themes for May and for the summer.

Thanks, as always, for your support.

Happy Reading,
Julie Engelhardt
www.storytimeadventures.wetpaint.com

Still Keeping Busy with Story Time Adventures.

This has been a good, busy week for me and my 'business.' On Wednesday, April 13, I appeared at Westgate Mall in San Jose. They have a monthly Mommy and Me program, which is spectacular. Before I went on, there was a very energetic singer/guitar player who had the little ones pumped up big time! I performed on a stage, but sat on the edge so the kids could get up close to the books. I'm used to being in a more intimate setting, but it was a good experience. Then on Thursday, the next day, I did four assemblies at a local elementary school. As the saying goes, all good things come to those who wait. I've been courting the school for some time, and I finally got the green light to do my program. It was for K-3rd graders, with a performance for each individual grade. I did my Wild For Animals! for the K and 1st, then one on food and cooking for the 2nd and 3rd graders. On Saturday, April 16, I'm doing a program at a private home, on Monday, the 18th I'm at Mars Hill Coffeehouse at 11 for a free program, then Wednesday I begin my work at the San Juan Bautista Library for story time, then finally, on the 23rd, I'll be at BookSmart book store in Morgan Hill doing Hop into Spring story time. Phew! Then, after that, I'm doing a Mother's Day program in Los Altos at Linden Tree book store. Hm.. I guess I am keeping pretty busy, huh? Thanks for your support, and happy reading! Julie Engelhardt www.storytimeadventures.wetpaint.com

Springtime Happenings

I am looking forward to my spring time story programs. This coming week will be a busy one--thankfully! I am doing a spring time story program at Westgate Mall on Wednesday. I've never been there before, so have no idea what's in store for me. I guess they have a Mommy & Me program, and I'm part of the program that day. Found some cute Easter/spring books that I hope the children will like. One's called Easter Ribbit, about a frog who wants to help the Easter bunny. It's very cute, but I'm also pleased because an Easter or two ago I purchased a frog puppet from K-Mart. The frog "sings" different children's songs, like Old MacDonald, etc. Well, I bought some rabbit ears, the kind the kids wear, and put them on my frog, so now I have an actual Easter ribbit of my own to share with the kids. I'm also pleased because I can use my froggy for a story time I'll be doing at the San Juan Bautista library at the end of the month. I find it's easier to do a story time if you have a theme. I foung out that April is National Frog Month (who knew?) so I'm already searching for frog story books. Thank goodness for Face Book, because I have many FB friends who have books I can borrow. Thank you! I also have a friend who says she has tadpoles that I can take along. Gosh.. I hope they don't slosh out of their container! But, on Thursday I'm doing 4 story time programs at one school. Two will be about food and cooking, and the other two about animals. Scored a pretty interesting necklace today at a rummage sale at our school.. a wooden necklace with carved wooden animals on it. At first my 8 year old asked why I'd buy it, but then I explained it was for story time, so he thought that was okay. Thanks for your support... and happy reading. Julie Engelhardt www.storytimeadventures.wetpaint.com.

More Story Time

And more Story Time programs. Contacted by a children's book store called Linden Tree. Spoke with one of the owners today, and they want me to come out for Mother's Day, and for another program in July. How fun! That's about it for this one. Will have more to report later! Happy Reading. Julie Engelhardt Story Time Adventures www.storytimeadventures.wetpaint.com.

San Juan Bautista and Story Time Adventures

Yesterday, Friday, March 25, I had the pleasure of reading to children at the YMCA after school program in the town of San Juan Bautista, California. The town's about 10-15 minutes from where I live, in Hollister, but it feels worlds different at times because there is so much history there. Not only is there the Mission, but there are other historic buildings throughout town that are quite interesting to visit.

There's one school in town, San Juan School, and that's where I did my program. I'd been contacted by the YMCA to do this program, so I dressed in my pirate costume and read pirate books, such as Bubble Bath Pirates and Pirate ABC.

Some of the books were kind of young for the audience, but the one thing I could tell is that these kids are craving programs such as these. One girl asked when I'd be back, then said,"We're here all the time." Of course, it's up to the YMCA as to when I do more of these programs. I've also appeared at the YMCA programs in Hollister for Gabilan Hills and Sunny Slope schools.

I'm also looking forward to hopefully becoming the newest Story Time Lady for the San Juan Bautista City Library. I believe they had a woman named Adele who did a fabulous job with story time programs, but I'm not quite certain what the situation is and why she is no longer doing them. I know that she is beloved by the people of SJB, and in no way am I trying to take her place. I hope that we can offer a great deal to the children of San Juan Bautista.

If you have comments or questions, please email me at Jengelha@aol.com. My site is www.storytimeadventures.wetpaint.com.

Happy Reading!
Julie Engelhardt

Getting 'Malled'

Story Time Adventures is growing by leaps and bounds as of late.

Last year in December I appeared as Mrs. Claus at Anubee Children's Boutique in Santana Row, an up-scale shopping center located in San Jose, California. It was such fun, and the children were delightful. At first I wasn't sure how well it would go, because this was a much younger crowd than I was used to, but it worked out well and the majority of them sat and listened to the books I read, and participated in the Christmas songs. It warmed my heart to see these little ones and how much they believe in the Christmas spirit.

But onward and upward. I received an email from the Marketing Director and she wants me to do story programs for the rest of the year at Santana Row, and at their sister property, Westgate. This is so exciting for me. But more excitement--I was contacted by another mall called The Great Mall in the city of Milpitas to do an Easter/Spring program. For this I'll be dressing as Miss Bunny! It's a very respectable costume.. with my "Easter Bunnet" (a floppy hat that has rabbit ears, flowers, colored eggs, birds, and butterflies on it), and a beautiful apron designed and sewn by local seamstress Sharon Johnson. I can't wait to see it.

I am hoping that I will get noticed and that other marketing directors from malls will want to utilize me this summer for story time programs and activities.

I will be at the Great Mall on April 23 from 1-3. If you're in the area I hope you'll 'hop on by' and say hello!

Happy Reading.

Julie Engelhardt
Story Time Adventures
www.storytimeadventures.wetpaint.com

Story Time Adventures Camp Read-a-Lot!

So the other day I came up with the idea of holding a summer reading camp. At first I was thinking along the lines of making it like a classroom, with a structured setting, but then I decided that there are times when I don't find that to be fun as a substitute teacher, so why in the world would the kids think it's fun?

I've learned from a teacher who was my son's first grade instructor. She always has great lesson plans, but she also reminds me, "To have fun." So that's what my plans are for this spring and summer.

My first 'camp' will actually be held during my children's spring break, on April 19, 20, 21. The camp theme will be 'Rescue Me From Boredom: Let's Read!" I know that I spent many a summer going to the library with my mom and checking out books to take home, and that's what saved me from going nuts when school was out.

The Rescue Me theme goes like this: We will incorporate three different types of emergency/rescue personnel in our program. It will include police, fire, and paramedics. For example, on the police day, either I, or a police volunteer, will read Officer Buckle and Gloria, a delightful book written by Peggy Rathmann. It's a Caldecott Medal Winner. We will do activities centered around this book. But, what I also want to do is have the officer talk about his/her job, what it takes to be a police officer, and how reading is very important in his/her job. They will also show the children their patrol car and how it works. We will also read other books that relate to police work. The children will also be able to take home their own copy of this book.

On the day that we discuss fire fighters, we will take a walking field trip to our local fire station, or, I may have the parents meet us there and join in on the fun. There's nothing better than being up close and personal with a big, red, rig. I'm also hoping to find someone who has a Dalmation that the kids can meet.

With the paramedic, I'm hoping that he/she can bring a rig over as well, or maybe we can visit the place where they are housed.

There are so many possibilities! I hope you'll take into consideration that this is a great program for your kids. The sessions are 2.5 hours each.

Happy Reading!
Julie Engelhardt
http://www.storytimeadventures.wetpaint.com/

March 2011 Story Time Programs

Juliette Gordon Low, Founder, Girl Scouts USA

1860-1927



Although these first two months of 2011 have been a bit slow, I'm not giving up. It took Edison many tries to invent the light bulb, so I'm going to follow his tenacity and keep plugging away with Story Time Adventures. I did do two story time programs in February for the YMCA. One had to do with bullying, and the other had to do with the Chinese New Year. They were both enlighting, and fun, as well.



My latest idea is to do a program on Juliette Gordon Low, founder of Girl Scouts USA. I was handily corrected when I referred to it as Girl Scouts of America. My error. I'm used to Boy Scouts of America since I have two sons in that organization.

I am quite excited about this. I love history, and now this gives me the opportunity to learn about a new historic figure. I'm also thrilled because I have three Girl Scout venues that are interested in having Mrs. Low come talk with the girls. One's in Bakersfield, one's in Orange County, and one's in Sacramento. I'm located in Hollister, California, so it will give me a chance to visit my home area, plus two new areas.



If you are a member of the Girls Scouts, and would like to find out more about my program, please contact me at Jengelha@aol.com. If you want to see what I've done so far with Story Time Adventure, then log onto http://www.storytimeadventures.wetpaint.com/. Go Girl Scouts!

Happy (Chinese) New Year

Coming up with ideas for my Story Time Adventure Programs has been challenging, but it also forces me to think and create. Of course, with books, there are hundreds of themes I can choose from for my presentations. January was kind of slow, but after having a great run during December as Mrs. Claus, it was kind of nice to be able to sit back and take a breather. But, this is something I still love to do, and I am still determined to make it bigger and better, and to make the phones ring, ring, ring all the time!

February is a very interesting month, because there are several themes I can choose from. The Chinese Lunar New Year begins today (Feb 3) and runs for fifteen days. I am performing at a YMCA after school program on the 4th, reading stories about the Chinese New Year. I even stopped by the store and picked up some fortune cookies to hand out to the children. I'm very excited about this program. Although I am not of Chinese descent, I still think it's important to teach children about different cultures, for a variety of reasons. I've picked up some books to read to them. One is Dragon Parade by Steven A. Chin; another is Chinese New Year by Alice K. Flanagan, and another is D is for Dancing Dragon by Carol Crane. I think that one is my favorite. It goes through the alphabet and talks about different things that you will find in China. For example, A is for Acrobats, B is for Beijing, C is for chopsticks, etc. The book is pictured above.

I have also purchased Asian-looking clothing to wear. That's what's fun about doing this, too. I love dressing up, and will do so whenever I can.

There are also other themes for February: Valentine's Day; the Presidents' birthdays, and I believe it's even Dental Health Month!

I'm still available for assemblies and other programs. Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Julie Engelhardt

Stop the cycle of Bullying

I receive tidbits of information via my email in box, and about a week ago I received a note saying that the week of January 24-28 is No Name-Calling Week. This is to encourage schools and other institutions, programs, etc., to talk with children and teach them that bullying is not acceptable, but to also talk about other issues, such as self-esteem. I have learned that bullying can happen in many forms, from the obvious, such as being taunted, teased, and physically hurt. But there are other forms of bullying, such as being intentionally excluded from an activity or group of people. There's also another side of bullying: the silent witness. Children who witness another child being bullied should make the situation known to an adult so that the issue can be dealt with immediately.
Interestingly, parents don't want to do anything about bullying if their child is the one causing the problems. Last year I spoke to the mother of an older child who had been taunting his younger brother, and my son as well, who is 8. Long story short, she didn't want to hear anything about it, basically thought it was none of my business, and decided that my son couldn't play with his friend, the younger brother. Sigh.. is all I can say to that. My older son, who is 17, also had issues with a boy who was taunting him when they were in middle school. Sad to say, I didn't find out about this until it had gone on for 3 weeks. The issue was finally dealt with, but unfortunately, this bully decided to take his frustrations out on a much younger boy at a school playground one day.
Although this may not seem like a "Story Time Adventures" program, I'm making it one. Our community is taking part in a no-bullying program with three schools in Hollister, Ca., where I live. They are Cerra Vista Elementary School, Sunny Slope, and San Juan School. I am doing a program for Story Time Adventures about bullying, reading books such as 'The Recess Queen,' by Alexis O'Neill. The story is about Mean Jean, the reigning Recess Queen, and how she rules the playground, until another child at the school finds a way to become Jean's friend and how Jean becomes much nicer. There are also other books that are about bullying, such as Don't Be a Bully, Billy, by Phil Roxbee Cox; and Kevin Henkes book, "Chrysanthemum," which tells the story of a young girl who is teased by classmates because her name is so different.
I will be presenting my "No Name-Calling" program at the YMCA after school program in Hollister, but I'm available to do presentations throughout the area as well. Even if your school isn't doing a program for that week, pick up some books and read them to your children about the bullying issue, and have a frank discussion with him or her. Reading can always be fun, but you can also throw in a lesson or two!
Happy Reading!
Julie Engelhardt
Jengelha@aol.com

No Name-Calling Week, Jan 24-28

Even though I receive a fair share of junk mail in my email in box, there are times when a gem or two slips through that gives me an idea of what would make an excellent program for Story Time Adventures.

The week of Jan 24-28 is No Name-Calling Week. Essentially, this is a week where we work with kids to empower them to stand up to bullies, but to also teach kids that bullying isn't cool.

My next Story Time Adventures program will be fousing on that, reading books that deal with name-calling, bullying, etc., but to also talk with kids to find out if they've ever been bullied, and what to do if they are bullied at school, or even at home.

Scouts.. this is a perfect program for your groups, whether it's boy or girl scouts, cubs, Brownies.. you name it.

Let me know what you think.. and if you'd be interested in a program.

Thanks!
Julie Engelhardt
Jengelha@aol.com

A Whole New Year

The latter part of 2010 was quite interesting. Story Time Adventures took a whole new twist since I was able to bring in quite a bit of business as Mrs. Claus. It was such a delight dressing as Santa's 'better half' and reading Christmas stories to children. I appeared at the YMCA after school program, at Anubee Children's Boutique in San Jose, CA; for the Girls Scouts--it was a great deal of fun. But, I may have been 'caught' a few times during my sessions. Girls who still believe in Santa and the magic of the North Pole did recognize me, and some parents had to do some quick thinking as to why Mrs. Engelhardt was dressed as Mrs. Claus.

I had the most fun as Mrs. Claus when I appeared for home visits. One was for a friend who had 'won' a story time adventure program from me. She originally wanted it for one of her son's birthdays, but he decided he didn't want a story teller. I still wanted to give her her prize, so I suggested bringing Mrs. Claus in. She did, during a play group over the holidays, and it was delightful. The kids ranged in age from about 3 or 4 year old, to second grade. After her home I went to a day care and performed there. The last performance of the season was for a home visit for a delightful 3 year old girl. She was so wonderful. Everything has been great, yet, I don't think I'm ever going to get used to having my picture taken so many times.

I'm also pleased with publicity I've received this past year. OCFamily.com, a parenting magazine based in Orange County, California, did an article about me. Kristen Schott, the writer, did a magnificent job, and I am indebted to her for her kind words and brilliant prose.

I was also interviewed for a local cable program called Arts 101. They did a five minute interview with me about Story Time Adventures, then they let me read on camera, one of my favorite books called Bubble Path Pirates.

But, with a new year stretching ahead of me, I have new opportunities in the works. In February, I will be presenting at a showcase for performers. This allows peformers to display their wares to librarians, in hopes of getting hired. Keeping my fingers crossed that this will happen and I will gain some work that way.

I'm just thrilled with the support I've received and how many new friends I've made through this.

If you want to see more, go to www.storytimeadventures.wetpaint.com. I hope to hear from you!
Julie Engelhardt