Classes For Grades 4-6
Animal Stories of How & Why: an introduction to storytelling
Students create their own “pourquois tales” to explain how the leopard got her spots or why the fish lives underwater. Students become their animals, experimenting with voice and movement.
Letters From the Woods: pen pal with a Troll
Margareta the Troll is small enough to play leapfrog with a real frog–and she loves to write letters! Students practice friendly letters to enhance literacy and writing skills. Margareta’s letters are beautifully done in calligraphy pen, accompanied by hand-colored maps, family tree charts and photos of plants and animals mentioned in her stories.
This “distance residency” may be coupled with “Telling Troll Tales.”
Telling Troll Tales
The Troll under the bridge gets a story all to him- (or her-) self as students let their imaginations roam! Students learn about setting, characters, climax and dialogue by drawing their own Story Stages and performing for their peers.
The Flip-side of Fairytales: old stories get a new twist
There’s more to “Cinderella” than Disney’s version! Students read and hear different versions of classic stories to discover what happens when Cinderella moves to New York City or the Big Bad Wolf isn’t really bad. Using oral storytelling techniques and drawing Story Stages, students create and share original fairytales.
The Juicer: get your creative juices flowing
Great as a supplement to science, social studies and literacy projects. Students get outside the box using theatre techniques, guided imagery, movement and more!
Story Skeleton: the essentials of oral storytelling
Students use traditional folk tales to learn the art of telling a captivating story. Topics include character vs. narrator voice, theatrical tricks and tips, audience participation and how to give constructive feedback. No memorization necessary!
Center Stage: acting and improvisation 101
For first– or second-timers. Students learn how to read between the lines, improvise and add dramatic elements such as movement and voice.
Becoming a Bard: exercises to awaken the poet within
An intuitive approach to bring out each student’s poetic expression. Students experiment with various writing structures/forms to find their own unique style in an encouraging environment.
Making History: see history through your own eyes
Oral storytelling examples and writing prompts lead participants through first person accounts of what life could have been like in the early 1900’s.
Making Myth: what the stars are made of and more
Students uncover what questions and mysteries are meaningful to them and then create original myths. Grounding, meditative and encouraging.
Tell the Tales of Your Family Tree
Your family tree is loaded with stories ripe for the picking! Students use oral history interview techniques to collect family stories and craft them into written or oral stories. An excellent compliment to local and state history units.