What
we
do
Once Upon a Story Hour is a 501(c)(3) whose mission is to promote the academic, emotional, and social development of children. We present free themed curriculum-based interactive lessons and activities with a matching read aloud from a historical or literary costumed character to daycares, preschools, elementary schools, and libraries in the Mount Washington Valley. Each hour long story hour includes three elements:
Read-Aloud
Story hour begins with the character read-aloud of three or four picture books on the chosen theme. Who could it be? Mother Goose on kindness, Eleanor of Aquitaine on the middle ages, or Mother Nature on recycling, to name a few.
Lesson
There is always something to be learned at story hour! Carmen Sandiego could teach about the states, Cleopatra might show how canopic jars are made, and Betsy Ross can talk about the history of our flag. And each story hour includes a sign language lesson on the overall theme!
ACTIVITY
Then the hands-on time begins! Mother Nature can take you on a walk to make a natural foliage wreath, Professor McGonagall’s story hour on aerodynamics can include making different styles of paper airplanes, and there are always different and fun crafts to do, too!
When children are exposed to pertinent information inclusive of hands-on activities and imagination, they blossom with more confidence to explore and learn in the world at large. We aim for all children to enjoy their learning, achieve their fullest potential, and become inquisitive life-long learners.
Ellen Caputo, M.Ed.
Founder
Ellen founded Once Upon a Story Hour in September 2023. She has been a teacher in the Mount Washington Valley for almost 25 years, has taught regular education and special education from Kindergarten through 12th grade, and currently teaches third grade at Freedom Elementary School.
Ellen graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, Plymouth State University with a Master's degree in Gifted Education, and received both Special Education and Reading and Writing Specialist Certifications from Granite State College. She has donated her time to several nonprofit organizations, as she is a Founding Member and Past Vice President of the Mount Washington Valley Children’s Museum, Past President of both the Madison Preschool and Madison Elementary PTO, and a past Board Member of Starting Point.