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Presentations for Schools, Libraries, Retailers and Special Programming

 
"Musical Storytelling"
For Ages 5 - 7

     The "Musical Storytelling" is presented live in word and song by the author, Jennifer Young, and composer, January Akselrad.  The program is 40 minutes of entertainment & inspiration followed by a book & CD signing!

THE PROGRAM

• First, the children are each given a penny as they make themselves comfortable.  This helps them connect to the protagonist of the book, “The Wishful Penny”, a charming 1943 wheat-ear penny who does not yet know her worth.  During this time they are hearing the Overture to the Musical, “Jenny’s Penny”, and hear the musical motif connected to the literary themes.

• The storytelling begins with the minting or ‘birth’ of Penny and continues with her adventures in an ice cream shop where she gets the first wish that she will carry throughout her adventures. The reading continues as Penny gets thrown into a fountain, becomes a gift for a little boy, travels around the world and gets advice from some old exotic coins in a collection who tell her that she does indeed have the power to help make a wish come true.

• Throughout the reading, excerpts of songs are sung and children are engaged in both the story and the music.  Participants are invited to join the story characters in choosing a personal wish, taking part in a brief but powerful visualization exercise to connect them with their wish.

• In the final scene performed, children sing-along with the composer (and Penny) to the song, "See The Wish", giving them a more visceral opportunity, through music, to feel the power of their wish and carry it with them.

• Afterwards, children have the opportunity to toss their pennies into a wishing fountain (or keep them for good luck) as they are greeted by  the author and composer who will sign their books and CDs.

 “I learned that dreams come true, wishes come true, too!”
Miracle, Grade 4

“I learned that it is not hard to imagine or to believe and my wish is that you will visit again.”
Noelle,  Grade 3

246 Main Street
Cold Spring, NY 10516
info@seethewish.com
845-742-7112

"An Hour to Imagine, Wish and Dream"
For Ages 7 - 11

     The objective of this hour-long SEE THE WISH presentation is to allow children to experience their own personal power in making their wishes come true.  Young children need the opportunity to feel their power and to know the strength of their thoughts in making their wishes a reality!  
 
     This heartfelt and unique program is led by the author, Jennifer Young, and composer, January Akselrad, both life-long educators who collaborated to form SEE THE WISH after January wrote a children’s musical based on Jennifer’s children’s book.  Each discovered their similar passion for using music and literature to empower children and infuse them with hope through visions of their potential, and realized that their story of the adventurous Lincoln cent was an ideal vehicle to help children assimilate essential life lessons.  

 THE PRESENTATION 

• First, the children examine pennies that they have been given, followed by a dramatic reading from “The Wishful Penny”.  They listen as one sweet Lincoln penny gets advice from some old exotic coins in a collection who tell her that she does indeed have the power to help make a wish come true, particularly one whispered to her by a human at a wishing fountain. 
   

• Next, children take part in a powerful visualization exercise which connects them with their hopes and wishes, as well as the senses and emotions associated with them.  Beginner’s goal-setting guidelines are used to help the children learn how to turn their wishes into achievable goals that can become realities.

 Jennifer at the microphone, January on keyboards,
leading children in the visualization exercise!
Drawing by Jahir, 3^rd grader

• Children have an opportunity to share their visualizations with the group, making their wishes more tangible and bringing validation through the support of their peers and teachers.  
   

• After the group sharing, the children learn the song “See the Wish” from “Jenny’s Penny” (the musical based on the book), and are given a more visceral opportunity, through music, to feel the power of their dreams and carry it with them.
   

• Finally, the children are invited to ask questions about writing books, writing music, about creative process and to share their thoughts about the presentation.  Afterwards, both the author and composer will greet children and sign any books and CDs. (Books and CDs may be ordered prior to the event, if desired.)

"I loved the reaction of the children to the story and the fact that they sharpened or learned listening skills along with oral presentation and critical thinking skills thanks to your thoughtful teaching methods of storytelling combined with music.  A delightful afternoon all around and I hope that you might consider returning to the Museum sometime shortly."
Tanya Tyler-Barber / Program Director - Interactive Museum, Middletown, NY

"Thank you so much for speaking at our school...I was so happy with the outcome!! The kids were so excited and the parents were pleased with their conversations at home about it!  ...There is still a huge buzz around the school about your visit!! Its amazing how (your) visit influenced the students!"  Nicole, Literacy Specialist, Brooklyn Charter School

“I learned that when we believe in our self, we can do it, because we are the future.” Nazirqah, Grade 4

  “What was my favorite moment was when you said we can be what ever we want to be.”
Ruddy, Grade 2