Ronda Friend http://www.RondaFriend.com
As an author, storyteller, musician, and entertainer, R. Friend has visited over 2,000 schools across the United States with her character-building assembly programs, writing workshops, and family evening programs. Because of her deep desire to connect generations, tickle funny bones, and touch hearts with wholesome literature that teaches valuable life lessons, Ronda created her own publishing company — Sunflower Seeds Press — dedicated to sowing seeds of character in the lives of children and their families with wholesome literature that includes original songs, recipes, poems, historical facts and photos — all based on her childhood — Down On Friendly Acres — that centers around her carefree childhood, loving parents, a godly grandmother, and amazing siblings.
R. Friend is the author of seven chapter books, best described as Little House on the Prairie meets Green Acres, and six picture books, including three Wild & Wacky Animal Tales (dual readers) and two Love Me to Bed books. Ronda and her husband, Bill, started Friend2FriendBookProject to provide children and their families facing medical challenges with books for the whole family.
Contact Ronda Friend at rondafriend@rondafriend.com
Artist Work Samples
Sample Programs Offered
Program Type:
Program Description:
R. Friend’s programs challenge students to be creative writers, avid readers, and productive citizens. Her high-energy, fast-paced, entertaining program is guaranteed to keep students and staff engaged. Professional storytelling, music, audience participation, sign language, history, and life lessons unite as six-year-old Ronda takes the audience Down on Friendly Acres in the 60s. Ronda performs a one-woman show bringing to life Penelope the Pig, Sparky the Skunk, Sheriff Stinkbug, and finally, the evil foxes in her dual reader picture book entitled P.U. You Stink, in which the audience will explode with laughter. A heartwarming message ends the show by encouraging her audience to L.eave A. M.ark B.ehind.
Lesson Plan Example: Download File
Program Type: Arts Integration
Program Description:
Creative juices will flow as students learn by doing. Seven essential aspects of creative writing, using acrostic and alliteration, are introduced as vital for successful stories. R. Friend uses examples from her writings to encourage students to include music, poems, recipes, hidden objects, new vocabulary words, and true-to-life dilemmas in their stories. With Ronda at the helm and the use of an innovative writing card game, students will be motivated to think outside the box as they stretch their imaginations to create a memorable, meaningful, magical story together. Students will then be able to enter their stories to win signed copies of a book from R. Friend.
Lesson Plan Example: Download File
Program Type: Arts Appreciation
Program Description:
An R. Friend family night with a day program will be extraordinary. Children will beg their parents and invite grandparents to return that evening for a memorable, magical moment. Ronda will engage the audience with professional storytelling, original songs, audience participation, and a message of hope and love. However, the highlight of the evening is when every student in attendance will have the opportunity to participate in performing two songs with Ronda on stage and then act out P.U. You Stink. Students’ gifts and talents will shine for all to enjoy.
Lesson Plan Example: Download File
