"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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 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

"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

"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

"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 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

"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