Some kind words...
"Eric Ode hosted a Family Literacy Night at our elementary campus and our students and parents LOVED it! We can't wait for Eric to come back next year for another event!"
- Angela Elder M.Ed, Dean of Students, Coral Academy of Science, Reno, NV
“Eric was outstanding in his presentation and performance to students and staff. His music and poetry were exceptionally energetic and entertaining. Students were captivated with his songwriting workshops, which were very positive and educational. His rapport with students and adults is exceptional! I would highly recommend Eric for a school assembly.”
- Linda Johnson, Community Resource Coordinator, Larson Heights Elem., Moses Lake, WA
"We loved your interactive presentation. I've never received so much positive feedback from so many teachers about an author assembly."
- Jenny Hillger, Librarian, Meridian Park Elem, Shoreline, WA
"We just hosted Eric for an all-day author visit to our school. What a treat! He has such a fantastic way of differentiating activities and his presentation according to the interests and abilities of students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Eric garnered praise from kids and adults alike. Entertaining, educational, and highly recommended!"
- Amy Johnson, Librarian, Taku Elementary School, Anchorage, Alaska
"Adults and students alike raved about Eric's presentations. It was fun to watch him share with the kids. He made learning about writing fun and was very inspiring."
- Joie Ganley, Assembly Coordinator, Longview Elem, Moses Lake, WA
"Thank you so much for your visit to Kaposia Education Center! The kids loved it! They are asking to write poetry every day!"
- Kim Laska, 2nd grade teacher, Kaposia Education Center, St. Paul, MN
"Thank you once again for a delightful day. The halls are a buzz with excitement about yesterday. It is great to see such school wide enthusiasm. We rarely have common activities that build a sense of school community. What a bonus to an already meaningful experience!"
- Debbie Woltring, Reading Specialist and Author Visit Coordinator, Lowell Elem., Everett, WA
"I wanted to express in writing how wonderful your performances at Monte Cristo Elementary were. The Young Author's committee has heard nothing but positive comments from staff and students about your visit. We will definitely have you return in the future. You will be happy to know that as I walk through the halls I hear students memorizing your poetry for classroom presentations. You being here helped inspire them to read and write more."
- Valerie J. Anderson, Multiage Instructor, Monte Cristo Elementary, Granite Falls, WA
"Thanks for coming to Poulsbo Elementary. Staff and students loved you!"
- Joyce Schultz, Learning Specialist, Poulsbo Elementary, Poulsbo, WA
"We recently were fortunate enough to have Eric Ode visit our school. He presented our students and staff with a wonderful writing/singing/teaching assembly at Ness Elementary School. The students were highly entertained and took skills he taught them and created their own poems and songs. It is so encouraging to see kids get excited about learning! His method of teaching through music and poetry captivated the students. They were very much 'into' his presentation. His enthusiasm was contagious and the students were very excited and involved in his presentation. "We will definitely invite him back to Ness! The students truly enjoyed him and what he had to teach them. Learning is fun with Eric Ode!"
- Gayle Van Matre, Principal, Arthur Ness Elementary, Spokane, WA
"What a day! I enjoyed your lessons and entertaining as much as the students. So many people came up to me today to tell me how calm and great your demeanor is. Thank you for being a professional and having such great plans. You have wonderful classroom management. I appreciate how you care about kids listening and learning. Your objectives came through clear, and I love that kids learned and were entertained. I look forward to working with you again."
- Denelle Davis, Media Specialist, Rose Valley Elementary, Kelso, WA
"Our staff, our kids, and our parents absolutely LOVED Eric. He was wonderful and really did a fantastic job working with our kids. He was absolutely delightful, and he had a great disposition with everyone! I highly recommend you look into his website and learn more about him. You won't be disappointed!!"
- Carolyn Milian, Media Specialist, Lakeside Elementary, Pembroke Pines, FL
"I couldn't recommend Eric any higher. He had excellent rapport with the children."
- Wayne Mendro, Music Teacher, Elk Ridge Elementary School, Buckley, WA
"Eric did such a fine job with our students, from kindergarten to fifth grade. He tailored each presentation to fit the grade level, so that all were engaged, learning, and happy. Since Eric was a teacher, he was able to fit great teaching about poetry and language into a fun, interactive presentation! I highly recommend him!"
- Kay Ellison, Marshall Elementary, Vancouver, WA
"Eric brings smiles to the faces of adults as well as to children with his genuine excitement and enthusiasm for poetry and song. He exhibits professionalism while working with teachers and staff, and creates a personalized visit for students of any age. What a special opportunity it was to have him at our school!"
- Mary Falvey, 2nd Grade Teacher/Author Visit Coordinator, Harding Elem., Hammond, IN
"Thank you for the wonderful family literacy night presentation. You did a fabulous job of engaging a wide range of ages, including adults, in the appreciation of lyrical writing. Your humor, energy and warmth made a lasting impression on the participants."
- Kathy Peterson, WA Reading Corp. Coordinator, Crestwood Elem., Covington, WA
"Having Eric here was a wonderful gift for the students! I was very impressed with how respectfully he spoke to each and every child. I absolutely would have him back next year."
- Marilyn Brennan, Evergreen Elementary, WSU Extension Mason County, Shelton, WA
"Students have been talking about your visit all week long. They are staying in from recess to write poems! Your message was heard by our students, and the staff thanks you. We all appreciate the energy and time you give to children."
- Judy Brown, Librarian, Elger Bay Elementary, Camano Island, WA
"Eric’s visit to our school was a total delight for both students and teachers. He did a great job of adapting his lively presentations to engage all the different age levels, and I especially appreciated his flexibility and willingness to work with whatever schedule came up. His positive message, gentle humor, and high level of professionalism make him a great choice for any school."
- Debi Gray, Librarian/Assembly Coordinator, Christ Methodist Day School, Memphis, TN
"Thank you for a great performance! You kept our students and staff captivated and involved throughout the fast paced forty-five minute assembly. Your humor and love for the writing process got the kids excited to write. You are a natural with students, and they loved having you share your talent with them! We had FUN and look forward to you coming to visit us again!"
- Margot Hightower, Principal, Enterprise Elementary, Federal Way, WA
"Eric's positive attitude and love of music and writing were energetically reflected in the high quality of the assembly and workshops. Woven through the catchy tunes and banter with the audience were rhyming strategies and creative ideas for writing. Not only is Eric an accomplished musician but also an exceptional teacher. The staff and students alike were humming the songs and talking about the ideas even after Eric left! There are presenters who because of their commitment to literacy and students must be considered outstanding... Eric Ode is one of them!"
- Victoria Hopper, Principal, Southwood Elem, Enumclaw, WA
“It was a pleasure to meet and work with Eric. He was professional, entertaining, and a wonderful teacher as well. Students, families and faculty were impressed with his performances and learned new information! We are passing his name onto our colleagues.”
- Susan Fish, Literacy Coach, Carriage Crest Elem, Renton, WA
"Dear Eric Ode, You have been a great inspiration to lots of Emerson students, including me. I want to become a famus poet now just like you. You've made me want to look forward to writing class."
- fourth grade student, Everett, WA
"Dear Mr. Ode, You were the best person I ever heard. You made me lagh my hed off."
- third grade student, Memphis, TN
"I can't remember the last time I've had so much fun at one of our programs . . . Thank you so much for bringing such a lively and fun-filled event to the kids in Marysville. It's obvious you love what you do."
- Pat - Children's Librarian, Marysville Public Library
"I heard so many positive comments from both parents and children after both shows. Comments included 'He’s so good. Please have him back again. That was so fun!' He is the consumate professional who knows how to share his talent in a very friendly, fun and warm way! We would be delighted to have Eric back again!"
- Kathleen Ahern, Neill Public Library, Pullman, WA
"You gave all of us - youngsters and adults alike - a wonderful morning of music and fun! Everyone had such a good time. You have a wonderful way with kids!"
- Margaret Martin, Mercer Island Public Library
"The email board is 'a buzz' with how much fun everyone had. There is already talk to ask you to come again next year! You were great with the kids, and interacted with them so well. Thanks again!"
- Lynne Palmisano, DS King County
"Every single evaluation form returned to us here at the Muldoon Branch was overwhelmingly positive, and I certainly share their sentiments! I hope to see you back in Anchorage soon."
- Jacob Munford, Youth Services Librarian, Anchorage, AK
“Your music brings on the smiles! You have such a warm, thoughtful style and a very fun repertoire of songs.”
- Jan Radley, Director, Youth Eastside Services
"Your performance today at West Fenwick Park was fantastic! You were captivating on stage and received a very positive reception by the audience. It was quite a delight to work with you (and do the Hand-Jive with you too!) We are proud to have you as a part of our program."
- Ronda Billerbeck, Cultural Programs Manager, Kent Parks and Recreation
"The program you shared with our families was incredible! It was so fun to watch the kids be so engaged with all the music and poetry. It amazes me that in all the excitement, they really soak in what is going on."
- Lori Palombo, Secretary, Marysville ECEAP
"I wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed your program at the Coupeville Elementary School. Your program was fun and full of energy. It allowed for a lot of participation from start to finish, and that's just what the students need on a day when school gets out early."
- Anne M. Hallam, Children's Liaison, Sno-Isle Libraries, Coupeville