Dan's Stories

Dan performs three original, interactive stories that are developed with education professionals, linked to the Ontario Curriculum, and delivered with lesson plans and worksheets for teachers:

Inky the Octopus Takes Over the World

45-60 minute interactive show + 20 minute Q&A + lesson plan/worksheets

Educational topic: Consent

Age-appropriate versions available for grades JK-3 or grades 4-6

Dive – without getting wet – into the world of Inky, an adorably shy red octopus! Through interactive storytelling and puppeteering, Dan takes kids on Inky’s journey along the ocean floor, all the way from Alaska to Ontario. Surprises and hijinks abound as Inky overcomes his fears, meets new friends, and learns about consent. At the end of the performance, Dan and Inky discuss healthy friendships and interactions with students, and teachers receive a lesson plan and activity worksheets to further the discussion.

Educational Objectives In a child-friendly and non-controversial way, the "Inky the Octopus" show, interactive activities, and follow-up lesson plan/worksheets will cover Ontario Curriculum objectives related to: displaying affection appropriately; understanding/respecting consent; communicating consent with respect to interpersonal interactions.

Hootie & The Blue Fish: Journey to Shark Valley

45-60 minute interactive show + 20 minute Q&A + lesson plan/worksheets

Educational topics: Trust, healthy friendships, mental health

For grades JK-4

Hootie & The Blue Fish is the tale of two very different animals who become the best of friends. Blue is a fish who’s different than all the others. He doesn’t feel like he fits in, so he leaves home and ventures to Shark Valley – the spookiest spot in the sea! Along the way, he meets Hootie, an owl who’s running away too. This interactive adventure will make everyone laugh and sing as Blue and Hootie show how a trusted friendship can get you through the toughest of times. After the show, Dan and his puppets host a Q&A, and teachers receive a lesson plan and activity worksheets to further the discussion.

Educational Objectives In a child-friendly and non-controversial way, the "Hootie & The Blue Fish" show, interactive activities, and follow-up lesson plan/worksheets will cover Ontario Curriculum objectives related to: building trust; recognizing and reacting to signs of healthy/unhealthy friendships; understanding and seeking/offering support with respect to mental health.

Dungee the Dragon & The Just-Okay Juggler

45 minute interactive show + 20 minute Q&A + lesson plan/worksheets

Educational topics: Negotiation, self-esteem, compassion

For grades 4-8

Journey back in time to the Medieval Ages where the Kingdom of Awesome is under attack by a sassy fire-breathing dragon!  The King calls on the Great Knights of the Land to save the day to defeat the dragon, but somehow the job falls on a lonely juggler who must learn to handle three swords (at the same time!) to slay the dragon. Featuring light-hearted humour, a mysterious visitor, a dragon puppet with attitude, and a knife juggling act, this original story will bring laughter and fun to one and all! After the show, Dan and the characters host a Q&A, and teachers receive a lesson plan and activity worksheets. Read reviews...

NOTE: This show features knife juggling and requires 15-foot ceilings. For safety reasons, kids will be asked to sit outside a 15’x15’ performance area.

Educational Objectives In a child-friendly and non-controversial way, the "Dungee the Dragon" show, interactive activities, and follow-up lesson plan/worksheets will cover Ontario Curriculum objectives related to: initiating and engaging in negotiation; respecting the needs and wants of others when negotiating; collaborating towards mutually beneficial outcomes; cultivating and respecting a sense of self-worth; setting and achieving personal development goals.

ALSO AVAILABLE: Interactive workshops around building empathy and asking permission. Have Dan and his puppets visit your classroom (in-person or online) and deliver a fun-packed, interactive, educational lesson. Please contact Dan for pricing details.