Happy New Story!

.

Thank you all for sharing this fantastic and magical year with

Story Fields!

.

May the New Year be full of stories and seeds, flowers and happiness, both for you and for all the people you love!

.
Candles, bells and stories!

.

So long!

.

End of the Year at Hello Babies!

.

A few days ago, Hello Babies! celebrated the end of the year with a very special event, and I am happy to say I was part of it!

.

Babies and very young learners - together with mums, dads, and grannies! - got together to sing, dance, play and listen to stories.

.

We shared a cheerful and playful morning, and closed the year with lots of surprises and happy moments!!

.

Congratulations to all the students and families from Hello Babies! and to my friend Mariela Salto, for this wonderful project!

.

So long!

.

End of the Year at Babies' Corner

.

A few days ago, I was blessed with a new event at Babies' Corner! Babies and young kids, together with mums, dads, friends and relatives got together to celebrate the end of the year, and to get ready for Babies' Corner summer groups!

.

We shared a lovely afternoon, full of stories, games, songs and dances!

.

A huge thank you hug to my friends Eugenia Dell'Osa and Daniela Borlenghi, who run Babies' Corner with their usual effective and affective passion! Thank you for sharing this year with Story Fields!

.

So long!

.

English in Action Festival

.

I am glad and proud to announce that the First English in Action Festival took place last week at Instituto Bernasconi in Parque de los Patricios.

The event gathered high-rank authorities from the Ministry of Education, supervisors, coordinators, heads, teachers and students from Special Education in Buenos Aires.

The show consisted in video and photo presentations of classes, live performances by students and teacher demonstration of activities.

It was a lovely afternoon and a unique experience for all those of us who are lucky enough to be part of this wonderful project led by Susan Hillyard.

Congratulations to Susan, her Dream Team -of which I am proudly part- and to all the students from Escuelas de Recuperacion, Domiciliaria and Hospitalaria that belong to Educacion Especial from the Ministerio de Educacion del Gobierno de la Ciudad.

So long!

For further details: http://blogs.buenosaires.gov.ar/educacionespecial/2010/12/01/1%c2%b0-muestra-anual-programa-ingles-en-accion/

.

End of the year Concert at Dynamic English Centre

.

As you can see from these very telling photos, last week we shared and enjoyed a wonderful concert to close the academic year at Dynamic English Centre.

The event took place at Auditorio San Rafael in Saavedra, and it gathered kids, parents, siblings, relatives and friends, to celebrate a year full of accomplishments and achievements.

Very young learners, young learners and learners raging from 1 to 9 year olders performed in front of a lovely audience that was moved to tears by the outstanding show.

Story Fields wants to congratulate all the students, their parents and families and especially their teachers and Head of the Institute: Nuria Blanco, Marian Derfler - myself!- and Romina Muse.

So long!

.

Story Fields at NEA 2000

.

Reading Thinks and Story Fields got together again! This time, we launched a storytelling event at NEA 2000 in Belgrano.

We were welcomed and joined by the English coordinator, teachers and students, and we shared a lovely afternoon full of stories and magic!

Thank you NEA people! It was a lovely experience!

A huge appreciation hug to Karina Gimenez, from Reading Thinks. Dear Kari, thank you for this event, for all the others we shared together and for a whole year plenty of challenges and achievemments!

So long!

.

Story Fields at the Lenguas!

.

All the way down Carlos Pellegrini, almost reaching Libertador Ave. - before the "rulero" building at the corner - stands, pretty much like a sacred or holy haven, my beloved Lenguas: ISP en Lenguas Vivas "Juan Ramon Fernandez".

Yesterday, after over a decade of being away, I came back by the kind hand of Griselda Beacon and her Children's Literature class, which is a subject at the English Teacher Training College.

I was greeted by the DECOED people, who had kindly set everything up at the Conference Room, in what to me is "The Old Building" - with all the romantic and magical implications this title has!

Then, one by one, and in small groups, all the students arrived, together with Griselda. We shared a whole class full of stories, tips, reflection and critical analysis on storytelling and stories in general.

It was a wonderful experience, and I am very grateful for it!

A huge thank-you hug to all the girls in the class, to Griselda Beacon for her generosity and openness, and to the Lenguas!

A final word of acknowledgement to Claudia Ferradas Moi, for her suggestion, support, kindness and concern.

So long!

.

Halloween at Newland College in Parque Centenario

.
Last week I was warmly welcomed by Moira Valenti, her teachers and the 4th and 5th form students to celebrate Halloween through a storytelling event.

It was a very nice and positive experience, with an eager and keen audience, who interacted very fluently with me the whole time. I had lots of fun!

Both Moira and the kids were nice enough to create and fill out a written assessment for me. Thank you! It was great!

A big thank-you hug to all the 4th and 5th formers, to the teachers and staff at the school, and above all to Moira Valenti - Head of the English Department - for her genrosity, support and trust.

So long!
.

Halloween at Hey-Day Hayet Institute in Avellaneda

I am very happy and grateful to have been part of the wonderful Halloween celebration held at Hey-Day Institute in Avellaneda.

All the people at Hey-Day were just great! From the very little ones in their costumes, asking for Trick or Treat, to the adults who were enthralled by the stories we shared! In one of the sessions, there was one boy whose spooky mask was actually bleeding!!! Awesome!

A big thank you to all the kids, students, parents, teachers and people who helped put eveything together.

A final word of acknowledgement to Vilma, one of the Coordinators of the institute, and to Maria Celeste Hayet, Head and Director. Girls, I was honestly struck by your generosity, kindness, passion for teaching and professionalism. Thanks and congratulations!

So long!

Halloween Celebration at Dynamic English Centre

Story Fields and Dynamic English Centre went trick or treating together to celebrate Halloween through stories, songs and games!

.

It was a great experience, with kids and parents dressed up in their best and spookiest costumes, joining in and enjoying this wonderful event!

.

A huge thank you hug to all the kids, their parents, to Nuria Blanco, and a very special acknowledgement to Romina Muse, for her continual help, support and cooperation!

.

Happy Halloween Everyone!

.

So long!

.

Halloween Stories at Florence Nightingale School

.

This week I shared some Halloween spooky, and not so spooky, stories with students from different grades at Nightingale school in Acasuso.

It was a very enriching experience, full of excitement and fun!

A huge and "scary" thank you hug to all the students and teachers; a very special one to Marina, the secretary, for being so kind and helpful; and a very-super-special one to Mike Hillyard, for his trust, support and welcoming attitude. Thanks!

Go trick or treating and have fun!

So long people and thanks!!

.

Halloween Stories at Active English Institute in Ituzaingo

.

This week I was warmly welcome by all the people from Active English, a lovely English Institute surrounded by a beautiful garden and lovely singing birds, all contributing to a magical atmosphere ideal for a successful storytelling experience.

A big thank you hug to all the students, the teachers and especially to Florencia Giudici, Director of Studies, for making it such an enjoyable and unforgettable experience!

So long people, and thanks!

.

Stories at Bridge Institute in Ramos Mejia

.

I was honoured and pleased to share a very special event at Bridge Institute in Ramos Mejia last Saturday.

Students of all ages and levels showed a keen and supportive audience of relatives and friends some of the things they had done and accomplished in their English classes this year.

After these wonderful and highly creative presentations I shared some of my stories with an attentive and very varied audience. And it was great!

A big thank you to all the students, parents, relatives and friends, to all the teachers and coordinators and especially to Daniel and his family. Above all a huge thank you hug to Susana Trabaldo, head of Bridge Institute for her kindness and trust.

A final word of acknowledgement to my admired Susan Hillyard, for her constant support and help.

So long!

.

Stories at "La Asuncion de la Virgen" school in Olivos

.

I am very happy to say that this week I was made most welcome by the students, teachers and Head of this lovely school.

We shared stories and songs together, and enjoyed a lovely afternoon.

A huge thank-you bear hug to the kids, the teachers and especially to Florencia Deswarte, Head of the English Department for such a lovely and fulfilling experience.

A final word of acknowledgement to Eugenia Dell'Osa from Babies' Corner, for her unconditional trust and support.

Hope to meet you all again soon!

So long!

Stories at ISIL: Instituto San Isidro Labrador

.

This week I shared some lovely stories with the kids from kinder 3, 4 and 5 at Instituto San Isidro Labrador.

As it is always the case with kids and stories, it was amazing to see the children's eyes opening wide, their jaws dropping in amazement and their faces glowing with happiness and satisfaction!

A huge thank you to all the kids, their teachers, their English teacher Ms Ale, the librarian - who kindly shared her place with us-, and above all to Alejandra Jaime, head of the English Department of the school, as well as of the famous and beloved English & Fun newsletter.

A final word of acknowledgement to Romina Muse from Dynamic English Centre for her generosity, trust and cooperation.

Hope to see you all soon!

So long!

.

Halloween at Dynamic!

.

See you all on October 28th,

at Dynamic English Centre,

to enjoy Halloween in the best possible way!

Spooky Stories to Celebrate

HALLOWEEN

Start getting ready!

So long!

Happy SPRING!

.
.
May your SPRING

be full of flowers,

love

and STORIES!

.

So long!

.

Stories to Welcome SPRING!

.

I am delighted to invite you to join me next October 1st at Magdalena Fleitas' Espacio Cultural Risas de la Tierra to share Stories to Welcome Spring!

I will tell some of my favourite stories to celebrate with you my favourite season! Come with your little ones and indulge in a feast for all the senses!

So long!

Happy Teacher's Day!

.
One of the few things in this life I am really proud of and happy about, is that I am a teacher.

To celebrate my day, and your day, I want to share this story with you. This lovely piece is published in Chicken Soup for the teacher's Soul, that Karina Gimenez has kindly lent me. Thank you Kari!

We might not feel identified with the whole of the piece, and that is fine. Because I am sure that we will all feel identified with at least one little bit of it, and - trust me on this one - a little bit of this, means a lot!

HAPPY TEACHER'S DAY TO ALL!

.

So long!

.

.

Yours are the Hands

by Julie Sykes

.

Yours are the hands that brushed my hair from my eyes when I was in kindergarten. You reassured me, comforted me and made me feel that being away from Mom wasn't so bad after all.

.

Yours are the hands that clapped to get my attention in first grade. You let me know there was work to be done, as well as time to play in this all-day school. You taught me discipline, fairness and patience, still allowing me to be creative and inventive.

.

Yours are the hands that showed me how to wrap a May Pole in second grade and make a tissue paper carnation corsage that made my mom cry tears of joy. She still keeps that delicate corsage today.

.

Yours are the hands that introduced me to geography in third grade by sharing your stories of travel and adventure. You gave me the desire to learn more about other lands and their people. You made my world bigger.

.

Yours are the hands that made the numbers come alive in fourth grade. You shared your passion for math and helped me see that math is used in every single part of our lives. You challenged me and made me think harder.

.

Yours are the hands that showed me technology was a fast train that I should jump aboard in fifth grade. You taught me that the computer was user-friendly and showed me the new age of technology. You showed me my future was indeed going to hold this need.

.

Yes, throughout my education, yours are the hands that held and patted mine in times of trouble; that wiped the tears when I thought the world was against me; that clapped as loud as my parents when I won the Good Citizen of the Month award; that shook the finger to scold me when I was throwing dirt on the playground; that snapped, waved and directed me in the music presentations of the school plays; that placed the bandage on my scuffed knee; that handed me a "Happy Birthday" ribbon on my special day; and that raised a finger to your lips to ever so quietly remind me that the library was a quiet place.

.

Yours are the hands that now shake mine, wish me luck, and point me onward to the next level of my education. Thank you. Thank you for helping me mold my future and caring as you did all these years, for yours are the hands that will touch my life forever.

.

Story Fields gets ready for Halloween!

.

We are pleased and proud to announce we are getting ready for Halloween!

In October, Story Fields will look black and orange, and will be sharing spooky stories to celebrate this traditional festivity.

Contact us to learn more, and book your creepy storytelling session!

So long!

Hot Chocolate & Stories at ABS International Congress for ELT Managers and Directors of Studies

.

One day a "young" woman chose some of her favourite stories, and together with some friends who joined her and supported her, sat down in front of a gathering of interested and interesting people to entertain them with these stories.

The owner of the house had invited lots of people to come and listen to the stories, and lots of people had come!

The place where the community gathered was very comfortable, with cushions on the floor, and chocolate-scented candles, with background music and friendly lights.

The stories filled the listeners' hearts and souls, and hot chocolate was served, just to go with the stories!

All in all, it was a very pleasant experience, and the "young" woman was very grateful to all the participants, the owner of the house, and her friends!

Thank you very much to

all the people who stayed and joined us;

to Laura and Miguel for this chance;

to Karina Gimenez from Reading Thinks

for all the Barefoot Stories

and the hot chocolate

and the raffles;

to Eugenia Dell'Osa from Babies' Corner,

for her suggestions and help;

to Maria Marta Suarez from ALL,

for her support and help;

and to YOU,

who are taking the time to read

and learn a little more about

Story Fields!

So long!

Kid's Day at Babies' Corner

.

A huge and warm THANK YOU to all the Babies' Corner people, namely: the babies, kids and families who attended the event, Karina Gimenez and Bianca From Reading Thinks with their Barefoot Books, and Ms Jime, Ms Daniela Borlenghi and Ms Eugenia Dell'Osa From Babies' Corner.

.

This weekend I was honoured and pleased to take part in this event to celebrate Kid's Day with two different groups of more than thirty families each. There were song, books, presents, raffles, bubbles, and -of course- stories!

.

It is great for me to see eyes twinkling, jaws opening and cheeks blushing as the stories and their characters come to life and involve kids and adults alike.

.

Thank you very much!

.

So long!

.

"Leisure"

.
In my very own intra-personal quest for time - "quality" time-, I recollected this lovely poem I learnt many years ago.

May it serve as a kind of oasis to all those of us who think days should be 48-hours- long instead of 24-hours-long!

Take your time to enjoy it!

"Leisure"

.

What is this life if, full of care,

We have no time to stand and stare.

.

No time to stand beneath the boughs

and stare as long as sheep or cows.

.

No time to see, in broad daylight,

Streams full of starts, like skies at night.

.

No time to turn at Beauty's glance,

and watch her feet, how they can dance.

.

No time to wait till her mouth can

Enrich that smile her eyes began.

.

A poor life this if, full of care,

We have no time to stand and stare.

.

By Wm. Henry Davies

.

Happy Kid's Day!

.

"The kids are absolutely magnificent.

It's incredible. The spontaneity, the beauty.

Even though children nowadays don't have a lot of innocence

in their lives anymore,

they still come to us with childlike innocence,

beauty, joy of life, the excitement of living.

As a teacher,

I get to share a little bit of it".

.

By Nancy Brice

.

(Greg Henry Quinn, 365 Meditations for Teachers)

.

.

May we all have a wonderful kid's day on Sunday, together - either physically, or spiritually - with all the children that enrich our lives daily and make our existence a wonderful gift:

our own daughters and sons,

our grandchildren,

our nieces and nephews,

our godchildren,

our friends' children,

our neighbours,

our students,

all of them!

.

Happy Kid's Day!

.

So long!

.

English in Action at SHARE Convention

.
Last week I was, once again, filled with pride to be part of Susan Hillyard's Dream Team: English in Action.

Susan and part of the team carried out a presentation at SHARE Convention, organised by Omar Villarreal and his people in Buenos Aires.

We were welcomed and greeted by many friendly and familiar faces, and we all felt at home.

Our audience was receptive, playful and deeply moved towards the end of our session, especially after we shared a video with photos of out students in the different places where we teach English to SEN students through story-drama and action sacks: Hospital Garrahan, Orphanages, Escuelas Domiciliarias and Escuelas de Recuperacion.

This project has been designed together with, and is carried out with the support of the Ministerio de Educacion de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires.

I personally want to thank Susan, all my colleagues from the Dream Team, Omar and his people, and our lovely audience for being there.

Those of you who know me, know that I am very tall. Sometimes, however, I feel really small in this world. On such days I remember Tolkien's words from The Lord of the Rings:

"Even the smallest person can change the course of the future"

We may be small, or few, but we are growing stronger ...

and stronger ...

and stronger...

Have a great school week!

So long!

Back to classes on Monday!

.
After two weeks of enjoying warm evenings by the fireplace and late mornings in bed, we go back to school this coming Monday.

It is the beginning of "new times," hopefully with renewed energy and ideas.

Whenever I "Stop & Stare" I remember a lovely "poem" I want to share with you today.

This "poem" is believed to have been written originally by an American poet called Nadine Stair, though it was mistakenly attributed to Jorge Luis Borges ("Instantes") at one point.

Whatever the case is, I believe it serves my purpose in wanting to convey an idea of calmed pleasure, necessary to start the second part of the year.

It is my strong believe that we always make the best choices with the resources we have at the time. I believe it is easy and unfair to ourselves to have many regrets later in life. Still, I like to remind myself of this "poem" from time to time to remember the things I want more of, as well as the things I want less of, from now on. It is from that point of view, and with this spirit, that I want to share this "poem" with you.

I hope you like it, and I hope it can help us "Stop & Stare" whenever we feel we are drowning in the ordinary and daily flood of our mission: being teachers - wherever, whoever and whatever it is that we teach.

Love, stories and energy!

So long!

If I had my life to live over...

...I'd dare to make more mistakes next time.

I'd relax. I would limber up.

I would be sillier than I have been on this trip.

I would take fewer things seriously.

I would take more chances.

I would climb more mountains and swim more rivers.

I would eat more icecream and less beans.

I would perhaps have more actual troubles,

but I'd have fewer imaginary ones.

You see, I'm one of those people who live sensibly and sanely,

hour after hour, day after day.

Oh, I've had my moments, and if i had it to do over again,

I'd have more of them.

In fact, I'd try to have nothing else.

Just moments, one after another,

instead of living so many years ahead of each day.

I've been one of those persons who never goes anywhere

without a thermometer, a hot-water bottle,

a raincoat, and a parachute.

If I had to do it again,

I would travel lighter than I have.

If I had my life to live over,

I would start barefoot early in the spring

and stay like that late in the fall.

I would go to more dances.

I would ride more merry-go-rounds.

I would pick more daisies.

.

Better late than never!

.
When exactly seven days have gone by since Friend's Day, I wish you all a HAPPY (BELATED) FRIEND'S DAY!!

As a present to you all...here is a selection of my very favourite quotes on friends and friendship.

Hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoy having you nearby.

So long!

What is a friend?

A single soul dwelling in two bodies.

Aristotle

.

A friend may well be reckoned

the masterpiece of nature.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

.

One can do without people,

but one has need of a friend.

Chinese Wisdom

.

Of all the gifts that a wise providence

grants us to make life full and happy

friendship

is the most beautiful.

Epicurus

.

Laughter is not at all a bad

beginning for a friendship,

and it is by far

the best ending for one.

Oscar Wilde

.

.

Story Fields at Colegio Beth in Palermo

Last week I was very glad to be part of The Book Week at Beth School in Palermo. This event takes place every year at the Kindergarten of this prestigious school.

I was warmly and generously welcomed by the kids -from Kinder 4 and 5- their teachers, helpers, librarian and of course coordinator Silvina Riganti.

Thank you all and see you soon!

So long!!!

Hot Chocolate and Stories to Welcome Winter at Dynamic

On June 25th I very happily Welcomed Winter with stories, hot chocolate and friends at Dynamic English Centre in Belgrano.

A big and warm thank you to all the Dynamic students, parents and friends and above all to Romina Muse for such a lovely afternoon together.

So long!!

And Welcome Winter!