Great Imaginings' Present Programs

Dr. Elana Ashley has been captivating and delighting audiences throughout the United States, especially targeting the Chicago metropolitan area, with educational and entertaining programs.

During 2008-2009,  programs take the form of performances, workshops and lectures based on the two new books authored by Dr. Ashley -

                                         Splunkunio Splunkey

                                                    Detective and Peacemaker 

                                       Case One: The Missing Friendship Bracelet

and the bilingual version of this book in English and Spanish -

                                         Splunkunio Splunkey

                                                    Detective and Peacemaker 

                                                        Detective y pacificador

                                     Case One: The Missing Friendship Bracelet 

                            Caso primero: El brazalete de la amistad desaparecido

An Audio CD, as well as Teaching Guide for Educators and Parents, have just come out in the Fall of 2008 to accompany Case One. In the CD, Dr. Ashley reads the book in English, taking on the voices of the puppet storybook characters with original, musical accompaniment.

The Teaching Guide is a combination of literary outline and workbook, presenting plot, character and themes in the first book of the mystery series, including listings of questions to kick off discussion and activities, with a special section on the process and strategies of peacemaking.

In addition, Ashley is coming out with Case Two in her mystery adventure series in 2009 in both English and English-Spanish editions.  With a focus on bullying and friendship, the work is entitled Case Two: Big Bully Holly Howler.

Dr. Elana Ashley presents a variety of programs based on her book Splunkunio Splunkey Detective and Peacemaker Detective y pacificador and other original works:

1. Story Reading and Story Telling Programs for Children and Families

    Selections from original works read, told and dramatized by the presenter and/or

     puppets.

     Preschool: ages 3-5

     K - 3rd, 4th - 6th +, 7th - 11th , Adults

2. Dramatic Story Reading, Discussion and Role Playing Workshops

    Based on Splunkey's mystery adventure,the presenter dramatically recites and

    reads the book [with or without children joining in the reading], talks with students

    about themes in the story, and students act out scenes in the book or related 

    situations.

    K - 3rd , 4th - 6th

3. Making Stories Come to Life - The Art of Storytelling

    Using her theatrical experience and selections from her original work, Dr. Ashley

    discusses and demonstrates techniques which can be used when telling stories

    K - 3rd , 4th - 6 th , 7th - 12th

    Adults

4. Family Literacy/Creative Arts Programs

   Combination of reading and dramatic role play by presenter and students of

    scenes from the book, meeting puppet storybook characters who talk about

    story themes and teach songs conveying these messages followed by

    Parents & students [K - 3rd / K -  5th ]

    Families work as a team to create their own puppets and learn how to

    make them talk and sing. A song closes the program.

    Parents & students [K - 3rd /K -  5th /8th ]

    Presenter Dr. Elana Ashley and/or Spokespuppet Splunkunio Splunkey

    lead[s] a Game Show during which questions and tasks are posed to

    families based on ideas in the book. Their job is to work as a team to

    develop answers, after which a team the audience. A song and/or rap poem

    concludes the program.

5. Literacy/Creative Arts Student Assemblies

    Same format of literacy programs geared specifically for students

     K - 3rd Reading/Role Play/Puppet-Making

     K - 3rd , 4th - 5th /6th Reading/Role Play/Game Show

6.  Adult Workshops

     Splunkey's Mystery Adventure - A Source for Ethical Living

     Splunkey's book as an educational tool teaching values and strategies for coping

      with everyday issues

     Conflict Resolution - Home & Office

     Step-by-Step Process discussed with and implemented by participants

                                       Great Imaginings, Inc.
                                                           An Illinois Not-For-Profit Corporation
                                                          P. O. Box 101
                                             Northbrook, Illinois 60065-0101
                                                          847.480.8998

                                                 © 2008 Elana Ashley, Ph.D.