CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Libraries
Fourth graders learning English at Scuola Gozzi in Venice, Italy, react to Mary Jo's storytelling in English and Italian.
As a former children’s librarian in Springfield Massachusetts's Mason Square branch, Mary Jo learned how under-appreciated that job is. Sit around and read? Ha! While this profession does bring one to know and love the bounty of children’s literature, it is so much more. She understands library performance from the point of view of host as well as performer.
2024 Summer Reading Programs
Having created new summer reading programs yearly, she’s probably covered every theme all over 35 years. You name it, she has a repertoire for it, from Folktales & Tunes of the Sea, to Celebrate Books, Halloween for all ages, animals, nature, winter, holidays, solstice, Irish, Greek myths, diverse world folktales and tunes, song/dance. Just ask!
Fairy Houses!
Mother Goose for Little Listeners
Puppets, rhymes, songs, movement, dance, just-right stories for little ones learning through play.
School Programs
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Mother Goose in Person!
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School Assemblies & Residencies
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Library Shows
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Fairy House Building
When Mary Jo was a girl, she promised herself that when she grew up, she would never forget what it felt like to be a child. (She was extremely shy.) She kept that promise. And after a few thousand shows, she clearly knows how to make them laugh, feel safe to participate: help tell stories (with many techniques), sing, dance like alligators, act in costume, use gestures and lots of expression. She knows how to help them forget themselves and feel free to use their voices.
Whether in a show with 200 people or in a classroom visit, her gentleness, kindness and true affection for kids is palpable, as is her empathy for their plight as less powerful citizens. She is a master at engaging them in the delight and wonder of world folktales.
Mary Jo is on Teaching Artist rosters for Hartford Performs, Connecticut Storytelling Center, Massachusetts Cultural Council
“I believe that children learn best through the channel of play; the performing arts are that channel. I’ve heard the most timid child find and use a “tiger” voice in speaking to or through a puppet; twice, children who acted roles in front of a family audience turned out to be on the spectrum—one who had never spoken before, said his teacher through tears.
It’s my privilege as a performer and teaching artist to evoke opportunities for children to gain and use their voices with confidence, affecting all learning. Worried about meeting standards? Stop worrying—these means accomplish that goal without pushing or dulling the spirit.”
—Mary Jo Maichack
“Mary Jo is definitely a master teaching artist!”
—Diane Daily, Creative Youth Development Director,
Massachusetts Cultural Council
Acting out the Little Red Hen, a favorite, with audience kids as singing/dancing chorus.
Children react to Mary Jo telling “Old Sally Cato,” a tall tale with a cannibal giant, Billy Bally Bully
School Residencies
