Lady Hawke Storytelling Programs and Presentations
The following are tried and true examples of Ms. Kaighn's craft. Listed below are also the most appropriate grade levels. These programs can of course be adapted for a wider audience. Each program includes cultural and story backgrounds and audience-appropriate stories and realia. For most events, Ms. Kaighn dresses in theme-related regalia. Programs can be enhanced by librarians and educators who wish to provide supplemental materials and theme-related books for further study. Please inquire for resource suggestions and workshop pricing.
Ms. Kaighn continues to add to her story repertoire and themed programming.
Summer Reading Programs at the Library
For the summer of 2024: Let the Adventures Begin! This family-friendly program highlights the literature of exploration. Curiosity loves to ask, "Why?" From the far corners of the Earth, places and people answer through their history. Understanding blossoms with the question, "What if?" A world of peace tales and adventure stories from literature - both current and classic - awaits you. Laura's Explorer's Kit overflows with artifacts, natural finds and the discovery tools to inspire your own curiosity. Included with the program is a free "Explorer's Journal" for each young participant.
From the summer of 2023: A Better World Workshop: Experiences in Compassion, Peace & Renewal. This family-friendly program revisits literary tales and playful activities which foster cooperation, empathy and friendship. Included are puppets, puzzles, games, a 'tower of truth' and a H.O.P.E. memory book craft. All craft materials, activities and book resources are included. Society's infrastructure is a collection of people who share common goals for the good of all. Together, may we build a better world for us and our children!
From the summer of 2022: Under a Sea of Discovery. This friendly romp through an ocean of critter tales, water science, puppets and even a wattery wave dance is best suited for young children, their siblings and parents. We'll wade into the rhythms of the world's seas, surf through an ocean of fun facts and splash into some wonderfully watery tales.
From the summer of 2021: Critter Tales for All Ages has fun with animal stories and science. This family-oriented program focuses on animals of all shapes, sizes and phylum. In-person events include a makeshift theater and animal puppets for audience creativity. A critter craft is included in both public and virtual performances. Explore the world through the experiences of our fellow furry, finny and feathered friends, from nose to tail's end!
From the summer of 2020: Fairy Tales & Craft explores the many origins of the Fey, also known as the Little People. From pixies to brownies, from elves to gnomes, come along for a voyage into a fanciful world. Make a flower fairy craft. Behold the facts, and speculate the fiction. Share in the wonder of the Fey… Be inspired to believe! Audience: School-aged children and their parents. The fairy craft is best suited for children ages 8+.
From the summer of 2020: Of Fairy Wings & Magical Beasts takes us on an hour-long journey into the realm of myth and monsters. From fairies, dragons, griffins, unicorns, mermaids and more, join us for the global tales and legends of lore. Audience: school-aged through young adult audiences. Design your own chimera/combination creature.
From the summer of 2019: Story, Story Night! We're celebrating the 50th anniversary of the NASA moon landing! This family-friendly, interactive program explores the science, stories and wonder of space. Hands on science experiments, design your own alien art project, and fun celestial tales are included.
From the summer of 2018: Music and Tales to Inspire and Create. Since the dawn of civilization, we humans have been moved by beauty. Whether it's art in the form of sculpture, painting, story or music, our spirits soar at the creative wonder of genius' works. This time, you become the artist! The program audience will discover the heart and tales of both classical and movie music! With stories and activities, we'll explore the wonder together. Highlighted will be the "Music to Draw By" (ages 8 years +) and "Music to Write By" (for ages 10 through adult) activities. Have fun and create a dramatic scene based on a piece of movie soundtrack! Like the great composers, great music tells a tale. Contributing composers include Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, Haydn, Chopin, Rachmaninoff, along with more contemporary composers John Williams, Jerry Goldsmith, John Barry, James Horner, Hans Zimmer and more! Added activities may include "nature's music", a participant band and behind-the-scenes of the Foley artist fun. All materials and music will be provided. Just bring along your imagination! Suitable for school-aged children through adults! Special pricing available for local libraries.
From the summer of 2017: A Better World Workshop: Experiences in Compassion, Peace & Renewal. This family-friendly program shares literary tales and playful activities which foster cooperation, empathy and friendship. Included are puppets, puzzles, games, a 'tower of truth' and a H.O.P.E. memory book craft. All craft materials, activities and book resources are included. Society's infrastructure is a collection of people who share common goals for the good of all. Together, may we build a better world for us and our children!
From Summer 2016: Environmental Zen: Stories, Meditations of Experiences in Nature. This family-friendly program takes advantage of my love of nature. Since 1996, I've been a volunteer nature docent with Scotland Run Park in Gloucester County, NJ. Under the guidance of Naturalist L. Jill Taylor, I've learned much about ecosystems, wildlife identification and native species. So, with guides, stories, activities, realia and knowledge in hand, I'll share that enthusiasm. Audience members to Environmental Zen will experience a hands-on hour of nature-themed artifacts, sounds, scents and stories, both inside and out! The health benefits of nature are sometimes under appreciated. Join me for an invigorating and "sensorial" exploration appreciating the natural world!
Storytelling Programs:
Environmental Zen (all) Native American stories (all) Pirates & Sea Lore (all) Heroine Tales (3-adult) Celestial/Star Stories (all) Rain-forest Tales (preK-4) Holiday/seasonal (all) Scary Stories (all) Regional/Pine Barrens (4-adult) Multicultural Tales (all)
A Better World Workshop (preK-4) Fairies & Magical Beasts (1-5) Bug Safari (K-4) Trickster Tales (all) Campfire Stories (all) Aesop's Fables (preK-4) Por-quoi Tales (all) Grimm's Fairy Tales (K-5) Greek Mythology (5-adult) Pioneer/Cowboy Lore (3+) Celtic/Dragon Lore (4+) Plant Lore/Spring Stories (all) America's Heartland (all) Chinese New Year (K-5) Medieval Lore (3+) Creation Myths (3-adult) Teddy Bear Tea (K-2) Flights of Fancy (3-12) Hearth/Winter Tales (all) Tales of the Far East (all) Peace Tales (all) Adirondack Lore (5-adult) Stories of Love and Sacrifice (5-adult) Egyptian Lore (6-adult)
Original Stories (all) Gifting & Gratitude Tales (2-adult) Tall Tales (all) Spidery Stories (all) An Earth Day Celebration (all)
Nature & Critter Tales (preK-5) An Explorer's Journal: Multicultural Tales (all) Urban Legends (4-adult)
Discover Science: The World of Why! (all) Mothers & Fathers (5-adult) Hippy Tales: Lessons from the Counter-Culture (5-adult).
Workshops, Seminars & Extended Programming:
*Teens and Tweens Writer's Workshops: These hour- 90 minute writer's workshops help young adult authors with brainstorming, developing, composing and creating fun and fantastic prose, plots, characters and conflicts in several genres. Please contact Laura Kaighn for the specifics in her Science Fiction/ Fantasy, Dream-Telling Poetry and Manga Art Writing Workshops! These are exciting times, and young adults have a lot to say!
Let Laura Kaighn help your tween and teen students with their creative writing and communications skills. (Tween-Teen).
*Gifts From the Heart: Family Stories for the Next Generation: 2 hours minimum; interactive with journaling exercises,
story prompts & nostalgic realia for both recording and sharing family stories. (Tween-Adult).
*Authorship 101: Writing Process & Publishing Basics: 1 hour minimum; an interactive presentation that covers the basics of story form, story elements, the writing process, basic publishing information, and a Q&A session. Exercises, syllabus and bibliography included. (Teen- adult).
*Storytelling Workshop: Teaching Techniques & Story: 3 hours minimum; interactive and instructive for classrooms, educators and children's organizations; syllabus, activity packet and resource list included; audience telling and active participation a must! (Gr.3-Adult, Educators).
*Building a Story from its Foundation to the Sky: A Writer's Workshop Series: 6 hour-long, on-site workshops; students learn story components and writing skills for building their own tales; exercises, tips, story prompts, one-on-one instruction & grand concert as finale. (Gr.4-6, Educators).
*The ART of Storytelling: Crafts & Stories for All Ages: 1 hour minimum; includes materials for audience participation. (PreK-5 w/ adult assistance).
*Nature Stories & Craft to Grow By: 1 hour minimum; includes some materials. Audience asked to provide some natural materials for craft.(School age+).
*Sock Puppets & Tales to Share: 2 hours minimum; includes sock puppet examples, sewing kit, craft materials, theater tricks
and story starters; adult assistance and a spare sock are required. (School age+).
*New Jersey Trails & Tales: The Search for Truths & Legends in the Garden State: 1 1/2 hours minimum; with computer slide presentation,
urban legends, regional & personal tales and sharing stage. (Gr.5-adult).
*The Devil & Mother Leeds: 1 hour minimum; presentation explores the tales, history and folklore of our unique New Jersey character, the Jersey Devil. First-hand accounts, audience participation and bibliography are included. (Middle school- adult).
*Spooky Lore of the Pines: 1 hour minimum; storytelling presentation explores the New Jersey tales and folklore of the Pine Barrens' most colorful and mysterious characters and history. Bibliography included. (School-age- adult).
*Toys & Tales Through Time: The History of Toys & Children's Stories: 2 hrs minimum w/ historical toys, kid characters and free playtime! (All).
*Celestial Tales & Science: 1 1/2 hours minimum; fun experiments to share & explain the forces of celestial science. (School age+).
*It's a Wet, Wet, Watery World: 1 hour minimum; water science experiments to share with stories from around the globe. Free gift included. (All).
*Of Fairy Wings & Magical Beasts: 1 1/2 hrs minimum; magical fairy stories and flower fairy craft; craft materials included. (K-5 w/ some adult assistance).
*M-Use Your Creativity: Find Your Secret Muse: 1 1/2 hrs minimum; explore the arts & create butterfly muse craft; all craft materials included. (Gr.2-6).
*Native Communities: Fostering Care & Respect for Mother Earth Through Storytelling: 1 1/2 hours minimum; seminar includes Native American stories, examples of Native life-ways, with activities & resource bibliography. (Middle School- Adult, Educators).
*Native Connections: How Indians Helped Shape America: 1 1/2 hours minimum; seminar includes Native American stories, history, Indian firsts, inventions, artifacts and bibliography with websites. (Gr.5-Adult, Educators).
*Native American Women: Their Legacy: 1 hour minimum; presentation includes a bibliography, source materials, artifacts, and cultural information about Indian women and their contributions to Native societies. (Middle school- adult).
*A Spoonful of Telling: Integrating Storytelling into Classroom & Library Settings: 1 1/2 hrs minimum; for educators & media specialists, participatory seminar provides stories and tips to incorporate storytelling and multimedia into curriculum; includes syllabus, resource packet and bibliography. (Educators).
*How to be Essay Literate: A Recipe for Success: 1 hour minimum; workshop designed for educators to help improve their students' writing and critical thinking skills; syllabus, activity packet and bibliography included. (Educators of grade through high school students).
*Greek Mythology: A Motivational & Emotional Analysis: 1 hour minimum; workshop designed for educators to help channel adolescent angst and foster empathy through examples of Greek Myths; syllabus, objectives, examples, sample lesson plans, activity sheet
and bibliography included. (Educators of middle-high school students).
*Girl Scout Naturalist Badges: 2 hours; curriculum-based activities, nature walk, materials and craft included to earn respective badge for Animal Habitats, Bugs, Flowers, Trees and Water badges. (Girl Scouts: Brownie through Cadet).*Locale TBD.*
The following are tried and true examples of Ms. Kaighn's craft. Listed below are also the most appropriate grade levels. These programs can of course be adapted for a wider audience. Each program includes cultural and story backgrounds and audience-appropriate stories and realia. For most events, Ms. Kaighn dresses in theme-related regalia. Programs can be enhanced by librarians and educators who wish to provide supplemental materials and theme-related books for further study. Please inquire for resource suggestions and workshop pricing.
Ms. Kaighn continues to add to her story repertoire and themed programming.
Summer Reading Programs at the Library
For the summer of 2024: Let the Adventures Begin! This family-friendly program highlights the literature of exploration. Curiosity loves to ask, "Why?" From the far corners of the Earth, places and people answer through their history. Understanding blossoms with the question, "What if?" A world of peace tales and adventure stories from literature - both current and classic - awaits you. Laura's Explorer's Kit overflows with artifacts, natural finds and the discovery tools to inspire your own curiosity. Included with the program is a free "Explorer's Journal" for each young participant.
From the summer of 2023: A Better World Workshop: Experiences in Compassion, Peace & Renewal. This family-friendly program revisits literary tales and playful activities which foster cooperation, empathy and friendship. Included are puppets, puzzles, games, a 'tower of truth' and a H.O.P.E. memory book craft. All craft materials, activities and book resources are included. Society's infrastructure is a collection of people who share common goals for the good of all. Together, may we build a better world for us and our children!
From the summer of 2022: Under a Sea of Discovery. This friendly romp through an ocean of critter tales, water science, puppets and even a wattery wave dance is best suited for young children, their siblings and parents. We'll wade into the rhythms of the world's seas, surf through an ocean of fun facts and splash into some wonderfully watery tales.
From the summer of 2021: Critter Tales for All Ages has fun with animal stories and science. This family-oriented program focuses on animals of all shapes, sizes and phylum. In-person events include a makeshift theater and animal puppets for audience creativity. A critter craft is included in both public and virtual performances. Explore the world through the experiences of our fellow furry, finny and feathered friends, from nose to tail's end!
From the summer of 2020: Fairy Tales & Craft explores the many origins of the Fey, also known as the Little People. From pixies to brownies, from elves to gnomes, come along for a voyage into a fanciful world. Make a flower fairy craft. Behold the facts, and speculate the fiction. Share in the wonder of the Fey… Be inspired to believe! Audience: School-aged children and their parents. The fairy craft is best suited for children ages 8+.
From the summer of 2020: Of Fairy Wings & Magical Beasts takes us on an hour-long journey into the realm of myth and monsters. From fairies, dragons, griffins, unicorns, mermaids and more, join us for the global tales and legends of lore. Audience: school-aged through young adult audiences. Design your own chimera/combination creature.
From the summer of 2019: Story, Story Night! We're celebrating the 50th anniversary of the NASA moon landing! This family-friendly, interactive program explores the science, stories and wonder of space. Hands on science experiments, design your own alien art project, and fun celestial tales are included.
From the summer of 2018: Music and Tales to Inspire and Create. Since the dawn of civilization, we humans have been moved by beauty. Whether it's art in the form of sculpture, painting, story or music, our spirits soar at the creative wonder of genius' works. This time, you become the artist! The program audience will discover the heart and tales of both classical and movie music! With stories and activities, we'll explore the wonder together. Highlighted will be the "Music to Draw By" (ages 8 years +) and "Music to Write By" (for ages 10 through adult) activities. Have fun and create a dramatic scene based on a piece of movie soundtrack! Like the great composers, great music tells a tale. Contributing composers include Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, Haydn, Chopin, Rachmaninoff, along with more contemporary composers John Williams, Jerry Goldsmith, John Barry, James Horner, Hans Zimmer and more! Added activities may include "nature's music", a participant band and behind-the-scenes of the Foley artist fun. All materials and music will be provided. Just bring along your imagination! Suitable for school-aged children through adults! Special pricing available for local libraries.
From the summer of 2017: A Better World Workshop: Experiences in Compassion, Peace & Renewal. This family-friendly program shares literary tales and playful activities which foster cooperation, empathy and friendship. Included are puppets, puzzles, games, a 'tower of truth' and a H.O.P.E. memory book craft. All craft materials, activities and book resources are included. Society's infrastructure is a collection of people who share common goals for the good of all. Together, may we build a better world for us and our children!
From Summer 2016: Environmental Zen: Stories, Meditations of Experiences in Nature. This family-friendly program takes advantage of my love of nature. Since 1996, I've been a volunteer nature docent with Scotland Run Park in Gloucester County, NJ. Under the guidance of Naturalist L. Jill Taylor, I've learned much about ecosystems, wildlife identification and native species. So, with guides, stories, activities, realia and knowledge in hand, I'll share that enthusiasm. Audience members to Environmental Zen will experience a hands-on hour of nature-themed artifacts, sounds, scents and stories, both inside and out! The health benefits of nature are sometimes under appreciated. Join me for an invigorating and "sensorial" exploration appreciating the natural world!
Storytelling Programs:
Environmental Zen (all) Native American stories (all) Pirates & Sea Lore (all) Heroine Tales (3-adult) Celestial/Star Stories (all) Rain-forest Tales (preK-4) Holiday/seasonal (all) Scary Stories (all) Regional/Pine Barrens (4-adult) Multicultural Tales (all)
A Better World Workshop (preK-4) Fairies & Magical Beasts (1-5) Bug Safari (K-4) Trickster Tales (all) Campfire Stories (all) Aesop's Fables (preK-4) Por-quoi Tales (all) Grimm's Fairy Tales (K-5) Greek Mythology (5-adult) Pioneer/Cowboy Lore (3+) Celtic/Dragon Lore (4+) Plant Lore/Spring Stories (all) America's Heartland (all) Chinese New Year (K-5) Medieval Lore (3+) Creation Myths (3-adult) Teddy Bear Tea (K-2) Flights of Fancy (3-12) Hearth/Winter Tales (all) Tales of the Far East (all) Peace Tales (all) Adirondack Lore (5-adult) Stories of Love and Sacrifice (5-adult) Egyptian Lore (6-adult)
Original Stories (all) Gifting & Gratitude Tales (2-adult) Tall Tales (all) Spidery Stories (all) An Earth Day Celebration (all)
Nature & Critter Tales (preK-5) An Explorer's Journal: Multicultural Tales (all) Urban Legends (4-adult)
Discover Science: The World of Why! (all) Mothers & Fathers (5-adult) Hippy Tales: Lessons from the Counter-Culture (5-adult).
Workshops, Seminars & Extended Programming:
*Teens and Tweens Writer's Workshops: These hour- 90 minute writer's workshops help young adult authors with brainstorming, developing, composing and creating fun and fantastic prose, plots, characters and conflicts in several genres. Please contact Laura Kaighn for the specifics in her Science Fiction/ Fantasy, Dream-Telling Poetry and Manga Art Writing Workshops! These are exciting times, and young adults have a lot to say!
Let Laura Kaighn help your tween and teen students with their creative writing and communications skills. (Tween-Teen).
*Gifts From the Heart: Family Stories for the Next Generation: 2 hours minimum; interactive with journaling exercises,
story prompts & nostalgic realia for both recording and sharing family stories. (Tween-Adult).
*Authorship 101: Writing Process & Publishing Basics: 1 hour minimum; an interactive presentation that covers the basics of story form, story elements, the writing process, basic publishing information, and a Q&A session. Exercises, syllabus and bibliography included. (Teen- adult).
*Storytelling Workshop: Teaching Techniques & Story: 3 hours minimum; interactive and instructive for classrooms, educators and children's organizations; syllabus, activity packet and resource list included; audience telling and active participation a must! (Gr.3-Adult, Educators).
*Building a Story from its Foundation to the Sky: A Writer's Workshop Series: 6 hour-long, on-site workshops; students learn story components and writing skills for building their own tales; exercises, tips, story prompts, one-on-one instruction & grand concert as finale. (Gr.4-6, Educators).
*The ART of Storytelling: Crafts & Stories for All Ages: 1 hour minimum; includes materials for audience participation. (PreK-5 w/ adult assistance).
*Nature Stories & Craft to Grow By: 1 hour minimum; includes some materials. Audience asked to provide some natural materials for craft.(School age+).
*Sock Puppets & Tales to Share: 2 hours minimum; includes sock puppet examples, sewing kit, craft materials, theater tricks
and story starters; adult assistance and a spare sock are required. (School age+).
*New Jersey Trails & Tales: The Search for Truths & Legends in the Garden State: 1 1/2 hours minimum; with computer slide presentation,
urban legends, regional & personal tales and sharing stage. (Gr.5-adult).
*The Devil & Mother Leeds: 1 hour minimum; presentation explores the tales, history and folklore of our unique New Jersey character, the Jersey Devil. First-hand accounts, audience participation and bibliography are included. (Middle school- adult).
*Spooky Lore of the Pines: 1 hour minimum; storytelling presentation explores the New Jersey tales and folklore of the Pine Barrens' most colorful and mysterious characters and history. Bibliography included. (School-age- adult).
*Toys & Tales Through Time: The History of Toys & Children's Stories: 2 hrs minimum w/ historical toys, kid characters and free playtime! (All).
*Celestial Tales & Science: 1 1/2 hours minimum; fun experiments to share & explain the forces of celestial science. (School age+).
*It's a Wet, Wet, Watery World: 1 hour minimum; water science experiments to share with stories from around the globe. Free gift included. (All).
*Of Fairy Wings & Magical Beasts: 1 1/2 hrs minimum; magical fairy stories and flower fairy craft; craft materials included. (K-5 w/ some adult assistance).
*M-Use Your Creativity: Find Your Secret Muse: 1 1/2 hrs minimum; explore the arts & create butterfly muse craft; all craft materials included. (Gr.2-6).
*Native Communities: Fostering Care & Respect for Mother Earth Through Storytelling: 1 1/2 hours minimum; seminar includes Native American stories, examples of Native life-ways, with activities & resource bibliography. (Middle School- Adult, Educators).
*Native Connections: How Indians Helped Shape America: 1 1/2 hours minimum; seminar includes Native American stories, history, Indian firsts, inventions, artifacts and bibliography with websites. (Gr.5-Adult, Educators).
*Native American Women: Their Legacy: 1 hour minimum; presentation includes a bibliography, source materials, artifacts, and cultural information about Indian women and their contributions to Native societies. (Middle school- adult).
*A Spoonful of Telling: Integrating Storytelling into Classroom & Library Settings: 1 1/2 hrs minimum; for educators & media specialists, participatory seminar provides stories and tips to incorporate storytelling and multimedia into curriculum; includes syllabus, resource packet and bibliography. (Educators).
*How to be Essay Literate: A Recipe for Success: 1 hour minimum; workshop designed for educators to help improve their students' writing and critical thinking skills; syllabus, activity packet and bibliography included. (Educators of grade through high school students).
*Greek Mythology: A Motivational & Emotional Analysis: 1 hour minimum; workshop designed for educators to help channel adolescent angst and foster empathy through examples of Greek Myths; syllabus, objectives, examples, sample lesson plans, activity sheet
and bibliography included. (Educators of middle-high school students).
*Girl Scout Naturalist Badges: 2 hours; curriculum-based activities, nature walk, materials and craft included to earn respective badge for Animal Habitats, Bugs, Flowers, Trees and Water badges. (Girl Scouts: Brownie through Cadet).*Locale TBD.*