Curriculum Connections

"I am living proof that you don't have to do plays after testing. I sold my principal on the idea of 'Name That Internal Organ!' for Open House BECAUSE of testing. My fifth graders take the California Standardized test in science, and the play is a great way for them to learn about human anatomy. I can't wait to see if they hum the songs while they answer the questions.

"I can't express fully how much your plays have come to mean to the children and to me. You make doing musicals easy, fun, and best of all, administrators can't complain when a teacher is using the time to teach information set out in the state standards."
---Jennifer Luchsigner, Teacher (5th grade) Washington Elementary School, Riverside, CA

"Each year, we look at our TAKS (standardized testing) data, and see what areas need an extra boost. From that, we choose a musical that might help that area. For example, last year, our earth science scores needed a bit help, so this year, we're doing Geology Rocks! We've found that every year, kids come back to us and tell us they remembered answers to the test just by singing the songs in their heads! Our district is very data-oriented, so it's really wonderful to have this tool to teach that uses such creative enthusiasm and gets results to boot. Our faculty and our students are big Bad Wolf fans!"
---Lisa Feazell, Teacher (music K-5), Deer Creek Elementary, Cedar Park, TX

"During the state testing the kids started humming songs from 'Pirates from Grammar Island' as they answered grammar questions on the test. Needles to say, the class did exceptionally well on that part of the test!"
---Sherry LaCost, Grandparent Volunteer, Central Elementary, Roundup, MT

"You are the greatest!  This is my first year as a drama teacher (after nine years in third grade), and your musicals have become the backbone of our program.   The humor in script and song has grabbed the children instantly.  There are also marvelous correlation to our curriculum. (Third graders are preparing "Coyote Steals the Summer," and the forth graders believe the "The Rumpus in the Rain Forest" was designed especially for them).  Our frequently-above-it-all fifth graders have loosened up to the whimsy of "The Emperor's New Clothes," and everyone in my huge second grade group has found his or her niche in "Jack and the Beanstalk."  Thank you again for providing the materials that work beautifully with my students.  If you eliminated any one of the ingredients (humor, song, tapes, accessible language, illustrations, staging suggestions, familiar themes, age appropriate language, et al), we could never have enjoyed such success.  The children and I are grateful."
---Maggie O'Hara, Teacher, (Drama), Del Rey School, King City, CA

"Your shows tie in beautifully with our social studied curriculum. It is a fun way to give kids a solid hold on concepts learned and a great way to incorporate music. My current fifth grade students performed '13 Colonies' last year as 4th graders. This year as we read from our social studies book, when we came across phrases or names used in the play they would break into songs. Our play performance always ranks in their memory books at the top of things they will remember."
---Denise Swingle, Teacher (4th-5th grades), Merrill Elementary, Merrill, OR

"I've taught for 17 years and never did a play until trying yours last summer. Since then, I've done at least six! The kids really enjoy these and they enrich the curriculum."
---Lara Kellcher, Teacher (3-6), Egling Middle School, Colusa, CA

"Many teachers state that they can't be creative anymore because of the demands of the curriculum. I just don't agree. Your plays are one of the best ways to do BOTH at the same time, and provide an experience that these students will always remember. Keep up the good work!"
---Cathy Faust, Teacher (5th grade) Cram Elementary, Highland, CA

"Your plays are hilarious and engaging. They make it easy for me to teach the state curriculum while doing something I love. Every year I try a new play and I can't imagine a year without your plays. Thank you, thank you, thank you."
---Kristina Golem, Teacher (3rd grade), Woodland Hills Elementary, Agoura, CA

"Catchy music (some of it is still stuck in my head!) a good mix of humor and actual information---many of your plays deal with topics we cover, so they fit very well. Doing these plays increases my students'  listening skills, as well as skills in following directions and verbal communication. They tie in a theme in a fun way, and give students pride in themselves. They also provide a great avenue for the home-school connection, as parents assist and then attend the performance."
---Brenda Fleetwood, Teacher (1st and 3rd grades), Central Noble School, Albion/Wolf Lake, IN

"I often have middle schoolers tell me that the plays helped them on state tested material."
---Vivian McAfee, Elementary Music Teacher, Tahoka Elementary, Tahoka, TX

So Easy for the Musically Timid and for Newcomers Too!

"You make things  easy! The directions are so complete that they're a pleasure to follow. I'm looking forward to doing my next show."
---Mary Donlon, Teacher (2nd grade), Autumn Lane School, Rochester, NY

"I really liked having all the needed materials and helpful hints in one book, since I'm not very experienced. I liked the cost and educational value. I also liked the variety of musical styles. It was easy to put together and easy to make it fit our curricular needs. The students learned to work as a team."
---Jane Peiffer, Teacher (K-6th grades), Mishawaka, IN

"I like how easy they are to perform and the fact that costumes and sets don't have to be fabulous or expensive for the plays to work. Students learn how to work together, and to sing and speak in front of an audience. These are the easiest and must humorous plays I've ever seen or directed. Children actually learn about a time period or science. They are great!"
---Brenda Huiras, Teacher (4th grade), Elkhorn School, Stockton, CA

"Me, put on a musical? I was doubtful, even though I knew the importance of performing arts for children. In the 18 years I have taught, I have always tried to trade music instruction with other teachers more competent than I am. I read through the Teacher's Guide twice. It still sounded too good to be true. Finally, I put the tape in the tape recorder, followed the step by step directions and ended up having the most fun and rewarding experience of my teaching career."
---Janice Garner, Teacher (4th grade), Las Colinas School, Camarillo, CA

"The music is catchy and easy to follow. Very few props are needed. My students feel good about performing. Putting on plays enhances literacy skills, enables all to participate (even my autistic student---he was great), teaches self control, and encourages students to work together. The parents love it!"
---Carol Quinn, Teach, (1st grade), Newark, CA

"Your plays are absolutely perfect! Nobody could stop me from doing one every year. They let the shy kids break out of their shell and gain confidence. For the kids who are born actors, well, they are in absolute heaven. I love you guys!"
---Terri Anderson, Teacher (5th grade), Burnettsville, IN

"All my performances are done in black shirts and only hats as "costumes." The shirts focus attention on the kid."
---Rich Howell, Teacher (3rd grade), Williams Ranch School, Penn Valley, CA

"Everyone had parts and got to sing. The plays were humorous and fun. Everything you needed came with the purchase. I am musically challenged and you do a good job with your packets...The students love doing your shows---it motivates them all day into everything we do."
Mel Pincus, Teacher (4th-5th grades), Vajont Elementary, Aviano AFB, Italy

"The faculty and staff at my school thought I was crazy, but I was willing to jump in with both feet and take the risk for my kids. So how was I going to get eighty 5-9 year olds to work together? I purchased your play and followed the directions.  We love what you do and because of you guys I'm not musically timid anymore."
---Dot Kadet, After School Program Teacher, Demorist Elementary, Demorist, GA

"To any teacher who has not done a play - what are you waiting for? Bad Wolf Press has done the hard part for you!"
---Helen Erickson, Teacher (6th-8th grades) Notre Dame-Peace, Warren, OH

"Your musical has fun and catchy tunes that the kids love. It was simple and had humor for everyone. The package had good advice for teachers. It's a fun way to boost self-confidence and to teach facts and concepts in a new way (they don't even know they're learning!). They get to see each other in new lights (literally)! And parents love it!!"
---Erin Groff, Teacher (3rd grade), Leola, PA

Motivating Students

"What I love most about your plays is that I don't really direct them. The kids learn the songs on their own. The 'choreography' (And boy is there choreography) seems to develop spontaneously during unsupervised recess practice sessions. Parents always step in to help with costumes and sets. Kids make changes and additions to the script, and reapportion stanzas of songs to other kids so that every body gets a reasonable number of solo lines. So thanks. I am a better teacher and our school is a more fun and varied place because of your creative work, and I am very grateful."
---Jay Garret-Larsen, Teacher (3rd grade), The Well School, Peterborough NH

"I've been teaching for 24 years--- most of the time with below level readers and/or children whose first language isn't English.  Their confidence is critical to successful reading and language.  Too many years I was the only teacher doing class plays with these students and usually having to write my own.  For the past three years we've done yours.  I love them---my kids love them and they're simple and wonderful to do.  Now I'll even buy them for my co-workers to try with their classes.   I've never been disappointed and other classes beg to sign up for a time to see my annual May production.  We can travel from class to class--- no elaborate staging or fancy costumes are required.  We usually just put characters on visors we wear and hand carry a few props.  My kids even stay in at recess to help choreograph.  Our students benefit immeasurably and if I were musically inclined I'd be begging to write plays with you.  I love you guys and I'll probably be calling you again in March just to see what's new.  I have three more years until retirement---I will do a show every year, then I'll just volunteer my time to do them with classes.  Simple goal, but a good  one!"
---Susan Salisbury, Teacher, (3rd grade), Jowell Elementary, Katy, TX

"Last year, when I began using your musicals across the curriculum, I had some unconfident students. A lot of them were special education students who were seen as outcasts or oddballs. The musicals opened up a whole new world for these students. They volunteered for solo parts, they were animated and lively on stage. Their whole perspective on school changed. Homework assignments started being turned in, other students started viewing them as people of talent and worth. They held their heads up high. It was one of those magical moments in your teaching career. It's been amazing. And so I say thank you, we just can't get enough of your work."
---Amanda Read, Teacher (4th/5th grade), Bear Lake, MI

"The songs were a real hit with the actors and audience. I was amazed at how quickly the students knew the words. And weeks, months, after the shows, they would just start singing the songs, on field trips and end of year picnics!"
---Bob Maher, Teacher (4th grade), New Albany School, Linnaminson, NJ

"It included all the children throughout the performance. They were all stars! The children were able to utilize their listening, speaking, and reading skills and strategies that we directly teach throughout the year, not to mention the bolstering of self-esteem, cooperation, delayed gratification, and feeling of accomplishment. Also it gave our 'other than paper/pencil learners' a chance to shine. And it was something very cool to show to parents!"
---Jeanne Newbury, Teacher (1st grade), Oakley Park Elementary, Walled Lake, MI

"The thing I love about your plays is that every child gets to participate and is on stage throughout the play!"
--Kathy Wilbur, Teacher (4th grade), Prairie Elementary, Sacramento, CA

"I received my order on Saturday and wanted to thank you for your quick service.  Our 4th graders performed "13 Colonies" last year for the intermediate grades.  My 4th graders this year have been asking when they get to do "their" play, so we're anxious to start on the Thanksgiving show while the excitement is so ripe!  I've also shared information with our 5th grade teachers who were most impressed with last year's show and are interested in finding shows to accompany their curriculum.  What wonderful materials you've shared with us as educators and our students!  Bravo!"
---Linda Clements, Teacher (4th grade) Brunswich Elementary, Brunswick, MD

"These musicals are easily incorporated into Whole Group Reading. They are highly motivating and 'do-able.' Musically talented students had the opportunity to shine. My students loved the songs---they would sing them at recess and even months after the play. And their 'choppy' reading becomes more fluent when they read a play or when they must follow the beat of a song. The sense of pride in their accomplishment (and their parents' pride) is phenomenal!"
---Cindy Newton, Teacher (1st grade), Connersville, IN

"Fun tunes, good lines, a great way to teach concepts---the children were very excited and enthusiastic. Everyone has talents---frequently those thought to have learning problems excel in the arts. Multiple Intelligence theory supports learning through music and movement."
---Holly Reiling, Teacher (4th grade), Wetzel Elementary, Baumholder, Germany

"The shows are fast-paced, fun, and both kid and teacher friendly. Putting on these plays builds a sense of accomplishment and cooperation, and provides an opportunity for students to express their creativity and talents."
---Loree Hanson, Teacher (2nd grade), Waubun Elementary, Waubun, MN

"Your plays are absolutely perfect! Nobody could stop me from doing one every year. They let the shy kids break out of their shell and gain confidence.  For the kids who are born actors, well, they are in absolute heaven.  I love you guys!
---Terri Anderson, Teacher, (grade 5), Burnettsville, IN

Inclusion

"I wanted to let you know that one of the best things about the play was that we were able to have our special education students be a part of it, and the parents really appreciated that."
---Seema Rauf, Teacher (3rd grade), Mill Creek Towne Elementary, Gaithersburg, MD

"I just got done doing 'Vacation on Mars' with my kids and it never ceases to amaze me how much they love it, how much they need it! Almost all my kids are second language speakers, and they were the best at this play that I have ever had."
---Deborah Gomes, Teacher (3rd grade), Lincoln School, Santa Rosa, CA

"Our two classroom consisted of twenty regular education students and ten special education students (all second grade). At first it seemed overwhelming, but after much practice and patience, it all came together and surpassed our expectations."
---Carole Gallo and Brenda McWilliams, Teachers (2nd grade -- general and special education), Heath Brook Elementary, Tewksbury, MA

"The plays are flexible enough to allow ALL students to have a speaking part and to shine. The parts are easy to learn and fun. All students (regular ed, LD, speech, ESOL, and OHI) were able to have a successful moment in the spotlight."
---Katherine Hawkins, NBCT, Teacher (2nd grade), Brushy Creek Elementary, Taylors, SC

"We have an ESL program at our school and many of our students were new to English. My goodness they were great."
---Betty Carlson, Teacher (5th grade), Westview Elementary, Champaign, IL

"The children I taught had very little experience with live theater, could not afford private music or dance lessons, and many were second language learners. I realized how important it was to introduce performing arts into the classroom and into their lives.

"I have to tell you my 'star' was a very shy third grader who spoke very little English. He stumbled by eventually learned how to read very difficult words, memorized his lines, and delivered them like a real pro. I watched how he blossomed with new confidence and learned quite a few new words during those few months of rehearsal."
---Lynn Shaw, Teacher, Hueneme School District, Port Hueneme, CA

"I have 21 students in my gifted/high achiever class. They wanted to be involved so much that they added parts. Students stayed in during lunch to create and build sets. Other students started recording their vocal performances on the computer to play back and hear how it sounded. I was so impressed by them!"
---Lara Haley, Teacher (4th grade, gifted/high achievers), Manatee Bay Elementary, Weston, FL

What Principals Say

"The plays were the best purchase I made at the conference and I would highly recommend them to anyone.  The parents, students, and staff at Lantrip Elementary were amazed at how well the students performed."
Joyce Turkall, Principal, Lantrip Elementary, Houston, TX

"It went over so well, the principal and superintendent want us to go on the road to the Senior Center in our town"
Carole Gallo and Brenda McWilliams, Teachers (2nd grade -- general/special education), Heath Brook Elementary, Tewksbury, MA

"I am just amazed at the information in twenty-five minutes of hysterical fun. I imagine that you will remember much of this for a long time."
Martha Huntl, Principal, Mount Lebanon School, West Lebanon, NH

How Much Fun!

"I'm a Bad Wolf girl for life---thanks for giving me such good material to work with!"
---Ashleigh Winkie, Teacher (2nd grade) Big Creek Elementary, Cumming, GA

"Keep doing what you do. You provide the stuff that learning and childhood memories are made of! Thank you!"
---Delphine Demauro, Drama Club Director, St. James Catholic School, Savannah, GA

"As a full-time drama teacher at a performing arts magnet school I have a lot of pressure put on me to have students perform. There is very little material out there that is at elementary level and involves 30 students. Every seven week rotation I am requested to do another one of these musicals. This month I am having two shows! I have done them with kindergarten through fifth grade. Keep up the great work."
---Teri Ang, Teacher (elementary drama), Valencia Park School, San Diego, CA

"My staff loves your plays and I think that our school of 649 students has done just about every play that you offer. They are indeed teacher and student friendly."
---Wendy Carson, Teacher (1st grade) Condit Elementary School, Claremont, CA

"The plays are clever, funny, entertaining and very educational. And the music is fantastic. Bad Wolf is awesome!"
---Nancy Myers, Vieja Valley School, Santa Barbara, CA

"I appreciate how adaptable the musicals are - easily adjusted to meet my kids' needs. My students love the humor, and so does the audience. And the songs are fantastic!"
---Teri Haines, Teacher (5th/6th grade) Bethel Elementary School, Bethel, VT

"In 28 years of teaching I haven't had more fun in the classroom!  Your material is so clever and well written that the children and I didn't get tired of it, even after ten performances.  You have produced the same quality that the best children's literature has --- something for everyone, children and adults.  There is always something more to "get" with each review.  Thank you, thank you."
---Buff Gontier, Teacher, (2nd grade), Valentine School, San Marino, CA

"Another teacher and I share a music mentor position at our school.  As part of our mentor project, we purchased most of your musicals for our school.  Last year I decided to try one of them in my classroom as a model to the other teachers of how simple a musical is to produce.  It is not necessary to battle the schedules for the multi-purpose room or mess with microphones and elaborate costumes.   Being a music education major and involved in the production of many children's musicals, I especially appreciate the way you build success into your accompaniment.   The musical cues, the well-timed pauses, the accessible pitch range, etc.  All of these things make for a masterful production that the children will remember for a lifetime. Probably the most rewarding thing for me were the following comments by other teachers:
1) By a new teacher--- 'Just when I think I'm getting it together, I run into a teacher who raises the bar.'
2) From a teacher nearing retirement--- 'I've got to change my ways.  I think I'll try one of those next year.'
3) From a mom who is a teacher in another district--- 'Do you share?  That would be great for my little LEP kids.' (I gave her one of your catalogs).
Thank you very much."
---Linda McCutcheon, Teacher, (2nd grade), Patterson Road School, Santa Maria, CA

"Your shows promote learning for the performer, director, and audience, and are critical in the psychological and social development of young adolescents.  Students learned to work together to accomplish the goal of a unique performance   that would capture the imagination, attention, and wonder of the audience. These plays allowed the sense of self esteem, humor, and worth of each child to blossom and sometimes even explode.  Each child realized a place of vital importance to the success of the whole!  You are an answer to my prayers!  Your honesty in the description of your creations is most appreciated.   Keep sharing your gifts and talents!  Thanks!"
---Jane Aikens, Teacher, (grades 5-8), St. Maria Goretti School, Schiller Park, IL

"The kids love the music, I love the music, the parents love it."
---Donald Uthmeier, Teacher, (grades 1-6), Stratford Public Schools, Stratford, WI