Penny and Gail, the creators of Penny & Pals, have been in the kid-biz for years, first as teachers in public schools and now as professional speakers and entertainers. They love to work with parents and educators, providing dynamic in-service workshops and professional development with truly "kid-like" enthusiasm. They also provide youth workshop experiences through after-school programming, artist in residency programs or summer workshops.

Workshops for Grown-Ups

Music for the Kid 'N You (Pre K - Primary)
If you're looking for a light-hearted, fun, yet practical workshop, this is the one! Penny & Gail, creators of Penny & Pals, will share their catchy original songs and demonstrate how to mix music and movement for learning basic concepts in a positively fun way.

This high-energy workshop will involve the audience immediately and give them new tools for teaching and learning. Workshop participants will have as much fun learning this completely original music as their kids will when they bring it back to them.

"Great fun and sooo integrated! "
F.R., Merced, CA

"You are not only knowledgeable with a great delivery, you are also very personable. It was great to work with you."
S.D., WI

"Excellent! This presentation was too short! "
L. H., Head Start

Smarter Than You Think   (All audiences) This refreshing presentation will convince participants that giftedness can be found and should be nurtured in all people. Penny & Gail, creators of Penny & Pals, will share the many different ways in which we learn and discuss ways of broadening teaching expertise. Based on the Theory of Multiple Intelligences, (H. Gardner) this energizing keynote gives participants courage to develop new avenues for learning.

This workshop is available as an overview in 90 - 180 minutes up to a two-day course offered for graduate credit.

"I should just keep your evaluations in my top desk drawer to cheer me up on sad days. These fairly glow with enthusiasm from your workshop participants... "
M.P., Assistant Dean of Education ( former ), UND

"What a dynamic team! I t would be hard to improve a workshop as good as this one."
P.B., Teacher

"Energizing and eye opening. It was liberating for me and, hopefully, the students I'll teach."
C. R., Teacher

"They share a passion for teaching, which inspired me. Their vitality is contagious - I came away from sessions feeling energized rather than tired."
M. W., Teacher

 Kids - the Lighter Side   (All audiences)
Sometimes you just need to sit back and...laugh your butt off! (You wish.) Penny and Gail, creators of Penny & Pals, share real-life stories and anecdotes about their experiences with kids - usually to make a point - but sometimes just for the fun of it. Not lost in the laughter is why it is so good for us as effective leaders and role models to have a good attitude.

"You gave us practical ideas sprinkled with humor, animation and storytelling. "
B. T., Child Care Provider

"I was so excited about your MI information, and now I find out you're funny too! Can't beat that."
C.E., Conference Programmer

"I've got to stop booking you - my stomach always hurts from laughing."
T.W., Conference Programmer

If these ALL sound good to you - don't worry. Penny and Gail can do any combination of topics, provided you give them an appropriate amount of time...

Workshops for Kids

Kiddin' Around with Music and Motion

Now here's a cool thing; Penny and Gail, co-creators of Penny & Pals, love to spend time with kids in a workshop setting to introduce them to performance basics:

•  Songs - kids learn new songs appropriate for their developmental level

•  Movement - kids learn simple dances and creative movement

•  Theater - kids learn basic stage directions, blocking and vocal and bodily expression

The workshop provides for exploration of feelings and attitudes, allows kids to brainstorm and create props and gives children an opportunity to develop both teamwork and self-confidence through a joyful arts experience.

Youth workshops are available in a variety of formats, including after-school sessions , school residencies , one-day or weeklong summer sessions. Each experience culminates with a live performance in front of a real audience! Whoopee! A seriously, big-whopping load of fun.

"You bring out the best in kids."

"It's a chance [for my child] to have fun but also to find a new way to express herself. Thank you for your positive direction and encouragement."

"You have fun and keep order at the same time. You're great! "

"This was wonderful! [My chld] loves to sing and dance and it gave her so much confidence."

"He came home each day with a bright, happy smile. Thanks, ladies, for your special loving attention to each child."