Testimonials
 

"I learned more about techniques for writing with children from listening to Tom McCabe than from all of the other in-service programs I have ever attended."
~M.L. Haughey, Grade 4 - Stephanic School, Chicopee MA
 
 "After watching Tom McCabe, The Storyteller, captivate a roomful of teachers, I would say the best words to describe him are funny, fascinating, exciting, delightful, creative, bewitching, and articulate."
~Bud Bush, Jackson Junior High - Jackson, California
 
"He is one of a kind, a master storyteller!" 
~WCVB Channel Five, Boston
 
From: Cathie Carros, Principal, New Haven Elementary School, 4320 State Route 104, New Haven, New York 13121,  315-963-8400 ext. 3500,  [email protected]
 
            "Tom McCabe's program has been very beneficial for our staff and students; it supports our writing program, as well as helps us meet the New York State Learning Standards.  ELA Standards 1, 2 & 3 all speak to having students "listen, speak, read and write" - Mr. McCabe's performances blend these 4 major skill areas for students.  Our kids willingly sat and listened to stories, participated in creating stories, enjoyed reading back stories they created, and followed through after his performance by writing more stories on their own.
            Original stories were sent to Mr. McCabe; students were thrilled to receive replies from him praising them for their written pieces. This motivated students to write more and more!
In our school, we teach children to write using strategies found in the "Step Up to Writing" program.  During Mr. McCabe's first visit with us, this program was explained to him.  He instantly incorporated strategies we use into his performance, validating for kids and staff that we are really doing "good stuff" here! Adding staff development to his performances made his programs a "must see" for our staff members.  Teachers were begging to have coverage in their classrooms so they could attend his workshops in other classrooms.
             My staff has learned a great deal from Mr. McCabe, and our students adore him.  We are thrilled to have him come visit each year.  he makes story telling and writing so much fun for ALL our students."
 
From:  Ginny Haines, Title One Project Manager, Groveton Elementary School,  Groveton, New Hampshire 03582, 603-636-1806 / e-mail:  [email protected]
 
            "Tom McCabe did a full day writing workshop with our third through sixth grade students. His approach with each of the different grades was very appropriate. He has a way of teaching a wide variety of ages and ability students.  The writing product our students produced was very high quality.  His method of getting even the most reluctant students to write was wonderful.   He provided us with a valuable resource to help our students write more creative and complete pieces, stories and scary stories.  We are using it this year to write non-fiction dinosaur reports. If you have other questions, please feel free to contact me."
            Our writing curriculum includes the students writing a variety of genre written projects.  His work with each grade made it possible for the students to produce a completed piece.  Our teachers have been able to use his model to inspire the students to do other writing.  They have used "The McCabe Method" to help students write historical fiction, realistic fiction
 
From: Mary Ellen Marcell, Third Grade Teacher, Stafford Elementary, Stafford, Virginia
 
            "I am writing to tell you how impressed I am with Tom McCabe the Storyteller.  As a third grade teacher in Stafford, Virginia, my teaching curriculum (Standard of Learning (SOL)) is very specific and challenging. Its objectives are clearly written and each must be taught in order to have all of our students pass the SOL tests.  As a third grade teacher, I am always on the lookout for creative lessons and learning experience for my children, keeping the SOL standards in mind.  Tom McCabe the Storyteller is an excellent example of a great learning experience. The children absolutely love his appearances and his audio tapes.
            Tom McCabe's appearance last spring was so successful that many of the teachers wanted to know if he offered workshop specifically for the teachers.  One fifth grade teacher could not believe the writing samples that her students produced after listening to Tom explain how to write a story.  In the fifth grade's SOL writing test the children are giving a topic and they must write a rough draft and final copy in one sitting. The children are often frustrated because they sit and look at the blank sheet of paper while the clock is running.  Tom McCabe addresses this obstacle. He teaches the children how to overcome this block and to write a full story from beginning to end. The fifth graders left Tom's presentation and went to class and began writing.  The teachers came back just to say they were in shock!  Not only were the students writing but they were on topic using the required format.  Needless to say, Tom McCabe made a lasting impression on the teachers at Stafford Elementary!
            As a third grade teacher I was impressed at how my class listened to each story and could repeat not only the story but also the lessons learned. All the students wanted Tom to stay and tell more stories.  Tom offered to email anyone who sent him a story they had written.  This offer was taken up by several of my students and they were thrilled when he emailed back a response.  I had children in my class who were writing stories; children who were leery of reading let alone writing.  Parents called and were impressed with the writing and I told them it was Tom McCabe the Storyteller who sparked the interest.
            Storytelling is an age-old technique and children need to learn how to write, tell and present stories.  Tom McCabe the Storyteller teaches the children how to become storytellers. Children of all ages need to be exposed to more presentations like Tom McCabe's and we here in Stafford cannot wait until he can schedule another trip south to visit Virginia."
 
From: Mary Blair, Arts-in-Ed. Director and Mid-State Teacher Center Director
Madison-Oneida BOCES
4937 Spring Road, PO Box 168
Verona, NY 13478
 
To Whom It May Concern:
 
            Tom McCabe has performed in many of our schools receiving great reviews each time. He also presenting a workshop for teachers last year titled, "Writing Strategies for the Classroom". I have attached the summary feedback form from that workshop because I think it is best to gauge its success by the comments from the teachers themselves. You can contact me at 315-361-5556 or email me at [email protected] for further information about Tom's work in our schools.
 
Comments from Teacher Evaluations regarding Tom's Workshop: Writing Strategies for the Classroom:

  • I enjoyed his enthusiasm and plan to give his brochure to our librarian to have him to our school to work with the kids.
  • This was a very inspiring workshop, and he gave many ideas to take back to my class.
  • I did enjoy his presentation, can't wait to see how he does with Pre K children the following week.
  • I really enjoyed this workshop.  Mr. McCabe really made me re-evaluate my writing instruction.  I will immediately try his strategies in my first grade classroom.  Thank you for including your scaffolding strategies for lock-up students (differentiated instruction - in action).
  • He is an excellent speaker.  I would be very interested i in further workshops. 
  • It was very enjoyable with some very useful ideas to use with families.  (I work with families as a whole making home visits.)  Mr. McCabe gave me some ideas to use to handle some situations we face.
  • Energetic and inspiring!
  • This gave me a new approach to try with my kindergarten children.
  • Getting children to write is a very difficult task.  I really appreciated these useful hints.  I plan to put them to use.
  • Too short, he was a fantastic presenter.  I was disappointed when it was over.