Take your children on a nocturnal journey this Summer!

Night Creatures and Constellations will transport your audience via celestial navigation to our planet’s most famous night creatures.

The show includes a story about an isolated young stargazer’s relationship with an owl whose dream is to meet the other night creatures of the World.

Together they visit nocturnal creatures in: Australia, Amazon Rainforest, Africa, & China. Each place they visit, an audience volunteer representing the local culture, introduces them to their native night creature.

By the end of the trip, the Owl has fulfilled his mission and the boy has learned how to both be a friend to the owl, and how to ask others for help. (25 minutes)

The audience volunteers will be given exotic percussion instruments from these four cultures with which they can “jam” with the audience. (10 minutes)

The program ends with a 7 minute film documenting the diverse constellations located over each continent, as well as the animals themselves. (7 minutes)

• Program length: 45 minutes
• Maximum Audience Size: 100
• Appropriate for all ages

We introduce the London Summer Olympics, and discuss some of the olympic events  most popular with the audience.

We tell a story:

A boy needs to find “four sports-stars that are completely different but exactly the same” He travels to Mexico, China, Africa, & America, where he finds Olympic athletes involved respectively in Soccer, Diving, Long distance running, & Baseball. He sees how each culture has many differences in their food, language, clothing, and even in the games they play.He learns that even they are different, they all maintain their health through good diet and proper exercise. Plus he learns “that they are all human beings.” Volunteers from the audience are used throughout the show. The story is followed by a film of Olympic sports through the years demonstrating a huge variety of different sporting events.

Fee Schedule

As they look deeper, they begin to discover historical artifacts from all over Ancient Egypt.  Students will learn about the Pharoahs, the Pyramids, Cleopatra, Egyptian numerals, Egyptian foods and food preparation, as well as information about the desert and the Nile River habitat.  A film will be included to support the topic.

We will also show the children how to find out what their names would look like in hieroglyphics

New Show added

Egypt, Part Two: While shopping for his family, a boy travels through time and winds up buying gifts in Ancient Egypt.  While there, the family dog escapes in the store.  A group of volunteers representing the family,  return through the time machine with their newly received holiday presents to find the dog.  Once there, they exchange their new gifts for Egyptian clothing and artifacts in order to appear less conspicuous in Ancient Egypt.  Some of the gifts that will be demonstrated for the audience include the clothing of King Tut and Cleopatra; Egyptian musical instruments; a Cat Icon, replicas of the sphinx and the pyramid, the Eye of Horace, and the wrappings for a mummy.

Fee Schedule

Tales from the Old West (part 2)

A family that is uprooted by a tornado in the 1800′s takes to the trail in a covered wagon to claim farmland in the unsettled wild west.  Amidst there fears of starvation and ruin, they meet a variety of western settlers that help them out in exchange for their labors: a farmer gives them food and seedlings, a gold prospector teaches them how to pan for gold, a cowboy rewards them with a milk cow, and an Indian gives them a rug for their new home in exchange for saving a young  brave.  The family cat, missing since the tornado, turns up later in the wagon amidst a pile of mouse-tails. There is extensive use of volunteers, costumes, and remote sound effects.

The story is followed by a film the Old West.

Fee Schedule

Fee Schedule

We will visit the Moon, Mars, & the Space Station, where we learn about meteor showers, alien slime, craters, and enjoy the relaxation of a gravity-free state!  There is extensive use of costumes and audience volunteers.

Fee Schedule

We feature a lesson in imitating the call of a toucan, and a close-up look of the eating habits of a boa constrictor.
The show includes an 8 minute film, and a singalong “rap” song called the Rainforest Rap.

This program is based on our director Bruce Segal’s eight trips to the Central American Rainforests.

“a perfect mix of education and fun”
Sarah Stroup
Principal, Palmerton Elementary
Palmerton, PA

Fee Schedule

This is a show that I did for over 300 daycare centers in the Summer of 2009.  It is a show on Cultural Diversity in which a boy has to “find 4 children that are completely different but exactly the same.” The focus is on European, Asian, African, Latino, & Native American. The children are played by audience members. There is extensive use of percussion instruments and film.  All of our shows are appropriate for children ages 2 1/2 through 12.

Fee Schedule
Video excerpt

A MAGIC SHOW THAT

It has long been apparent, that what is commonly known as schoolyard bullying can have tremendous negative consequences for the targets of the bullying.  Our program has been designed to address this persistent problem.

OUR MISSION

• to empower students when confronted by bullies
• to reduce the fear and shame associated with being targeted by a bully.
• to allow students to observe the world from a bully’s perspective.

STUDENTS WILL LEARN:

• Their guidance department will back them up if they are overwhelmed by the threats of a bully.
• Their appearance and presentation contribute a great deal to whether or not they become the target of a bully.
• How to diminish their own fear surrounding the issue of bullying
• To look at the world through the eyes of a bully.
• Strategies to use when confronted by a bully.

Our fundamental principles have been derived from the work of the psychologists Stan and Julia Davis as spelled out in their book “Schools Where Everyone Belongs”

OUR TEACHING TECHNIQUES

• Magic Tricks: We use 4 magic tricks to illustrate the concepts
• Interviewing the Guidance Counselor:  We invite the guidance counsellor,  principal, or assistant principal join us at the microphone.  The administrator  explains what a student can do, if they are being bullied repeatedly and have no where to turn.
• Storytelling:  A  story is told  about a boy who has been bullied by his brother.   The story uses 3 audience volunteers, and demonstrates how a bully can unlearn anti-social behavior through interaction with others.
• Film: We have compiled footage from several different documentary-style films dealing with bullying.  Featured in the film are children talking about being called names, children talking about how important it is to have a buddy, classroom teachers engaging the students about their experiences, former bullies talking about changing their conduct.  It ends with an upbeat “hip-hop” song.

The programs last 45 minutes and cost $400/ 1 program $250/ additional programs.
They are appropriate for grades PK-5.

Experience the Multicultural Mosaic that is uniquely…

African
Mediterranean
European
Russian
Indo
Chinese
Asian
Native

Over the last fifteen years, the composition of the U. S. population has shifted dramatically. It has changed from its former ratio of 80% European descent and 20% mix of African, Asian, Hispanic and others to the current level of 50% European descent and 50% others. The implications of this change are far-reaching and will profoundly affect every facet of our society in the future.
Take a field trip to the rainforest without leaving a classroom

The richness of this diversity can truly be a tremendous national resource. In order to achieve this potential it is critically important that our students are able to understand and respect each other.

This program has been specifically created to foster understanding and respect by exposing students to the major cultures that form the American mosaic. Emphasizing unity and defining the common ground shared by all, the program is both enlightening and entertaining.

By participating in this presentation, the student will:

* Gain an understanding of the origins and role of culture
* Experience different cultural expressions of art and music
* See how different cultures approach rites of passage, games and sports
* Understand the concept of America as the land of immi grants, the great melting pot
* Explore how the different cultures help shape everyday American life from the foods we eat to the language we speak
* Learn the different major contributions made by men and women of the various cultures

The material is presented in an engaging and stimulating manner. It features fascinating audio visuals and lively audience participation including songs, movement, and tribal games. The program is geared to the level of the specific age group of the audience.

QUOTES

“Our student body consists of students from grades PK-8. Mr. Segal’s program was appropriate at all levels…his presentation was dynamic…the students found it enjoyable and interesting…he held everyone’s attention throughout.”
- Mary Dunwoodie, Principal, St. MonicaÕs School, Devon, Pennsylvania

“His program was fast-paced and extremely creative., his use of props, costumes, and musical instruments was entirely unique…it kept my students’ attention from beginning to end…my teachers liked it…I would recommend this presentation to any elementary school.”
- Marie Louis, Principal, Oak Valley Elementary School; Wenonah, New Jersey

SEQUENCE OF PROGRAM

I introduce the show by changing from my street clothes into the peasant garb worn by my grandparents in the Ukraine. I emphasize the point that all of our families, at some point in time migrated to North America.

Using large screen video images, I take the student on a tour of our World’s cultures focusing on the five main groups here in the United States: African, Asian, European, Latino and Native. I depict how each culture came; contributions made by each group and describe intolerance: what happens when cultures cannot get along.

Using student volunteers, I demonstrate a variety of native percussion instruments from each of the major U.S. Cultures. The students are put into costumes and taught to play along with an African rhythm.

For Grades K-3, we take the students on a storytelling “trip around the world” through the use of volunteers, costumes, puppets, music and magic. A young boy, in order to have his dog returned, must solve this riddle: He must find five children who are completely different but exactly the same. There is extensive audience participation throughout.

CLASSROOM MATERIALS: An overview of the program will be provided for the teachers prior to the assembly including classroom activities.

Take your campers on a trip around the World!!

The Multicultural Mosaic Show is designed to make your children more aware of different cultural groups around the world… the many differences that exist between them….and the basic humanity that unites us all.

The Multicultural Mosaict Show tells a story in which a young boy needs to “Find 5 People that are completely different but exactly the same!”

Multicultural Mosaic
SEQUENCE OF STORY

Volunteers from the audience are used to depict 5 major cultures: African, Asian, European, Latino, & Native.

The volunteers demonstrate cultural aspects from each of the 5 regions: clothing, food, art, language, celebrations and music.

We discuss the differences between cultures, then the audience is asked to solve the riddle: “What makes the volunteers exactly the same?” (answer: they are all human beings)
IN CLOSING, the volunteers are dressed in native costumes and demonstrate percussion instruments, while the audience joins in with the rhythms.

Childrens’ attention is held by the constant interaction with the facilitator, the extensive use of music, and familiar props (i.e. Giant Taco, Huge piece of Sushi)

“He held the attention of our 3 & 4 year old campers for 45 minutes. I consider that to be a real accomplishment.”
Danelle White Phoenixville, PA

The 45 minute program is appropriate for ages 2 1/2 thru school age. We will need a table, 5 chairs and an electric outlet.

FEES: $275/ 1 show & $375/ 2 shows
NO TRAVEL FEES (except for Philadelphia area)

We will be performing this show all over the United States this Summer. Please call for a date!!

To book a program, please call Bruce Segal @ Mind Your Planet: 800-423-8144 or send an email through this website!

SWEET HOME NEW JERSEY

Drawing on our 15 year’s experience of successful assembly programming, we are happy to present a curriculum-based program specifically designed to support New Jersey standards 6,1-6,5, which mandate teaching about the State of New Jersey.

Sequence of Show

5 minutes
Students will learn about the history of their specific hometown: the origin of its name, the town founders, and the industries it thrived on.

10 minutes
Story Telling. A fascinating and true Revolutionary War Story is presented featuring New Jersey resident & war hero John Honeyman, who collaborates with General George Washington to spy for the Colonies. This collaboration culminates with Washington’s “Crossing of the Delaware,” and the critical defeat of the British on Christmas Day, 1776. (complete with costumes and audio enhancements)

15 minutes
Video Show. Content includes: Maps of New Jersey focusing on geology, geography, natural habitats, and important cities; ALSO: the Lenni Lenape; early immigration and cultural diversity; important industries; professional sports teams; state government; state symbols; and famous New Jersey residents.

15 minutes
Game Show. Two groups of pre-selected student volunteers will compete to answer questions taken from the video-lesson they have just seen, as well as additional material about New Jersey. Questions will be based on students’ grade level, as well as their progress through the New Jersey unit (to be determined by our school contact).

“SWEET HOME NEW JERSEY” References:

Cherry Hill: Karen Greco-Magosin, Parent, Christ the King, 856-354-0116 (grades 3-6)
Erial: Fred Johnson, Asst. Principal JW Lilley Elementary 856-875-0991 (3-5)
Haddon Heights: Felicia Ferri, Teacher, St. Rose School, 856-546-0166 (3-6)
Pine Hill: Karen Vitolo, Teacher, Albert Bean School, 856-783-4107 (3-5)
Trenton: Liza Westerman, Teacher, George Wilson Elementary 609-631-4169 (4-5)
Turnersville: Colleen Marino, Parent, Hurffville Elementary, 856-582-4933 (3-5)

Goals and Objectives

To inspire students toward a sense of pride for their home state.

To familiarize students with the backgrounds of New Jersey residents:
from the Lenni Lenape through our current diverse population

To acquaint students with the use of maps while learning about the geological zones throughout the state, about the variety of natural habitats, and about the major cities.

To teach the students the basics about their hometown: the origin of the town’s name, the reason for the town’s existence, the town’s earliest industries, and its prominent settlers.

Students will learn about NJ state government, state symbols, and sports teams.

Students will understand New Jersey’s role in the American Revolution through the presentation of a story about Washington’s Crossing of the Delaware.

Through large-screen video, and a game show format, the students will learn about famous New Jersey scientists, sports figures, and musicians

EXPLORING NEW JERSEY: Classroom activities to be used before and after the Sweet Home New Jersey assembly program.

Students will explore their town’s name: does it derive from an early citizen, an industry, a natural resource, or is it something else? What was so important about that resident or resource that the town took on that name?

Using a state map, students will identify 3 places that they have visited in New Jersey. Why did they go and what roads did they use to get there?

Ask them to make a list of things they remember: the weather, memorable experience, a stadium, a soda shop?, anything at all.

Furnish the students with a map of their county and all the adjacent counties. Using a local newspaper, have the students identify an event that took place in each of their neighboring counties. Have them name the town.

Ask the students to list all the natural habitats in New Jersey. Have them identify the area of the state where that habitat might be found.

Ask the students: if they had to act as a tour-guide of New Jersey, and they had to show the state to an Eskimo from Alaska, what are 5 places that they would want the Eskimo to visit?

Ask the students to find as many songs with the word New Jersey in it as they can. Winner of the contest is considered ‘Governor for the Day.’
(Consider playing some of the music in class)

Furnish the students with a US map and a world map. Have the students cut out New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Alaska, and then compare their sizes, side to side. If possible cut out foreign countries drawn to the same scale as the states, and have the students compare NJ to the size of England, Israel, etcetera.

Throughout all of millennium, the plants and animals of Planet Earth have been driven to extinction NATURALLY, as a result of earthquakes, volcanoes, meteors and other causes. These natural extinctions occur at a rate of one species each one hundred years. However, in the age of the HUMAN BEING, species now become extinct at a rate of one, every twenty minutes. Take a field trip to the rainforest without leaving a classroom

Human activities such as LOGGING, FARMING, DEVELOPMENT, and the PET TRADE have threatened the Planet’ s species in an unprecedented way.

In our program on ENDANGERED SPECIES we examine the major HABITATS of the world including the Desert, Wetlands, Oceans, Rainforest, Tundra, and Temperate Forest. Through the use of large screen images, students observe the species that live in each habitat, the causes of endangerment in each area, and the species that have become threatened. During the course of this program, the student is exposed to the concepts of FOOD CHAIN, ADAPTATION, SPECIES, ECO-SYSTEM, and BIODIVERSITY.

For grades K-3, we tell a story about a boy who is required to learn why animals become endangered after leaving his dog out in the heat of the Summer; he travels through 4 habitats and meets student volunteers dressed up as 4 endangered animals: a frog, an elephant, a dolphin, and a crocodile. He learns how they became endangered and things he can do to protect their habitats and the animals themselves.

QUOTES

“Bruce Segal’s Endangered Species program has been a real success with both teachers and students. By focusing on the loss of natural habitat, the students seem to better understand this environmental problem. He is coming back for his fourth year.”
-Bill Carpenter, Science Teacher, Southampton Middle School, Bel Air, Maryland

“We were really happy with this program. Mr. Segal’ s extensive interaction with the students was very effective.”
-Teresa Walsh, Parent, Oley Valley Middle School, Oley Valley, PA

SEQUENCE OF PROGRAM

Using 7 student volunteers, we extend a 50 foot rope-banner across the room depicting the five billion year History of the Planets’ Species including individual species evolution and major geological events. This is accompanied by an audio soundtrack.

A 15 minute video is projected onto a large screen, depicting the major habitats of Planet Earth, the causes of extinction in each habitat, and the species that are affected.

CLASSROOM MATERIALS: An overview of the program will be provided for the teachers prior to the assembly including classroom activities.

Lets celebrate our Diverse December Holidays!

Here in America, each year our varied population celebrates the following holidays:

• Christmas
• Hanukkah
• Kwanzaa
• Ramadan
• Diwali

In this program, we tell a story about a boy who has to learn the deeper meaning of the Holidays.  Using 7 volunteers from the audience, he travels to 5 different countries.  He sees how the Holidays are all similar in their use of music, food, lights, gift-giving, & family reunions.  Our emphasis is to make sure that the children gain a clear understanding of WHY, HOW, WHERE, AND BY WHOM each Holiday is celebrated.

We use video clips to represent all of these Holidays being celebrated.