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

Ms. Bunny and her 'Tails'

So, today (April 7, 2012) I had the opportunity to present my Story Time Adventures program at the National Steinbeck Museum in Salinas, California. For locals, and those who aren't so close, this is a beautiful monument to author John Steinbeck. The main gallery is quite spectacular with photos and images of Steinbeck, and tributes to his life in Salinas, Monterey County, and his works.

About a month ago I participated in the celebration of Steinbeck's 110th birthday celebration. I'd been 'knocking' on the Center's door for quite some time, expressing my interest in doing my program there, and finally, it clicked! there weren't a lot of children present, but some did come into the hall where I was placed and we had a good time. I then suggested to the personnel that I come back to do a Spring/Easter program, and they were intrigued by the idea. We set it up, were able to get donations of prizes, and away we went.

I arrived at the Center about 30 minutes before the program was set to start. I always get butterflies before I do a program--especially if I'm not sure if anyone will show up. I paced nervously in front of the main entrance, but my nerves calmed as families began to show up. There were about 30 children in attendance, ranging in age from babies up to about 11 years old. I read for 30 minutes, then the kids were let loose to hunt for eggs in the gallery. Afterwards, they were able to turn in their eggs for a prize. We had great prizes, such as tickets to amusement parks and tickets to a local fair. I was thrilled!

I am hoping that I can continue my relationship with the Center and continue to do more programs. I will celebrate my second anniversary of Story Time Adventures this summer, and I am more than delighted that little by little my program is still being recognized as a quality program for schools, scouts, libraries--you name it!

If you'd like to learn more, please visit my site, www.storytimeadventures.wetpaint.com.

Happy Reading!
Julie

Pizza! Who doesn't love warm, toasty, cheesy, saucy pizza! I know that I certainly do.

Books! Who doesn't love delving into their favorite page-turner on a rainy afternoon or while sitting on a sunny beach?

Now.. what if you could combine pizza and books! That would be the BEST!

You can, on Sundays in April.. the 15th, 22nd, and 29th, in Hollister, California, at Neighborhood Pizza on Tres Pinos Road. Starting on the 15th, the restaurant will start their Family Pizza Days from 1 to 3 pm. I, Julie Engelhardt, will be there with Story Time Adventures--reading books, playing games, and providing crafts. We will even have a face painter from time to time!
If you would like to learn more about this event, go to my Face Book events page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/events/113893075409305/. Bring the whole family after church and have some good old-fashioned fun!
See you there!

Julie

Mini Reading Camp

During the past 18 months I've been able to share my experiences with you about my program, my business, called Story Time Adventures. What started out as a small experiment to see if anyone would be interested in listening to me read children's books, has grown into a wonderful and exhilarating part time career.

I am still visiting schools, libraries, and other venues to present my story time program. This past November and December, 2011, I appeared as Mrs. Claus in a number of places, including the Northern Nevada Children's Museum in Carson City, Nevada; with the Watsonville Community Band in Northern California, reading 'The Night Before Christmas,' and at the California Welcome Center in Salinas, California.

It is now February 2012 and I have new plans on the horizon. I am working on putting together a Mini Reading Camp for April 9-11 while my son and I are on Spring Break. It's called 'Rescue Me From Boredom--Read a Good Book!' This will focus on police officers, fire fighters, and paramedics. I will be reading stories about these different people, and we will be visitng a fire station, and have visits from a police officer and an ambulance driver. The cost is $20 per child with a $7 materials fee. It's designed for children in grades K-2, but if those who are a little older, or a little younger, want to participate, then that's okay with me! Moms/dads or a responsible adult must stay with the child at all times.

If you want more information, email me at Jengelha@aol.com. This is in Hollister, California. I will also be offering Skype story times for schools throughout the country. I hope to hear from you! Julie Engelhardt, Story Time Adventures

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!