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/