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Judy Timmons, a 1st Grade teacher at a Chicago Suburban Elementary School, has used Jim Nesci's Cold Blooded Creatures reptile program in her classroom for the last 6 years. Every year six classes of about 20 children each learn about reptiles with this hands-on program when they are studying about reptiles and vertebrae in their Science class. Judy Timmons commented that "This is a great culminating activity to our science unit on reptiles. It ties up the whole subject. Mr. Nesci tailors the program to the 1st graders by using the same terminology in the text books and using interesting facts." Judy thinks the key is that the students get to see in person the live animals and that they get to touch the animals if they want. After the program the students talk about what they saw and then they must write about the reptiles.
Judy goes on to say that "Jim Nesci is very enthusiastic and he always takes questions from the students. The students always remember this activity, because every year at our Year-End Review, many students list this as their favorite activity." Judy Timmons is probably most happy with this classroom activity in that she believes it builds the students reading skills. "Many students who are normally very reluctant to read, jump right in and are excited to read the unit on Reptiles before Jim Nesci and his reptiles show up."
Will Anderson, 7th Grade Life Science teacher at Parker Junior High School in Flossmoor, IL / (School District 161), has had Jim Nesci's Cold Blooded Creatures reptile program in his classrooms for the last 12 years. Generally Jim spends the entire day at Parker Junior High School speaking at every period to a total of over 300 students. Will Anderson ties Jim's program to either the study of vertebrae or to an endangered species unit. Will commented that "The Cold Blooded Creatures show is always a great program. And Jim is great with the kids. He is very approachable and a great speaker. He is probably the most adept speaker that comes into the school. He is highly entertaining by telling funny stories and different stories that provide insight for the students." Will especially likes that Jim's program reduces the student's fear of reptiles and that Jim does not force the animals on the students, but lets them touch the animals if they would like. Will also includes a world map in the program and Jim Nesci incorporates where each of the reptiles are found throughout the world.
Will goes on to say that "You can tell that reptiles are a love of Jim's and it comes through in everything he does. The students really respond to that. He is a great example for the kids. This is one day when we have no discipline problems whatsoever! This program is a favorite for the students and they get to take a lot of pictures with Jim and the animals." Finally Will said "I would highly recommend Jim Nesci and his reptiles for any Life Science Class."
Cub Scout Pack #505 in Munster, IN has had Jim Nesci's Cold Blooded Creatures Reptile program several years. It continues to be a huge success, with a crowd of over 60 boys and adults. The boys loved the show and loved touching the animals. Janet Cooper, the Advancement Chairmen, commented that "Jim has a dynamic personality and is able to keep the boy's interest and make them behave…especially with that many kids. He also talks at an appropriate level by telling them interesting facts and stories. He makes it fun and educational. The Dads really love it!"
The River Forest, IL Brownie troop had Jim Nesci and the Cold Blooded Creatures program for their January meeting. Peggy Ramette, a mother of one of the girls, booked Jim and his show after seeing him at the River Forest Tennis Club. Over 40 Brownie Girl Scouts and 8 Moms enjoyed this hands-on show. The girls were all earning their "Animal Try-it Badge" and Jim's program provided a great way for the Brownies to touch, hold and learn about this unique group of animals. Peggy Ramette commented that "The Cold Blooded Creatures show was an incredible program for our Brownies. The information was awesome and it was great how he asked the girls questions to get them involved." One of the Brownie Girl Scouts got to ride Bubba, the alligator, while all the Brownies held Samantha, the snake, and Lucky, the baby alligator. Peggy went on to say that "Everyone was oohing and aweing! The girls loved it. There was a lot of interest. It was a really great show."
Gene O'Connor, Director of Catering, for Murray Catering in University Park, IL. has booked Jim Nesci's Cold Blooded Creatures for over 10 Company Picnics. Murray Catering is a full service catering company with 75% of its business in Corporate Events and Company Picnics. Gene commented that "I especially like Jim's show, because it can be done any where, inside or outside, and he doesn't need much space. He also has a sound system, so the show amplifies very well." Gene believes that not only is the Cold Blooded Creatures show great for the kids, but also for the adults. It appeals to both. Gene went on to say that "Jim puts on a very healthy show. I describe him as the Animal and Naturalist Guy." Finally Gene said "There is a lesson to be learned in the Cold Blooded Creatures show, it is not just entertainment. And that is what the audience really likes. Jim has a good delivery. He does a very nice job!"
Vicki and Ed Cantwell from New Lenox, IL invited Jim Nesci's Cold Blooded Creatures show to their 2001 Summer Party and Birthday Party. They thought it would be a unique idea to have their friends and family of 100 people to see this live group of reptiles. They had originally seen the show at a Cub Scout program for their son Ryan. Both their daughter Becki and their son Ryan loved the show. Vicki thought the show was excellent and that it impressed the whole crowd. Vicki commented that "Originally my mother-in-law was concerned and afraid for the kids. But I initially convinced her that the show was safe by letting her know that Jim Nesci takes his reptiles into hospitals to do shows for children and that he is a real professional. His animals are well trained." After seeing the show, her mother-in-law was totally convinced.
Vicki went on to say that "The highlight of the show was being able to hold and touch the reptiles. Jim really encouraged this. And the picture that I have of Jim and the all the kids holding Samantha, the snake, is neat. It really shows you how big she is." Vicki video taped the whole show and has shown it over and over to her friends who couldn't believe that she had a real alligator in her back yard. "When Bubbaactually listened to Jim's commands…that really blew people's minds!"
Debbi Gentile from Orland Park, IL invited Jim Nesci's Cold Blooded Creatures show to the birthday party for her 5 year old twin boys, Alec and Andrew. Debbi got the recommendation from her sister who is a teacher at Centennial School where Jim has done many programs. Debbi had about 45 people at the party and everyone absolutely loved the show! Debbi commented that "Not only have just Alec and Andrew been talking about the show, but everyone else too has been talking about the show for weeks. Initially some of the adults were angry that the party was in the middle of the Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers football game. But after Jim Nesci got started, everyone left the T.V. to come see the Cold Blooded Creatures show. After it was over, no one was angry!" Debbi and the whole crowd were very impressed at how educational the show really was. Debbi went on to say that "It was great that he included everyone in the show. Both boys got to ride Bubba, the alligator, and they were thrilled. But everyone was able to hold the big snake and the baby alligator, Lucky." Debbi took a lot of pictures and video tape of the event. "The twins, Alec and Andrew, took pictures of themselves riding Bubba to school for Show-n-Tell and it was a really big hit."
The Make a Wish Foundation, an organization that grants "wishes" for terminally ill and very sick children, organized Jim Nesci and Cold Blooded Creatures as the entertainment for a party for Children with Muscular Dystrophy. The event had about 50 children with their parents and the party organizers. Jill Jachimek, a Hospitality Party Volunteer, thought Jim Nesci and his show was "spectacular" and said that "Jim interacted well with the kids. He was happy to play with the kids and let all the kids play with the animals." Beverly, a Wish Grantor, went on to say that "The show is hands-on and that is really good for all the children. It was also nice that he went around to each of the kids and let them hold and touch the animals." All the children loved petting Tank, the tortoise, and loved holding Lucky, the baby alligator. Beverly went on to say that "Jim did a really nice job. He is very personable and funny and that really kept the kids attention."
The Muscular Dystrophy organization had Jim Nesci and Cold Blooded Creatures show for the 2001 summer camp. The party which was held by the pool had well over 200 people with 75 of the group being children with Muscular Dystrophy. Lauren Webb, a Health Care Service Coordinator, said that "The children were extremely excited in anticipation of the Cold Blooded Creatures show because they heard that Bubba, the alligator, was coming. And it really was an exciting opportunity for the kids to get to touch and hold Bubba and his friends." Lauren went on to say that "There is such diversity within the abilities of the campers and Jim was able to accommodate each child with the animals. He was really able to communicate and connect with each child. And that is what made the show a real success." Jim asked the children many questions and quizzed them on animal facts. Lauren commented that "The kids loved the every quiz and question. It made them feel good when they were able to answer the questions and show what they knew about animals and reptiles."
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