Gail McKay is an accomplished educator, bringing stories to life for children for nearly twenty years. Whether in a classroom environment, as a staged performance, or in a collaborative workshop setting, Gail infuses her stories with energy and excitement.

She designs and builds all puppets and props, as well as the staging and backdrops. Utilizing folk tales, children's and world literature, as well as original stories, Gail weaves everyday life lessons throughout the experience for the children in her audience.

Storytelling With Puppets
Original Stories, or stories selected from children's literature are brought to life with puppets, music and stage settings.

Puppet-Making Workshops
A story is told, then the children are taught to make the puppet; They are encouraged to tell the story themselves, or make up one of their own. All materials are included, and puppets are easy-to-make with designs appropriate for 2 - 5 year olds, and 6 - 10 year olds.

Birthday Parties
2 years & older . Entertainment, music, and workshops are available. 30 minutes for stories, 30 minutes for workshop. All materials & vinyl sheets for floor covering for workshop are brought to your location.

Toddler Program
12 months - 3 years. Toddlers participate in music, stories with puppets, and movement centered around a theme. Mini-stage at child's height. Topics: Little Ducks; All Kinds of Shoes; Sun, Moon, & Stars; Fun with Bears; A Busy Day; Mommy, Daddy & Me; Zoo Animals; Farm Animals; Cars, Busses, Boats & Trains; or A Day at the Beach.

Combo Show Plus Workshop
For schools, a combo program can be offered: A show and a workshop for twenty children.

Creative Communication: Sign Language for All
is a Mullti Sensory Approach to Language Development. Gail is a Master's Degreed, Certified Teacher of the Deaf, and is skilled in Sign Language Communication, and Language Development.

Gail is a certified Baby Signs(r) instructor.

ART OF SIGNING Classes:
Learning SIGN LANGUAGE enhances a child's interest and understanding of the concepts of a story, develops creativity and non-verbal expression, and is FUN! Preschool or School aged children learn sign language through learning to tell stories, sing songs, and recite poems in sign language. Great program for Home Schoolers, or After School clubs. See Gail's website (www.gailmckay.net ) under Sign Language Education Programs for more information.

Teach your baby to Sign and facilitate communication before s/he learns to talk. This reduces frustration on both parent and child, provides a closer bond, promotes language development, and facilitates learning of other languages later in life.

Special classes for Parents and their children with Language Delays, Autism, Deafness, ESOL, or Developmental Delays.

Gem Painting: Children's Murals
Create a fanciful and imaginative room for your child! Artwork can be original ideas, or reproduced favorite characters from a book. Borders, full wall scenes, and special painted furniture will enhance your child's enjoyment of his/her bedroom or playroom.

I live in Charlotte NC, and most of my shows happen in this area. I have traveled to other states for special events, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Florida, and Iowa. I love to perform so please contact me to come to your area!

Among other cities, Storytelling With Puppets, and More! may serve the following areas: Charlotte, Asheville, Gastonia, Salisbury, Hendersonville, Waynesville, Statesville, North Wilkesboro, Matthews, Monroe, Shelby, Concord, Hickory, Kannapolis, Hazelwood, Lenoir, Wilmington, Lincolnton, Huntersville, Franklin, Raleigh, Albemarle, Banner Elk, Boone, Davidson, Greensboro, Mount Airy, Marion, Longview, Mooresville, Morganton, Mortimer, Morven