Heather Whaley With A Ladybug


Heather Whaley

is a storyteller and songwriter for adults and children. She brings both traditional tales and her own stories to life by combining narrative with rhyme, chant and song.

Educational!

Featured Speaker at Teacher-Librarian Meeting

I was impressed with Heather's storytelling abilities. She adds music to her stories which definitely captivates her audience. I saw her presentation at a librarian's meeting and I thought it was wonderful.

 

(Mirella Dobbin, Teacher/Librarian)

 

Intermediate School Presentations at Whitby Station Gallery

“I had the pleasure of capturing Heather in action with a group of (grade 7&8) students, both on video and in stills. Heather’s joie-de-vivre and energy were truly enchanting – I found my camera pointed at the students to catch the joy and wonder in their expressions. Heather possesses the delightful ability to entertain, to educate and to connect to draw everyone around her into her stories – stories from her heart that are genuine and that are real. Heather will enlighten and delight children of all ages with her vibrant and active storytelling.”

 

(Will Prentice, Captura Photography and Imaging)

 

Heather Whaley's presentations always include an educational component that enhances the existing Ontario elementary and secondary curricula.

Cultural!

Intermediate Newcomer program in Regent Park, and Alexandra Park preschool program, Chinatown

You really know how to engage the kids! Thanks very much again for coming out to our programs. In terms of their literacy, a visit from a storyteller was a benefit for the children who do not speak English as their first language and English is not spoken at home. The more they can hear the language and make connections to things, the better. Ideally this will lead them into reading more books and stories on their own, thus building their literacy skills. It looked like everyone was enjoying your songs and stories. It was a great treat for the kids and adults.”

(Ken Martin, Frontier College Literacy. Learning for Life)

Host at 1001 Friday Nights of Storytelling

You have such warmth and personality, and the ability to bring together a whole room full of people (adults) in a very comfortable way. Your young (Argentine) friend (Silvia De Cesare) mentioned that you inspired her to become a storyteller. I can see why. 

(Anna Kertz, author and storyteller)

 

Her performances transcend all ages and cultures, and preserve the dignity and heritage they embody.

Entertaining!

Heather's storytelling abilities bring positive entertainment to children while instilling important values. Heather willingly catered her stories to accommodate our group's religious needs and her sing-a-long songs, instruments and props were greatly enjoyed by our campers. 

(Natalie, Quest Day Camp)

 

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“For our summer program, we had two workshops (three hours each) with Heather for the children aged from 1½ to 12 years old. The children were fascinated with the variety of musical instruments. Heather's presentation was excellent and well planned. Everything from music to storytelling was interactive, age-appropriate, and fun. I was very impressed with Heather's sensitive and caring ways when dealing with children in different age groups. Great storytelling & song singing!”

 

(Rowena, Tamarack Day Care Centre)

 

Heather also provides theme-related programs upon request, which may include writing, song writing, and puppeteer workshops. Occasionally, she even invites other artists to work with her.

Dear Teachers, Educators & Event Organisers

Heather is involved in the educational and entertainment aspect of the performing arts. Her expertise is in creating and delivering storytelling performance programs and workshops to schools and libraries for Family Literacy Day, Education Week, and community programs for family, youth, teens, and special needs groups.

 

Heather plays guitar, and is known as a musical storyteller and singer-songwriter. Concerts and programs include traditional and original stories, songs, ballads, personal stories, and verse poetry. She especially loves to bring stories behind songs to life for her older audiences, and has been a featured performer at cafes, art venues, museums, galleries, house concerts, and festivals, both on and off stage.

 

She is involved with ArtSmarts arts-infused programming through the Durham District School Board for grades 7-12, and arts infused community programming at art galleries, day camps, and libraries within the GTA and beyond.

 

Heather thrives on reeling her audiences in to feel joy, togetherness, and belonging!

© Heather Whaley 2013