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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 Arts

Do 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!

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     Winchester Schools Assistant Superintendent ,  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
 

"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     Richard Maghakian Memorial School   Media Enrichment Specialist   Brookline, NH

“Hi Jeff,
At the end of the school year, I asked the children to fill out a questionnaire and in particular to comment on their favorite program. You won by a landslide. To quote Kayla,  'I want Jeff Nathan to come back. He was funny and I learned alot about poetry. My friend Holly even got a book from him - AND HE SIGNED IT. I loved it when he appeared as Sherlock Poems.' I will be in touch with you once funding is settled for next year. Thanks, again,  for a great program.”       

Patricia Ells           Madeline English School  Media Specialist,  Everett, 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

“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     Thomas Hooker School Principal     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  Oaklandvale Principal,  Saugus, 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

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."

"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."

"He was great and I am not usually interested in poetry."

Fourth grader Tiana Mackin

... 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
 

“Jeff Nathan was wildly amusing and entertaining! Our first and second grade students at Hills Garrison were rolling with laughter at his comedic ability while bringing his poetry to life. Jeff inspired my students to create poetry of their own upon returning to the classroom. I recommend Jeff to all who wish to introduce poetry to their students...”
Gina Udice     Grade 2 Teacher,  Hills Garrison School, Hudson, NH

"Over 200 enthusiastic attendees! The students were so enthralled with your daytime visit that they insisted that their families come back for the evening performance. The full-day and evening programs were both educational and entertaining. Students, teachers, parents and I enjoyed your visit and we're hoping that you can come back in the future."

Judith Richardson     Chace Street Elementary Principal       Somerset, MA

“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
 

"Your program was wonderful. Thank you for a humorous, informative,  and well-liked show. The children LOVED the assemblies and hope to see you again next year."
Sue Polagruto      North Grafton Elementary School Enrichment Committee     Grafton, MA

"Author and Poet, Jeff Nathan, presented an exceptional program to the Doyon School in Ipswich, MA. My fourth grade students were highly engaged in Jeff's humor as well as the content. The material presented was most relevant to the language arts curriculum. I especially liked how Jeff introduced figurative language, as it is a particular area that many students need practice in. Jeff was skillful in using a multi-model approach that incorporated drama, visuals, and great examples of his original poems. The children left feeling 'inspired to write' and that can only help me achieve my goal as a teacher - for all my students to feel joy in writing!"
Donna Contini      Doyon School, Grade 4 Teacher,  Ipswich, 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 

“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

Sherlock Poems, Poetry Detective, making another mistake.

"...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     Juniper Park Elementary School, Grade 5 Teacher,  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    The Haggerty School Library Media Specialist, 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       Penacook Elementary School Principal,     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             Lewisboro Elementary Grade 2 Teacher,   South Salem, NY
 

"Thank you for a wonderful visit! Children, teachers and parents are still raving about you!!!! ..."

Wendy L. Morin    South School Principal,   Somerset, MA

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    Williamstown Elementary School, 4th Grade Teacher, Williamstown, MA 

"Thank you for such an entertaining and enjoyable day at Sunquam. Your programs were very well received and enjoyed. I heard a lot of positive comments from the teachers and administrators. Mrs. McGuckian’s and Mrs. Kriftcher’s Kindergarten class dropped their plans for the day and immediately decided to try their hand at poetry. They now have a bulletin board dedicated to you displaying their original work. The evening program was so much fun for both children and especially adults! Thank you, again, for some very enjoyable education at our school."
Mary Kurs     PTA Co-President, Sunquam Elementary School, Melville, NY

"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   Peter W. Reilly School, Grade 4 Teacher, 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   Berkshire Hills Elementary Principal, 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    Germantown Central School PTSA President,  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 Harmony Hill School Grade 2 Teacher Cohoes, NY
 

“Jeff Nathan’s performance at our Family Fun Night was entertaining for parents and children alike. He involved everyone through his humor, interactive poetry, and music. The whole bunch had a ‘grape’ time!”    

Cindy Erle   Sherwood School Media Specialist, Shrewsbury, MA

"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      Atherton Hough Elementary School Principal,  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    Peter W. Reilly School, Grade 1 teacher,  Lowell, MA  
 

“I've been teaching for a long time and have seen many presentations and yours was one of the very best..”       

Ruth Foskett        Page School, Grade 5 Teacher, West Newbury, MA

“Jeff Nathan was a dynamic presenter. He worked well with a wide range of children and he encouraged everyone to participate. After the program we were able to use similes, metaphors and alliterations in the children’s science research report.”
Mrs. Gibson Grade 4 Teacher James L. McGuire Elementary School N. Providence, RI

"Jeff Nathan visited Griffin Memorial School and had a chance to meet with all the children in grades 1-4. As an educator, it was very exciting to watch the kids learn that poetry is fun and can be used in any life situation. Jeff's interaction with eh children was wonderful. The teachers and staff had a great time, too! I would highly recommend Jeff Nathan as a part of an enrichment program for your school."
Sandra Doucette     Griffin Memorial School 1st Grade Teacher,  Litchfield, NH

"Jeff’s performances were wonderful. He was full of energy and made every moment count. Jeff easily adapted each presentation to suit particular audiences. Students left feeling excited about poetry and Language Arts. Teachers and parents also thoroughly enjoyed Jeff’s presentations. A job well done!"
Gina Keating    Author's Day Coordinator, Davis Hill Elementary School, Holden, 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:

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

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

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)

3:00 - 4:00                                          setup for family fun evening program

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

• Poetry and Language Arts  3 with HUMOR     60 minutes [grade 3]

* 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        [grade 6, 5] 60 minutes

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.

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

   Contact him for more information:
       Jeff Nathan
       e-mail: jeff at chucklebooks.com (remove the spaces and change the "at" to @)