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"By far, the best set of presentations I have seen in this district …”
     Dr. Marc Kerble
     Winchester Schools Assistant Superintendent , Winchester, MA
                  (see many more raving testimonials below)

CurricuLaughs

Curriculum-tied Laughter in Language ArtsDo you want to get your students excited about poetry? Do you want them to learn in "an atmosphere of laugher and enchantment?" (See 9th testimonial, below.) Do you want them to start writing poetry DURING THEIR OWN FREE TIME? (See 10th testimonial, below.) Jeff Nathan, award-winning children’s author and creator of PunOETRY™, has a unique set of hysterically entertaining children’s assemblies that focus on EDUCATION THROUGH HUMOR. He's developed some very unique programs that get the right-brain to help the left-brain to open up and learn. Children, while learning poetry and language arts lessons from a different angle, see these new educational adventures as “hilarious” and “fun” while teachers and administrators are just as ecstatic.

Though loved by ALL students, Jeff's programs also help to narrow the "gender gap" as he shows that it's okay to like sports AND like writing and poetry, especially as you laugh at some of his sports poems.

Jeff now guarantees his "Learning Language Arts Through HUMOR" sessions to be the BEST, most FUN, most EDUCATIONAL language arts assemblies your elementary school has EVER HAD or you don't have to pay for them!

Click here to see a video preview of Jeff's school visit programs

He's earned some strong testimonials. (Note the REAL NAMES of REAL PEOPLE at REAL SCHOOLS, LIBRARIES, AND BUSINESSES.)

"This was, by far, the best set of presentations I have seen in our school system – funny, informative, inspiring, the kids LOVED them, AND they presented some difficult MCAS concepts, like similes and metaphors, in a uniquely humorous and dramatic manner that the kids can relate to and remember. I am anxious to bring these programs to the rest of the district."
Dr. Marc Kerble      Assistant Superintendent      Winchester Schools      Winchester, MA

“Hi Jeff,
Your program was fantastic! It was much more educational than I expected and very creative. The kids really enjoyed it. … I can absolutely recommend you first-hand. ...”
Vicki Blazejowski      Editor     PTO Ideas

"Jeff Nathan has provided our students with the richest experience that an author can provide. He has a strong understanding of the developmental levels of kids so his programs were very, very effective for both the younger as well as the older children. He also focused on a lot of the literary skills that we teach with writing, for example metaphors, similes and alliteration. These are all skills that we are teaching and he presented them in a fun way that the kids really enjoyed. We've had an absolutely fantastic day and I would highly recommend Jeff Nathan to any school system that wants to bring in an outstanding author."
Roland Axelson     Principal     Waddell Elementary School     Manchester, CT

“I got the most glowing reports from teachers at all the shows you did. Here is the enthusiastic K-2 feedback:
‘Anyone who can keep the attention of a couple hundred 5 - 7 years olds for 45 minutes is worth every penny. It was so amazing to see how you kept them engaged throughout the entire performance. We loved to see our students laughing, singing, and dancing and on top of it all...learning to love poetry. What an incredible experience for us all!’
We were hesitant to have a parent program due to lack of funds and interest in the past. However, the students went home and dragged their parents to the night program... just like you said they would. We had a great turn-out and everyone left with a smile and a new-found appreciation for poetry. Thanks for bringing a fun, contagious appreciation for poetry into our school environment! We hope to have you back soon! THANK YOU!”
Kellie Ruggles     Reading Specialist      Ruggles Lane Elementary      Barre, MA

"Thank you so much for the truly remarkable show. I have no doubt that I could write a nicely worded, long, drawn-out appreciative thank you letter. But it would by no means illustrate how truly captivated the students at RMMS were with your show. So I will simply quote a student who said it best "You Rock!". From the mouth of babes, Jeff you were sensational. Thank you ever so much!"
Kristine O. Murray     Media Enrichment Specialist     Richard Maghakian Memorial School        Brookline, NH

“In their written reviews of our Author Day, the children raved about Jeff’s ‘awesome poems’ and ‘great guitar playing,’ and praised him as ‘super hilarious’ and ‘so, so funny.’ As one child wrote, quite simply, ‘He rocks.’ I really knew that Jeff’s presentation hit home when one student used similes in her review, writing: ‘Jeff Nathan is as nice as a kitten’ and ‘as clumsy as an elephant’ (referencing how he fell to the ground to animate his lesson on similes!). A fifth grader summed up the sentiments of the Webster Middle School community: ‘Jeff is an awesome poetry writer!’”
Constance Marr     Library Media Specialist     Webster Middle School     Webster, MA

I thought he was GREAT!!!!
Cathy Cournoyer     3rd grade teacher

I thought the author, the presentation...everything was GREAT! He really kept their attention and had some great ideas. My initial thought was that I had wished he had visited before MCAS because of the information he was presenting, which was very useful. I am going to order a book for my godchild. Loved it!
Sue Ricard     5th grade teacher

I think that the author was very good. He kept the students’ attention, and he did a good job of enforcing similes, metaphors, and alliteration.
Lisa Wilmot     4th grade teacher

Excellent presentation! I could have listened to him longer. He really had the kids’ attention, and was discussing some relevant material. I’d like to see him again next year!
Sheri Bergeron     5th grade teacher

I though Jeff Nathan was great. He was entertaining and informative. The kids really liked him too. I loved how he worked curriculum into his program – especially how to find the main idea, and similes and metaphors.
Sheila Carroll     6th grade teacher

Jeff Nathan was very entertaining and certainly kept the students engaged.
Donna Hurton     5th grade teacher

I thought he was fantastic!!
Cindy Dermugrditchian     5th grade teacher

It was entertaining. He made writing poetry seem fun. Seemed very age appropriate.
Carol Daly     3rd grade teacher

“This was the best visiting author program that I can remember bringing in for the children.

After last year, the staff—the 4th grade teachers, in particular—asked if they could bring you back again this year. They talked to the cultural enrichment person because they felt that the kids got a lot out of your presentation of metaphors, similes—the things that the kids get confused about. The teachers feel that they are trying to come up with creative ways all the time to help and you did just that. They thought it made an impression on their students and they also thought that it was great for them to hear a lot of things come from you that they are saying every day in the classroom—that it’s not just the teachers drilling it into them, that there was a reason for it and they could see the results in your books. There’s been a lot of positive feedback from the teachers. One of the grade 3 teachers was going on and on about how great their session was, how the material you presented was very relevant, the kids enjoyed it, and it was interactive.
…
The dramatic performance coupled with the information of what’s important for them to learn is a great combination. I think it’s perfect and you keyed right into MCAS. You make it real rather than just similes and metaphors and alliteration. Unfortunately, I think people always teach those things together, and then they are forever mixed up in the kids’ minds, but you were able to really dramatize those things so they can tell the difference. I think it’s great.”
Carol McGrath     Principal     Esten Elementary School     Rockland, MA

"In my fifteen years of teaching, I have never seen a performer like Jeff Nathan. In addition to being captivatingly funny, musical, and whimsical, he provides curriculum-tied educational content in a multi-sensory format that makes poetry accessible to all children. If you only have one author visit your school, this is the one to get."
Kathleen Holland      Literacy Specialist     Lynch Elementary School      Winchester, MA

"Jeff Nathan’s appearance at our school truly inspired teachers and students alike. His use of humor, song, and drama help to “catch” and “capture” the students’ interest in both reading and writing poetry. We are looking forward to making poetry a part of our everyday school life here at the JFK."
Kim-Marie Fudge     Reading Specialist     John F. Kennedy Elementary School     Billerica, Ma

“At our last PTO meeting, parents said their children came home and wrote pages of poetry, even books after your presentation. We are always happy when children talk about the programs they saw at school at home and even more impressed when the subject matter carries over to free time. Thanks again for a wonderful visit.”
Sarah Robinson      PTO Enrichment Coordinator      Page Elementary School      West Newbury, MA

“I want to thank you for a wonderful performance last week. It was the best that we have ever had. The students and staff are still raving about it. They all had a great time and the students didn't even realize they were learning. I'm sure Ste Jeanne d'Arc would love to have you back. The entire experience, from beginning to end, was professional and well organized. ...”
Susan Warnke      Library Media Specialist      Ste Jeanne d'Arc School      Lowell, MA

“Jeff thoroughly engaged the students, using a variety of audiovisual media, ranging from acoustic guitar to colorful costumes to cleverly designed powerpoint presentations. His talent as an author, entertainer, and a songwriter brings together a multiplicity of art forms in a very worthwhile, instructive manner. Students become active listeners and participate in the analysis and usage of excellent reading and writing techniques.”
Anna Marie MacDonnell, PhD      Grade 4 Teacher      McGuire Elementary School      N. Providence, RI

"I can honestly say that this was one of the best assemblies that we have had in recent years...Jeff was here for the whole day and was well worth the reasonable fee he charged. He did three separate group assemblies for different age groups and also visited three fourth grade classes. The group assemblies were very age appropriate and humorous. He talked about the elements of poetry, ideas to begin the writing process, and specific elements like similes and metaphors. I highly recommend you consider hiring Jeff Nathan to do an assembly at your school..."
Jenifer Bell      Grade 4 Teacher and PTG President       Rindge Memorial School      Rindge, NH

"...I want to thank you again for your outstanding presentation at our school. I really enjoyed watching how you brought poetry to life. The children were enthralled with your mannerisms and slapstick humor. I have heard nothing but positive comments from students, staff, and parents. ... Please feel free to use me as a reference."
Marian Hourigan      Principal      Thomas Hooker School      Meriden, CT

“It was such pleasure to hear the likes of similes and metaphors discussed in an atmosphere of laughter and enchantment. Yes, they may appear on the MCAS and they are certainly drilled in the classroom, but practical application in the context of humor and verse made them real and worth knowing about. As well, we may teach about the multiple meanings of words but the fourth and fifth graders viewed them in a new light when accompanied by your clever PunOETRY and illustrations. … Thank you for instructing and entertaining the Oaklandvale students and teachers.”
Kathleen M. Stanton      Principal      Oaklandvale      Saugus, MA

“Jeff Nathan really connected to the students and presented his joy of poetry to a very engaged group of 1st and 2nd graders. We had a very positive experience. One child described the program as ”his best day ever in first grade.”
Rosemary Mastropietro     Grade 1 Teacher     Mary K. Goode Elementary School     Middleborough, MA

"Mr. Nathan's assembly was educational and entertaining. It is a great way to get across poetry curricula in a way the children love. This was our second year in a row having "Sherlock Poems" at our school. The students, staff and administration were thrilled to have him return!"
Kim Turnberg     Gifted and Talented Teacher Grades 3-5     Mountain View Elementary School      East Longmeadow, MA

“- It was interactive which kept students attention and interest.
- Poems were fun
- I can’t wait to purchase some books!”
Dana Trottier Grade 1 Teacher Mary K. Goode Elementary School Middleborough, MA

“What a fun way to present poetry to children.”
Katherine Upton Grade 1 Teacher Mary K. Goode Elementary School Middleborough, MA

Here are a few quotes via newspaper articles. There are many more with the other articles, ..
"[Nathan] does what I look for in an enrichment program," Mountain View principal Carolyn Wallace said. "He brings things the students can use right now and the fourth grade teachers are very pleased with the work he does with poetry."
"His humor is definitely at the kids' level, as are his words and his concepts," Wallace explained. "I wouldn't be surprised if we invited him back every year because the students learn different things every year. This is a program where children aren't learning the exact same thing at each level."
Carolyn Wallace      Principal      Mountain View Elementary School      East Longmeadow, MA
      via The Reminder newspaper      East Longmeadow, MA
      article by Courtney Llewellyn      Reminder Assistant Editor

"He's talking about similes, metaphors and alliteration, and it's good for the students since testing is coming up," Langille said. "It's unusual to find someone that can hit all the different grade levels. I definitely would recommend him to another group."
Kyle Langille      Principal      Bicentennial Elementary School      Nashua, NH
      via the Nashua Telegraph newspaper      Nashua, NH
      article by Jeff Abkowitz      Telegraph Staff

"He was great and I am not usually interested in poetry."
Fourth grader      Tiana Mackin
      via The Reminder newspaper      East Longmeadow, MA
      article by Courtney Llewellyn      Reminder Assistant Editor
... see "Press" page for complete articles and MORE articles.

“The Crosby students loved your presentations. Here are some comments that I received from teachers:
‘…he was the best entertainer we have had in a while. He was fun, age appropriate, and gave a good presentation…’
‘…since his performance, my students are reading more of the poetry books in the browsing center than ever before…’
‘…My class was very attentive and enjoyed themselves. He kept them involved and laughing…’
Thank you, again, for bringing such a wonderful set of programs to our school.”
Donna Baker      School Community Coordinator      Crosby Elementary      Pittsfield, MA

"The Tobin School in Cambridge had the great pleasure of hosting author/poet Jeff Nathan at our school to help us celebrate Read Across America Day on March 8, 2008. He met with our Pre-k to 6th graders. ... Jeff's programs were very well planned and performed. Besides being on target for reinforcing language arts skills, he was so entertaining and engaging. Using movement, singing, drama and multimedia, he had students and adults spellbound and participating fully in the show. Jeff did a special program with the 4th and 5th graders in the afternoon on the magic of words, such as alliterations. A terrific time was had by all!"
Marjorie R. Berger      Library Media Specialist      John M. Tobin School      Cambridge, MA

“My students really enjoyed the presentation. They especially enjoyed the antics of Sherlock Poems. The musical element of the program kept them entertained while learning about metaphors and similes. Jeff proves that poetry can be fun!”
Julie Davia      Grade 3 Teacher      McGuire Elementary School      N. Providence, RI

“Hi Jeff,
Once again, you were great this morning! Everyone I spoke to today said they really enjoyed your program. My son, Christopher and his friend, Steven loved you and Christopher didn't even want to go! Thanks again for a wonderful show!”
Josephine Starr      Children’s Programming      The Sherborn Library      Sherborn, MA

"Hi Jeff
I just wanted to thank you for your wonderfully entertaining show the other night. I received a lot of positive feedback from parents and kids alike. The audience was delighted with your silly poems, humor, and antics. You had their full attention and I could tell by their smiles and giggles that they were thoroughly captivated with your performance."
Karen Dunham      Head of Children's Services      Groton Public Library      Groton, MA

"Wow! Did my class enjoy your performances at our school! Thank you so much! My class is now in the process of writing thank you notes to you in either simile, metaphor, poem, or alliteration form. They're having fun with it. We'll be sending those off probably on Friday..."
Mrs. Gerry Belanger      4th grade Teacher      South Elementary School      Somerset, MA

Our instructional time with the children is valuable. It was a professionally rewarding to have Jeff come in and present a relevant, meaningful, and enjoyable lesson to the children in the classroom.
Donna Lee Shaw-Kilbury      3rd grade Teacher      Amherst St. School      Nashua, NH

Sherlock Poems, Poetry Detective, making another mistake.
“Jeff Nathan was able to teach a simple structure for writing poetry which evoked great enthusiasm from the students. Students of all abilities were able to write a poem using his techniques. He brought in the elements of poetry and mixed them in with fun and learning.”
Pat Kalicki      6th grade Teacher      Norton Middle School      Norton, MA

"...Students were thrilled to have Jeff Nathan visit and very inspired to write their own poems...Kids' comments: poems were hysterical, entertaining, enjoyed character - Sherlock Poems, enjoyed presentation because he acted it out, loved wordplay, ...'"
Mrs. Shephardson      Grade 5 Teacher      Juniper Park Elementary School      Westfield, MA

“Your program was truly wonderful. The students were engaged and incredibly interested in your presentation. They were with you for the entire program. The fact that you had such a diverse presentation meant that they were entertained and they were challenged to participate. I thought your demonstration was refreshing and fun. You embedded the educational skills within a spirited delivery. Thank you for your energy. I appreciate your effort and time."
Karen Kosko      Media Specialist      The Haggerty School Library      Cambridge, MA

"I have seen many, many author presentations in my business and in my 35 years teaching. Jeff Nathan is definitely tops! His enthusiasm, energy and humor make learning about poetry so much fun! The students of all grades are enthralled with him and "Sherlock Poems". I give Jeff a "10" in all areas, from educational content to presentation pizzazz, to the children's humor that even had me laughing till my stomach was sore. If you bring him to your school, you will not be disappointed."
Kathy Donovan      Reading Specialist and President      Turning Pages Consulting      Melrose, MA

"On behalf of Mayo School I would like to thank Jeff Nathan for sharing his talents with our entire school. His program had our students on their feet with excitement and laughter. As a parent it was my pleasure to see the children smiling and learning. I especially enjoyed how Jeff incorporated his knowledge and experience of the poetry writing process ... We highly recommend this program for any k-5th grade school. ... Thanks again Jeff."
Gloriann Switzer      PTA Enrichment Coordinator      Mayo Elementary      Holden, MA "

"Jeff Nathan does an incredible job at making poetry come to life..........heartwarming to see the students sooooo involved and mesmerized!!!!!"
Wendy Wollner      Grade 3 Teacher      Arongen Elementary School      Clifton Park, NY

"...Thank you for such an informative, yet entertaining program you put on for our classes yesterday. I've been teaching 4th grade for over 30 years, and during that time I have listened to many children's authors, poets, and illustrators. A number of these people were greatly talented, but were not able to connect with the large groups of students. Their talks were "dry" and did not engage the children. I was so pleased that your poetry is humorous and so is your delivery of it. The students were attentive the entire hour as they never knew what you would do next. What a great variety of props, costumes, and resources! They also enjoyed your small group instruction on similes and metaphors as you made it fun. You are truly a children's poet."
Tina Stroud      Grade 4 Teacher      Orenda Elementary School      Clifton Park, NY

"Hi! You performed at Chestnut Hill Elementary School in Dix Hills, NY in the Fall. As an early childhood teacher of first graders, I am always looking for interesting poetry and a way to "hook the kids" on writing and literature. Your presentation did just that! My first grade students were so excited and motivated by your performance. ... I was interested in looking through your books ... to use in my teaching but when I got to the school library I was too late -the books had been checked out already. ... My students especially loved the poem about baseball. Your enthusiastic dramatization of your poems was exceptional. Thanks for showing the children how much fun writing and reading can be!!!"
Mrs. Rebecca Donders      First Grade Teacher       Chestnut Hill Elementary      Dix Hills, NY

His programs feature crazy poems, like "The Buzz," and silly songs, like "On Top of My Doggie"

"Jeff Nathan visited our school this fall, and treated our school to some wonderful assemblies! Both students and staff agree that his programs are a mix of just the "right stuff." The students in kindergarten through grade five enjoyed Jeff's interactive approach to learning about poetry. Teachers were delighted with his ability to keep the students interested, no matter what age level. He has something that appeals to all. Jeff's programs involve the children and keep them engaged from beginning to end. Best of all, they learned about poetry while they were having fun. We are hoping to invite Jeff Nathan back next year."
Linda McAllister      Principal     Penacook Elementary School      Penacook, NH

"Jeff's program was loaded with enthusiasm! He inspired my students to create wonderful poetry. His humorous poetry reading and guitar playing kept the kids laughing and learning. Jeff has fun turning ordinary objects into silly poems! The kids loved asking him questions about writing. My students had a blast! "
Paul Hughes      Grade 2 Teacher     Lewisboro Elementary      South Salem, NY

"Jeff Nathan is a dynamic performer who had students from kindergarten through fourth grade excited about poetry. He conducted three separate assemblies for the different grade levels. Our fourth graders received a special treat as Mr. Nathan visited their classrooms to conduct mini-workshops on poetry. Students and staff were talking about him for days!"
Beth Mendelsohn      PTA Co-President      Ruth L. Chaffee School      Newington, CT

"Dear Jeff:
Thank you so much for coming to our school and my classroom. My students were captivated during your morning assembly, and they were even more enthralled with your classroom visit. I was impressed by how engaged the kids were with metaphors, similes and poetic license, and your music had them jumping up and down. I recommend your presentation to other third and fourth grade teachers. Thanks!"
Kate Seid      4th Grade Teacher     Williamstown Elementary School      Williamstown, MA

“Positives:
Sharing great poetry
Students were very excited and motivated to share
FUN
Tied to curriculum

Negatives:
None”
Sarah Enos Grade 2 Teacher Mary K. Goode Elementary School Middleborough, MA

"Jeff Nathan did great presentations at our school for grades K-4. He was extremely entertaining for all the grades and really helped the kids to see how much fun poetry and English grammar can be. The teachers were able to leave the presentations and immediately go back and reinforce the learning. Great presentations!"
Linda Sutton      Grade 4 Teacher      Peter W. Reilly School      Lowell, MA

"I recently brought Massachusetts children's author Jeff Nathan in to work with my 3rd and 4th grade students. Jeff ... introduces similes, metaphors, poetic license, and interpretation of poetry with a lot of humor, a little music, and impressive Powerpoint technology...This program is so strong that I offered to serve as a reference."
Dr. Robert Putnam      Principal      Berkshire Hills Elementary      Stockbridge, MA

"Jeff was a pleasure to have at our school. The students thoroughly enjoyed his poetry and the time he took to personalize each book. We even ordered extra copies of his books for the school and town libraries to handle the waiting list of students in line to check them out. We look forward to more humorous PunOETRY from Jeff Nathan!”
Kathy Overington      PTSA President      Germantown Central School      Germantown, NY

"My second grade class was enthralled with Jeff Nathan's presentation. He brought his poems alive. It was the perfect way to show the students how to make a mental image."
Dianthe McCarty      Grade 2 Teacher      Harmony Hill School      Cohoes, NY

"Jeff Nathan’s presentations were very age appropriate, informative, and entertaining. His pleasant, entertaining style captured and maintained the interest of our students at each grade level. I would highly recommend Jeff Nathan."
Dotty Greene      Principal      Atherton Hough Elementary School      Quincy, MA

"Jeff Nathan came to the Peter W. Reilly School today and gave a presentation to our school. It was most enjoyable, the students enjoyed the PunOETRY and had some fun. Isn't this what education is all about? To engage children with exciting literature to motivate them to read and write in this day of technology is quite rare. Hats off to Jeff for his sense of humor, caring, and sharing."
Mary Lou Whelan      Grade 1 teacher      Peter W. Reilly School      Lowell, MA

Jeff gets lots of fan mail, poems and thank you notes from students, but does not ordinarily post them. This one, however, he was particularly touched by and got parental permission to show it:

"This morning was awesome when you did an assembly for fourth and fifth grade, At Charlotte Ave! In library we acted out or read your poems and me and my friend do Physical Physical. I loved the part where you did the "Take Me Out of the ball game". that was sooo much fun. I never understood similes and metaphors until you taught us. I have read your books and I'm totally going to tell my friends in Greenfield about your books. It was also funny when you were Sherlock Poems the mustache was awkward and made me laugh. Thank you for coming and you ARE an inspiration."
    Jessica Calope from Charlotte Avenue School
   "p.s I looked up your e-mail address on the internet so I could thank you for having a privilege to have an author at our school."

One of his publishers provided this evaluation form that they received from Burlington, MA:

Jeff, as Sherlock Poems, Poetry Detective, answers a question in his own inimitable way.

Some press comments:
“Mr. Nathan’s credentials as a children’s author, educator, poet, singer and songwriter have enabled him to become the creator of a wonderful world where children can learn through fun and laughter.” Sandy Wyman, Tribune-Press (NY)

“Playing his guitar and singing, Nathan kept the audience engaged and laughing, while at the same time teaching them that learning about metaphors, similes and personification can be fun and playful.” Jennifer Solis, Daily News (Newburyport, MA)

“… a visit from Andover poet Jeff Nathan had children from first to fifth grades singing, dancing and laughing at his offbeat children’s poems. … Part of Nathan’s act involves pretending to be “Sherlock Poems,” a bumbling poetry detective with a Southern accent. In an era of standardized tests and budget cuts <he is> a welcome addition to the educational process.” Davin Wilfrid, Lawrence Eagle Tribune (Lawrence, MA)

“Poetry does not usually inspire a room full of children to laugh and scream. But that was what happened when children’s poet Jeff Nathan visited. … Robinson Park's Parent-Teacher Organization invited him to speak because the school hopes to boost pupils' scores in the language arts portion of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System tests.” Ken Ross, The Republican (Springfield, MA)

"Award-winning children’s author Jeff Nathan visited the school speaking at assemblies for each grade bringing his interactive and fun techniques with him. ... In each workshop session he taught the children a lesson that closely followed each class’s curriculum. For example, the school’s third-graders helped Nathan complete a story where he came up with a quirky and entertaining way to teach the students about nouns, verbs and other grammar issues. ... Throughout the day Nathan, at the continued request of children, picked up his guitar and performed songs for what quickly became a new chapter of his fan club." Johnny J. Burnham, The Bristol Press (Bristol, CT)

Typical daytime schedule for K-5 school with AM/PM K:
Schedules are customized for each school, but this is one school's example:

Time                Grade               Activity
7:30-9:00                             set up
9:00-10:00          4-5                 Learning Lang. Arts 4-5 Through Humor
10:10-10:40        K-2                 Poetry Can Be Fun (K, 1 & 2 - 1/2 of each)
10:50-11:45        3                    Poetry & Lang. Arts 3 Through Humor
11:45-12:00                          secure equipment
12:00-12:30                          lunch with selected students, staff, PTA
12:40-1:10          (4)                 classroom (single)
1:15-1:45            (4)                 classroom (double)
1:45-1:55                             prepare equipment for assembly
2:00-2:30            K-2                Poetry can be fun (K, 1 & 2 - 1/2 of each)
2:30 - 3:00                           publishing meeting with staff
3:00 - 4:00                           setup for family fun evening program

Programs are described below. Contact Jeff for classroom visit options.

Programs:
      Assemblies & workshops

Learning Language Arts 4-5 through HUMOR (60 minutes; grades 4-5)
A humorous ride through poetry and language arts concepts for 4th and 5th graders, including a new twist to the comprehension of literary tools such as similes, metaphors, poetic license, meter, and more. Alternative approaches to reading and understanding poetry. Audience participation and lots of music and laughter.. Includes a visit by his bumbling guest, Sherlock Poems: Poetry Detective, who teaches by getting everything WRONG. (Students enjoy learning by correcting him.)

Poetry and Language Arts 3 with HUMOR (60 minutes; Grade 3)
A light-hearted look at grade 3 language arts topics, including poetry comprehension, parts of speech, rhyme, reading comprehension and the importance of pre-writing. Includes musical participation & a visit by his bumbling guest: Sherlock Poems: Poetry Detective, who teaches by getting everything WRONG. (Students enjoy learning by correcting him.)

Poetry Can Be Fun (30 minutes; Grades K-2)
Gets kids off on the right foot, seeing them laughing and excited about poetry. Session is filled with humor, including fractured nursery rhymes with chanting and musical participation. See the author dragged through the snow by a St. Bernard chasing a cat and hear some of the hilarious poems set to music, like “I’m Not Afraid of the Dark” and “Take Me Out of the Ball Game”. A ONE-OF-A-KIND PRESENTATION FILLED WITH LAUGHTER AND EXCITEMENT.

Language Arts 6 via HUMOR (60 minutes; Grade 6 (sometimes 5))
An extended view into the comprehension of literary tools such as similes, metaphors, poetic license, meter, and more. Alternative approaches to reading and understanding poetry. Includes musical interludes, audience participation, and lots of fun.

Writing Backwards - workshop (60 minutes; Grades 4-6,7-8)
Jeff explains why starting at the end can make writing both better and easier. This workshop helps and enlightens so many students who have not tried this approach. Examples are shared and the session is culminated with a humorous group composition, following all the steps from start to finish - or finish to start.

Living with ADHD (small group) (30 - 45 minutes; Grades 3 and up)
Following one of Jeff's ADHD poems, "Borrowed Stuff", Jeff and class dive into a classroom discussion about the positives of ADHD, along with the negatives, coping and management strategies, technology, and what the future might hold. It's not only helpful for ADHD kids to see that a fun productive life is possible - it's also beneficial for all to discuss the ups and downs and learning from them.

Creative Writing – tips and tricks (60 minutes; Grades 3-6)
A series of writing tips from an ADHD author who has had to live by them, with examples of how he has used them. Starting as an answer to “Where do you get your ideas from,” this assembly shares starting points and the resulting fun.

Family & Library:

Family Fun Evenings: "Before and Laughter Words"
Humorous poetry, music, laughter and fun abound in this magical session for families. There's a parent-kid contest, a family project, and more of Jeff's exuded enthusiasm, guitar-playing, singing and enactments. Among many other unusual things, you'll see a flying sheep, a flying Jeff Nathan, a giant fly, and Jeff getting soaked with flying water as he sings a different version of that famous French song "Alouette" -- "All Wet". Families can participate in "sing-a-wrongs" and they'll work together on some word fun as Jeff teaches everyone a word game for long car rides or short waits in the doctor's office. Commonly followed by a book signing, these sessions are GREAT FAMILY FUN.

Classroom visits & residencies:

Grade-specific visits laced with more music, poetry, special lessons and fun. Timed and tailored to fit a school's needs, the classroom visits work nicely after assemblies to help "personalize" the visit and add more up-close time. Writing sessions, parts-of-speech specialization, homophones, single or multi-topic residencies - all are not only workable, but lots of fun for everyone.

Teacher Workshops:

An ADHD Author’s Tips on Reaching Students with the Disorder

     How to keep us from being distracted before we fini…

Award-winning children’s author and poet, Jeff Nathan, shares unique ADHD insight and specific ideas for helping both ADHD and non-ADHD students to flourish. Strategies to hold attention, along with some targeted writing tips are explained with his typical humor and zaniness, but you’ll walk away with a better understanding of why “ADD” is such a misnomer and specific ideas and methods to maximize learning and make your classroom a more fun and educational place for all, not just the ADHD contingent. This was a very popular session shared by Jeff at the last New England SDE conference.

Other customized sessions:
* Practical instruction on helping kids to write more beterrerish improve their writing. Tailored to a school's or teacher group's needs, each session is designed so that you can take away hands-on activities and strategies to help students write better, faster, and with more confidence. Other sessions involve motivating students by being a guest in your own classroom, perspective and figurative language games, etc. Contact Jeff for details.

After school programs, camps, or just plain fun:

Fun Interactive Shows for CHILDREN

It’s a concert! It’s a comedy show! It’s a RIOT!

Music, laughter and fun abound in this magical session for children. There's loads of Jeff's exuded enthusiasm, guitar-playing, singing and enactments. They’ll see, among many other unusual things, a giant fly, a flying Jeff Nathan, a fly ball, and Jeff getting soaked with flying water as he sings a different version of that famous French song "Alouette" (All Wet). Audience participation is part of the fun, from individual volunteers to song movement.

This session is GREAT FUN FOR KIDS.

If your kids like music, humor, and fun don’t let them miss out on this event!

Motivate Your Students

Make them published authors!!!

"With this program, your students will contribute poems and/or illustrations for an actual trade paperback book, virtually the same as my published paperback books, fed through one of my publishers. I helped out a Bristol, Connecticut school this spring and it turned out to be such an overwhelming success as a motivation tool to get the kids to care about and work hard at their writing, that I decided to add it as a regular program."
Jeff Nathan

Here's what staff members there said:

"I thought the book program was phenomenal. I didn't realize how great it was until the kids actually had those books in their hands. When you first came, it was a wonderful activity - they really enjoyed it. Creating the poems was also something enjoyable for them in the classroom. But to actually have that published book and have the celebration of authors in the kind of meeting that we had -- that was wonderful. Afterwards, the kids sat, read their poems read the kids' poems who they know in school and they totally enjoyed it and I hope and expect that they'll bring the books home and read to their parents, too."
Mary McCormick, Grade 2 teacher

"My kindergartners took to this very well once I explained to them that their poems were going to get put together in a published book. It’s hard to get them going at that early age so I think that having such a motivational factor gave them a push to do a really good job. They loved the idea of getting into a book. I showed them a poetry book and they got very excited about being in one. We were actually surprised with how well they did with their poems. They learned about poems and how to write them. We had them draw a picture of an animal first and then describe the basic details for the poem – how does it look, how does it feel? They loved it. They really did."
Shannon Lindberg, Kindergarten Teacher

"The book publishing project was excellent. We were excited about it all year long. It got the kids very involved in thinking about writing and putting poems together. The fact that we utilized the PTA parents and the community was a win-win situation for everyone. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I thought it was worthwhile and something that we'd like to do again. Every kid that I saw with a book seemed to be really pleased with what they had. It's something that they are proud of. Everyone that was involved in the project had a great time."
Steve Bent, Principal

“The students did a great job. They were extremely motivated when they knew that they were going to be in a published book. That motivation led them to work very hard. Bringing it full circle and allowing them to see the finished product was very exciting for them."
Terri Schaffrick, Grade 4 Teacher

“The kids absolutely loved the books. I thought it provided the ownership and involvement in seeing their work published. It was very exciting for them. This project allowed us to explore different types of poetry and it was really fun for the kids – they tried many different kinds before they settled on the poem that they wanted to publish. We did lyric verse and limericks and haiku which was really fun. We saw a lot of ties into our spelling program which we’re using now – the kids worked with the homophones and homonyms and played with the letter sounds and silent letters. It was great. Starting with your assemblies and then finishing with the book made for a wonderful, wonderful project."
Cindy Subik, Grade 5 Teacher

This is the most exciting motivational tool for getting kids to do their best writing.

Contact Jeff for details on this exciting, motivating, valuable program.

           NEW: Assembly Video Clip
            Want to preview Jeff's assemblies?
                     Watch them right here!

Fee Structure (for 2009-2010)

 Call for 2009-2010 fees and a way to maintain 2008-2009 fees.

Travel fees: within 100 miles of Andover, MA     FREE
                   100 - 180 miles from Andover, MA  $50
                   180 – 400 drivable miles                $80
                   Beyond 400 miles                          actual transportation expenses
Very simple, inexpensive lodging/accommodations will be needed for overnight travel.

Do you want these fabulous programs at your school but can't afford them?
Reduce the cost
Though his prices are VERY reasonable for the quality of his programs, it is possible to bring in these great visits for less. Contact Jeff for details on other fee-reducing programs, including subsidies and grants.
GRANTS
Sessions are eligible for Title 1 or Title 5 funding, but here is information about some of the many available grants for which Jeff's programs are eligible. Please contact him directly for help with the grant applications.

Massachusetts
New Hampshire
Connecticut
Rhode Island
Maine
Vermont

Contact:
IncredibleAssemblies
Andover, Massachusetts
e-mail: visits at IncredibleAssemblies.com (remove the spaces and change the "at" to @)
phone: (toll-free) 1-888-967-3386
          (alternate)    978-886-0866

He features:
          - A "learning through humor" approach that permeates his books and presentations
          - Very funny, well-crafted poetry enjoyed by kids and adults
          - A contagious enthusiasm for his work
          - High-tech presentations that hold interest & teach/reinforce fundamental values:              writing process, language art concepts, that writing and poetry can be fun, and              many other important lessons for children.
          - Sherlock Poems, an invited guest to his intermediate assemblies, to "help" solve the              case at hand.

Click here to see newspaper articles about Jeff's school visits

Jeff, signing a book he gave to the "Poetry Detective of the Day"
Germantown, NY
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Contact:
IncredibleAssemblies

Andover, Massachusetts
e-mail: visits at IncredibleAssemblies.com (remove the spaces and change the "at" to @)
phone toll-free: 1-888-WORDFUN (1-888-967-3386)