Elementary School Shows

Students are inspired to treat others with kindness and respect. Cheerful attitudes, good manners, truthfulness, determination, teamwork, orderliness and self-control are emphasized. Graduation from high school and healthy lifestyle choices are also promoted.

A musical journey through the Sunshine State, with interactive songs about Florida birds, weather, swamp critters, ecology and more! A strong message about saying no to littering and yes to recycling advocates environmental stewardship.

Mrs. Kate motivates students to turn off the TV and read good books. Students will understand how reading builds vocabulary and brain power, while improving writing and thinking skills. Inspires a love for research and reading as a family and individual activity.

Ideal for Red Ribbon Week, Mrs. Kate motivates students to say no to drugs and yes to healthy choices. Students learn difference between prescription and illegal drugs. Listening to the voice of your conscience and choosing friends wisely are emphasized. Hugs are better than drugs! (For a detailed description of this show, click here.)

Positive, true stories come to life as Mrs. Kate teaches students the value of considerate and friendly behavior. Proper line conduct, courtesy, and cooperative teamwork are instilled as the children interact with Mrs. Kate and her puppets. Everyone is rockin’ to Hug-a-Bug-a-Boo at the conclusion of this one-hour show.

“Mrs. Kate” holds a B.A. in Spanish from Michigan State University and has traveled extensively. She will be happy to integrate Spanish language into any show at your request. Multi-cultural stories are a part of her fascinating repertoire.

"Our school had the privilege of hearing Mrs. Kate’s musical presentations on October 4, 2011. Her enthusiasm spread quickly throughout the audience of 2nd and 3rd graders. She got the students involved with singing and body movements. Her songs were presented in a fun way, yet all had a deep character-building theme. Mrs. Kate performed in a room with over 350 students at a time and kept them all captivated from the first moment. We have had several performers at our school over the past years and Mrs. Kate is, by far, one of the best! I would highly recommend Mrs. Kate for any school function. Her energy-packed performances will thrill her audiences.

"It was our privilege to host "Mrs. Kate for 2 performances. Her interactive show supported the positive traits that are emphasized in our school's character education program, while entertaining the students with music, storytelling, and environmental messages. Mrs. Kate's passion for inspiring children to choose to to the right thing was clearly communicated through her dynamic interaction with our boys and girls.

"Mrs. Kate really does motivate! She had all of our students actively involved in the show and they loved her excitement. Students went home with a better understanding of how to be a good friend to others and learned about animals in Florida too. Parents told me their kids were so excited and came home sharing the songs and movements. Teachers enjoy integrating the puppets with stories. The children love using the thunder tube and rainstick along with the 'Florida Rain' song. I would recommend this show to any school or group that wants to deliver positive messages to students through music."

Corrie Inman, Teacher of the Gifted

"We retained Mrs. Kate our lead performer for Spring Arts Day at Atlantic Beach Elementary and boy, did she deliver! Mrs. Kate performed original songs that she wrote about Florida. Mrs. Kate engaged the audience as the show was participative, with several students taking part as action leaders. Mrs. Kate's songs were relevant and catchy, while sending positive messages to the children. Students and parents alike enjoyed the music, which was reflected in her CD orders from the school. My daughters Sarah and Charlotte enjoy listening to Mrs. Kate’s CDs on their way to school every day. I am so thrilled that Mrs. Kate's presence at our school was possible. My girls learned to appreciate a talented local artist and their new home state of Florida, while receiving positive character-building messages. I would love to see Mrs. Kate perform in every school possible in the state so that each student can benefit as my daughter and our little pink school has as well."

Amy J. Holmes, Cultural Arts Chair

FROM ATLANTIC ELEMENTARY IN FERNANDINA BEACH

"Mrs. Kate is not only a musician; she is an educator as well. She composes and performs music that correlates with the New Generation Sunshine State Standards. The music appeals to students of all ages. The curriculum integrations that she includes in her programs are language arts, science, math, social studies as well as music. She is willing to include songs and integrations requested by the presenter."

Sheryl Harper, Music Teacher

FROM BOCA INTERNATIONAL PREP SCHOOL

"Mrs. Carpenter has such personality and charisma that even the least musical child was soon foot-tapping, dancing and singing along to the melodies and choruses. She picks students to be on stage with her, offering them the possibility of leadership roles (which they love) and the interactive concert allows all children to express ideas, emotions, and talents. It is far more than a musical concert., as the students become a part of the presentation through acting, singing and dancing. As such, her presentation involves many areas of a school's traditional curriculum and would be a great example of "education without frontiers." The central theme should also be seen as an essential study topic in every Floridian school, namely the globally important Everglades and its associated fauna and flora."

Mr. Graham Hurrell, Headmaster

Our school had the pleasure of hosting Mrs. Kate for our 3rd and 4th graders. The show is full of Florida-themed songs, all written by Mrs. Kate. She really draws the audience in with her music, stories and message. The children were eager to participate. The show is motivational. It encourages students to read, stay in school, be kind to others and say no to drugs. The songs are based on subject matter which is unique to Florida. I even learned the name of a very special Florida bird which I have often admired. Students, parents and teachers alike found themselves singing along and doing the motions of the songs. I have head classes singing the songs in the lunchroom. I would recommend Mrs. Kate's show to any school. She is a pleasure to work with. We certainly look forward to her return.

"Motivate with Mrs. Kate" kept the students totally enthused and engaged for the entirety of the performance. In addition, they learned a great deal about Florida and its wildlife, while hearing of the importance of research and lifelong reading. Mrs. Kate captivated the adult and student audiences with stories and songs such as "Crack a Book," "Coon in the Can," "Florida Rain," and "Anhinga." I wholeheartedly recommend Mrs. Kate Carpenter as someone who shares unforgettable and meaningful information and is an inspiration to students."

"If you are looking for a way to engage your children and promote positive character traits, then you need Mrs. Kate! She is energetic, entertaining and educational. A combination of storytelling and inspiring music will keep your foot tapping through the entire program.

Mrs. Kate has performed several quality shows at Timucuan Elementary. She touches children and adults of all ages with her powerful messages. The Florida Family Folksongs are educational and a wonderful tribute to our Sunshine State. The new CD, Motivate with Mrs. Kate also emphasizes the importance of positive choices and character traits.

Be sure to provide your students with the powerful messages and stories that can only be shared by Mrs. Kate. Not only will you have a great time, but you will also bring your students the joy, excitement, and educational experience of a lifetime. And don't forget to purchase a CD, so you and your students can continue to enjoy her music. "

"You helped to enrich and reinforce classroom lessons on "wise-skills" (character-building) and responsible citizenship. Your music encouraged and engaged everyone to be kind, respectful, work hard in school, and practice self-control. Approaching these lessons via music allowed students of diverse learning styles to embrace and internalize these messages more fully.

Several teachers were so impressed with your concert that they purchased your CD's for the classroom. For weeks following your visit, I would hear students humming and singing your songs in the hallways. Even 3 months after your visit, your songs were still playing in our classrooms.

Your energy, humor and musical poetry kept everyone's attention riveted to the stage. Adding our own students and teachers to the show had us all smiling, laughing, chanting and cheering. The musical antics and imagery of mimicking raccoons breaking into trash cans, creating rain falling gently from the sky, seeing anhingas drying their wings are memories that will last in our hears and minds. Thank you so much for providing a FUN musical avenue to capture the imagination of children and help them to learn and grow in ways that are positive and beneficial to our planet, our school, our personal lives and our community. I hope you can return to our school every year."

"Mrs. Kate brings a lively performance to the hearts of children. Her original show about Florida wildlife, the love of family, and the importance of staying in school was interactive, educational, and well-received from our students. Many children waved me over during the course of the day to tell me how much they loved Mrs. Kate. I know your student will love her, too. I highly recommend taking home her music CD's for your own children so they can share the songs with their friends. "

"Motivate with Mrs. Kate is a lively, toe-tapping performance that engages the students while reinforcing good character. The audience was laughing, moving, and listening through the entire show. The greatest sign of the performance’s impact was hearing students humming her tunes in the hallway later in the week. Her songs allowed the core principles we teach daily regarding character to be solidified with a musical message. Our older elementary students participated in Stamp Out Bullying and Florida Family Folksongs. Both were relevant to our students and our curriculum. Mrs. Kate is a talented folksinger and storyteller with tons of energy!

"The students thoroughly enjoyed the show, which was interactive and educational. Students were excited and many were heard singing the songs after the show had ended. The teachers commented that they felt the shows were a perfect follow-up to testing because they allowed the children to have fun , but maintained the educational momentum of the school year. I would recommend Mrs. Kate's show to any elementary school looking for a fun way to get their students interested in reading.

"Mrs. Kate was superb with both groups of children. Her music was upbeat and educational. She invited audience participation and kept attention and enthusiasm up. Our students were able to relate to the Florida and child's view themes of the songs. Mrs. Kate was also very professional in handling the business end of the program. I found her easy to work with. I highly recommend her to other elementary schools. Her style of music and charismatic performances kept the children entertained while teaching them too."

"She was tremendously enthusiastic throughout all five 45 minute performances. She encouraged student participation by having each performance geared to the grade level of the group and by keeping the students actively engaged during the entire performance.

Many of Kate's songs and stories covered social skills that we stress within the school environment. Some of the skills were good line behavior, being nice to others, cleaning up after yourself, saying no to drugs, finishing what you start, staying in school, and truthfulness. She also performed songs that encouraged library use, reading and family values. Our teachers commented:

"...a vibrant personality who chose to share her good humor, talent and love of storytelling with our school children in a refreshing, delightful and enjoyable way. Her antics had the children and the staff participating in a very positive fashion. We had fun."

"Wonderful! My students are still singing her songs, and I hope, getting the message."

"Kate kept the children enthralled throughout the performance. All spectators were on the edge of their seats in anticipation of what she would do next."

"Kate's enthusiastic way of telling stories was thoroughly enjoyed by both the adults and students. Her beautiful voice made it such a pleasurable experience."

"I am still singing Hug-a-Bug-a-Boo!" The concert was highly energetic, as well as educational. I learned several bits of information about Florida wildlife and plant vegetation that I did not know. You concert was creative, deeply conscientious and professional. I am certain that any school audience would benefit from a concert such as yours."

"You are just a bundle of energy and really inspired me. I went back to my classroom and played the Florida Rain song over and over. Everyone at school has been talking about your outstanding performance. Our Love Grove students enjoyed every second. You sure held their attention."

"I have had the pleasure of being at two of Kate Carpenter's performances n the past 3 years, and have enjoyed both of them immensely. She has a way of drawing the audience into her shows from the very first song. Her enthusiasm for life is evident in her lyrics and her actions. She sings about personal experiences in a way that touches each member of the audience, from the very young tot he "mature." I appreciate the positive messages in her songs which stay in your mind throughout the day, especially Hug-a-Bug-a-Boo, Crack a Book and Give Me a Smile. My kindergartners live to sing along with these and other sons from her CD's. I look forward to hearing what new experiences she has to sing about the next time she comes to entertain us! I would recommend that all elementary schools in Florida get to know Mrs. Kate and her music."

"Just wanted to send a big thank you from my class and me. They loved your concert, and having you come to the room made them feel super-special. We listen to your CD's all the time, and one mom says here daughter is "hooked.' Thanks for a very special, memorable time."

"...A fantastic show. The children and teachers loved it! We have had nothing but rave reviews. My own son was one of your biggest fans, I think. He has slept with his armadillo puppet each night since. He wants to listen to the Florida Family Folksongs CD over and over! When we plan next school year's events and you will be at the top of my list."

Courtney Wright, Teachers and Family Association, Cape Coral, Florida

FROM KINGSWAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, PT. CHARLOTTE, FL

Thank you for the assembly at my school, Kingsway Elementary. You inspired me to go to the library. The next day I went to the library and got a big stack of books. I'm still singing your songs in my head!

E-Fan Mail from a student

FROM PORT ST. JOE ELEMENTARY, FL

"I enjoyed being Mr. Kate's helper. She is spectacular and it was exciting dancing to the songs. My favorite song was Coon in the Can. I sang Hug-a-Bug-a-Boo to my mom and she loved it. I sing your songs every day. I have them stuck in my head."

Your helper, Grace (a student)