Jeff Bennett’s Acorn Circle Educational Programs

The in-classroom programs are based on the NYS Social Studies Learning Standards and Themes. Most of the programs have a focus New York State history, as well, as a few programs on United States history. All the in-classroom programs engage the students on the specific topic.

Some of the programs have been converted to student readers that contain more in-depth historical information. Throughout each student reader, there are questions to answer and exercises to assist with reading and comprehension. Please see website for a listing of the student readers.

Diane Edgecomb – Storyteller and Author

One of America’s most beloved storytellers, Diane is known for transforming into the characters in her tales bringing each story to vibrant life. Her engaging performances include elements of theatre, movement and song while her warmth and invitation to participate brings today’s family audiences into the heart of the moment. Diane has been a featured storyteller on National Public Radio and at the International Storytelling Center. She is the winner of the ORACLE award for storytelling excellence in the Northeast as well as five Storytelling World awards and a Parent’s Choice Silver. Aside from her work as a storyteller, Diane is a published author avid gardener and bird enthusiast! She is also the author of “A Fire in My Heart,” the first collection of Kurdish folktales to be published in English.
Publisher’s Weekly called her, “an entire cast rolled into one!”

Tay Fisher: T-A-Y ANTI-BULLYING PROGRAM and STEPS TO GREATNESS PRESENTATION

Character Education, Anti Bullying Prevention, Being Respectful, Showing Empathy, Creating Last Longing Friendships, Career and College Readiness, Traveling The World, Geography, Ball Handling, Basketball Tricks, Fun, Harlem Globetrotters, Memories That Will Last A Lifetime, Importance of Family

Ira Marcks – Drawing Comics: A Beginner’s Guide to Sequential Art and Story

Comics are one of the most powerful tools we have for sharing stories. Ira’s DRAWING COMICS program is filled with colorful visual lessons that invite students into the exciting world of comics and show them the skills needed to create comics that connect readers with their stories.

As a working comic artist, I’ve had a wide array of experiences with the art form. I’ve used comics to tell stories in fiction and non-fiction, as entertainment and educational material. I’ve self-published my own fantasy comics, created educational comics for middle schoolers in the capital region, and recently worked with the European Research Council on a comic about “the internet of things.” You can see all this work on my website: iramarcks.com