Dear Mary-Elin:
I must thank you for the fine workshops
you presented at two of our in-service days this month. They were appropriate to the audience described in your brochure.
Primary teachers, reading consultants and remedial specialists learned much from you. Even though your demonstrations dealt
with stories, I had an opportunity to observe a kindergarten teacher use the technique when teaching "time" to her
class. The "apron" method focused her class and allowed her to increase student participation. One of my grade one
teachers noted that she was able to use your technique with a class whose ability to stay on task has been a chore.
It is obvious to me that Cook Up A Story is a teaching method which can be used in a variety of situations. You are
selling this methodology short. Based upon my experience it affords students opportunity to become active learners in a variety
of situations. They are limitless.
In closing, I must personally thank you for bringing a breath of fresh
air to those involved with the workshops. They were given an opportunity to think, explore and risk. You made it happen!
Thank you for a wonderful presentation. Your evaluations from those in attendance show me that you will be
asked to return.
Sincerely,
Paul G. Gionfriddo
Principal
Ruth L. Chaffee School
160 Superior Avenue
Newington, CT 06111
Note: This kind letter
was written in 1996. Mr. Gionfriddo retired in 1998, but has given his permission for this letter to be used in
full text on this web site. Thank you, Mr. Gionfriddo. - Mary-Elin R.
