PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND KINDERGARTENS
Ridgway School (Laura Cherry Y2 Teacher) *****
Joanne came in and did the Moana Physical Story with our students (Year 0-2) and they absolutely loved it! They were all super interested in the story and loved doing the various movements that went along with it. It was a joy to watch them unleash their imaginations and creativity in this way. They loved the various props, having their own lei and yoga mat. Joanne was very engaging and enthusiastic which encouraged the children the freedom to do the same. Thank you Joanne! Looking forward to our next session.
​
Brooklyn Kindergarten (Lara Donaldson, Head Teacher) *****
Jo is amazing! She brings her passion for the dramatic arts and combines this with familiar children's books such Giraffe's Can't Dance and The Gruffalo. The result is a creative gem that captures the children and teacher's imaginations alike. Her inclusive approach and sense of fun entices the children to join in and lose themselves in the creative process. This is great for a larger group as she captivates with her great choreography, use of props and pre-recorded sound effects. We all love it when we hear that Jo is coming with a new story. Ka pai Jo, we love Physical Stories at Brooklyn Kindergarten."
​
Ngaio Kindergarten (Nik, Head Teacher) *****
Jo has been doing physical stories with our tamariki for the past term and they have absolutely loved the experience as they learn to control their bodies. They get excited knowing that she will be coming again to explore a new story that they can connect with. The way Jo structures the experience means we can explore her story and themes prior to and after the session with the tamariki, making it more authentic. We highly recommend Jo."
​
PARENTS
​
Sia Aston *****
Creative and fun story telling that engages children mentally, physically and emotionally. My six year old loves these classes because the children are all involved in the story from start to finish. You can see the children love Jo because she’s fun and silly and full of love.
​
Marina Komarovsky *****
These classes are amazing, totally unique, and my child looks forward to them so much every week! Jo is an extremely thoughtful and talented teacher and performing arts professional, and it shows in every moment and detail of her classes. It's amazing how good she is at having the kids really tune in and bring focus to trying new yoga positions, and also getting them laughing, moving, working together, and having so much fun!
Every class is a new story that Jo guides the kids to experience through a sequence of poses, movements, games, a take-away concept in mind, and hand-made props that her family creates for that specific story! Each class is essentially like a very cool special event that you would circle in the city event calendar and take your kids to - but one that our community is so lucky to be able to experience every week! The developmental benefit for kindergarten age and early primary school kids is also very clear. Recommend 1,000%.
​
My kids love this class. Even though they were initially shy, Jo's engaging manner and interesting stories have drawn them out of their shells. Highly recommended.
Chloe Bisley-Wright *****
These storytelling workshops are just what we were after for our child. Jo is engaging, positive and has woven in valuable lessons. I recommend you check them out.
Suzy Kilpartick *****
Thanks Jo for a great 'Physical Stories' session with Tessa yesterday. It was great to see her and the other kids get involved with the story and doing the actions and poses with you! - although maybe the mindfulness section will take a bit more practice (well for Tessa at least)
Cherub *****
Jo is a caring and engaging story teller! My 3-year-old nibling has found her classes both engrossing and challenging; there is enough support in the room that he has been overcoming any difficulties he has keeping up with the class (this is his first extra-curricular activity, so first experience of a class dynamic) and that has been really helped by Jo's encouragement. Love Jo's attention to detail in terms of the whole class dynamic and keeping the children engaged. Highly recommend!
Anna Bourke *****
My kids are thoroughly enjoying Physical Stories - their confidence, mindfulness and awareness have improved so much in just a few weeks - and most importantly they are having so much fun and are very excited to go along! Jo is a very talented and passionate storyteller and teacher and we feel really lucky to have the opportunity to be a part of these classes!
Nik Parrot *****
I love these stories with Jo, and I'm not even the target audience! There has obviously been a lot of planning and thought behind the scenes in making these classes as successful as they are, but as if that weren't enough, they are delivered with such an energy that can only come from one who is truly passionate about her role and endgame. Very inclusive. Would recommend.
​
Alice Lloyd *****
Jo's class combines movement and music in a way that delights younger kids. I thoroughly recommend Physical Stories.
​
Emily Mckewen *****
Wonderful class. Jo is great with kids!
​
