They can be a fourth-grader's nightmare. State-mandated MCAS tests are taken for the first time by fourth-graders each spring, and topics covered by the test can fill some students with dread.
But wait. High Plain Elementary School is hosting a popular local children's author on Monday night who mixes comedy with metaphors and silly musical fun with poetry. The idea is to have kids laughing with literacy instead of freezing up when MCAS subjects are discussed.
Award-winning author of five children's books, Jeff Nathan of Andover, brings his "CurricuLaughs" home on Feb. 13 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the school's auditorium. The public is welcome to the free show.
Fourth-grader Hannah Finn saw Nathan's show in Salem, N.H., and then asked school Principal Pam Lathrop if Nathan could perform his show at High Plain Elementary.
"Anything that gets kids laughing while learning about literacy is fine by me. Kids love that," Lathrop said. "I look forward to this."
Nathan started his amusing learning programs about 10 years ago in Andover. He left a high tech career for the gig. These days, he travels the country with his humorous learning style and runs his show with the help of two staffers.
It's a way of life that Nathan appreciates. He has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and truly enjoys helping kids struggling with school subjects.
"I know what that's like. Bringing humor to school helps," he said.
He sings, falls on the floor, plays a guitar and tells jokes when he speaks about the differences between similes and metaphors.
His baseball book for kids is entitled, "I Hope I Don't Strike Out," as he knows how stressful waiting at the plate for a perfect pitch can be for kids.
"CurricuLaughs" also has a silly song about adjectives for second-graders and a fun song about adjectives and adverbs for third-graders.
"I involve teachers, so that makes it even more fun for the kids," Nathan said. "It's a win-win for everyone in the class."
Each year, pieces have been adapted or replaced in Nathan's presentation.
"I continue to adapt, but now it's much more difficult," said this married father of four who is now a grandfather.
Changes probably aren't necessary, as his educator fans around the country are growing. His large file of thank you notes prove that they like "CurricuLaughs" just the way it is. "Our students begged teachers to allow them to write poems," wrote one principal.
CURRICULAUGHS
Monday, Feb. 13, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
High Plain Elementary School
Free, open to the public
Supported in part by a grant from the Andover Cultural Council
