For Grades Pre K - 2

Kiss Your Worries Goodbye! ~ Emily Harris

A whimsical workshop based on Guatemalan Worry Dolls that have been reported to solve your problems- while you sleep! While focusing on scraps of fabrics, snippets of yarn, assorted beads and pipe cleaners, participants create a relaxed and safe space where conversations, stories, and new ideas can be shared. Rediscover your creative self as you make the little dolls and perhaps get a few problems solved, too!

StellaStitches Story Seekers ~ Emily Harris

Students jump inside a story, turn it inside out, and create new worlds bursting with exciting characters, plots, sights, sounds, and colors. Connections are made between what is real and imagined as students map out story elements, organize their ideas, and bring original stories to life. Storytelling promotes literacy and increases the ability to learn and retain information. Language development, communication skills, and teamwork are also enhanced. Even the most reluctant students are enticed to participate. This program provides excellent ideas for CREATIVE WRITING Projects.

Words On Your Hands ~ D’Vora Cannell, Silent Partners, Inc.

Have you ever watched a poem? Can you draw a story in the air? Can you sing a song with a friend who can’t hear? Your students will answer “YES” to these questions after their introduction to American Sign Language. Through the art of movement, mime, and facial expressions, students learn how to sign simple songs, stories, poems and their favorite words.

Show What They’re Saying! ~ D’Vora Cannell, Silent Partners, Inc.

Add a new dimension to your poetry or writing unit with another language: American Sign Language. Using source materials written by deaf teenagers, teams of students dissect, discuss and visualize a poem or story. Then, utilizing the movements, gestures and facial expressions of American Sign Language, they create their personal interpretation of the work.

Latin Moves ~ Blue Feliu

Have you ever played Shaky Morena or made a Piñata? Have you heard the sounds of Latin music or the stories the dances tell? Teaching artist Blue Feliu takes participants on a high-energy journey traveling the Latin islands without packing a bag or leaving the classroom. Crafts, stories, movement and history are all part of this interactive workshop.

1001 Nights in 2010 ~ Alexandra E. Treiber

Dancer Alexandra Treiber takes your students on a magic carpet ride as they explore another culture through movement. Rich Middle Eastern music complete with drums and flutes is sure to capture the participants’ imaginations. Finger cymbals, veils, hip scarves and canes provide a fun learning experience for girls and boys.

Getting Kids Zumbafied! ~ Liz Quiñones

This workshop literally keeps your students on their toes by combining Latin rhythms with high-energy movements to encourage kids to exercise. She merges dance moves with a quick workout routine that is fun and easy to learn. Liz shows your elementary and middle school students how to “find their own groove” by mixing merengue with salsa, adding a blend of bachata, a sprinkle of cumbia and a dash of hip-hop to bring you a spicy Zumba fitness sensation that is sweeping the nation!

Music Is What Feelings Sound Like! ~ Sarah Fady, CMP (certified music practitioner)

Hammered dulcimer musician Sarah Fady performs a variety of tunes to demonstrate the diverse sounds of this multicultural folk instrument. Students discover and identify feelings expressed by the vibrant music of the hammered dulcimer. Listening skills are fostered, and students learn about the history of this ancient stringed instrument. Note: The workshop facilitator will custom tailor the presentation to specific audiences or curriculums.

Classical Fun Music Time ~ Jennifer Diedrich

Classical masterpieces can be easily recognized and enjoyed by adding lyrics and complementary movement activities. Dancing, singing, playing instruments, and other enjoyable activities provide ideal pre-instrument training. Children’s songs are explored in English, Spanish, German and Chinese. Each session features live accompaniment by the instructor.

Classical Fun: Music Basics ~ Jennifer Diedrich

Students become acquainted with the basics of music theory, form, history, and instruments of the orchestra through active listening to classical, jazz and modern styles in both recorded and live formats. Concepts of melody, rhythm, tempo and style are explored through games and creative input. Each session features live student/teacher performances.

Fun on the Drum! ~ Giving Tree Music

Experience the results attained when a classroom of students and staff all drum together. Discover a common pulse, a facilitated rhythm, a cohesive musical experience. When Giving Tree Music arrives with their drums, your environment is transformed as drumming sparks the joy in each student that ignites the creative FLAME. Discover that teamwork and community are fun as everyone plays a drum!

For Grades 3 - 5

Put Storytelling to the Test ~ Emily Harris

Using storytelling as a learning tool addresses and reinforces many FCAT benchmarks. Through modeling and guided practice, students will learn techniques and skills to create stories concerning a specific academic subject. The students’ imaginations are engaged through storytelling techniques, increasing their attention to and retention of the subject matter. Included is a pre-conference with the classroom teachers to align the session with their particular needs and focus subject.

Kiss Your Worries Goodbye! ~ Emily Harris

A whimsical workshop based on Guatemalan Worry Dolls that have been reported to solve your problems- while you sleep! While focusing on scraps of fabrics, snippets of yarn, assorted beads and pipe cleaners, participants create a relaxed and safe space where conversations, stories, and new ideas can be shared. Rediscover your creative self as you make the little dolls and perhaps get a few problems solved, too!

Do the (Play)Write Thing! ~ Nicole Haumesser

Teaching artist/playwright Nicole Haumesser instructs your students in the fundamentals of playwriting in this highly-interactive workshop, uncovering the four main ingredients in a play. Interactive theater and writing games unlock the students’ creativity while showing them how much fun it can be to write effectively for the stage or the classroom.

Igniting Blank Pages ~ Jared O’Roark

This workshop allows students to team with a teaching artist to create a unique poem. Through the power of poetry, students unlock their imaginations and use sparks of creativity to ignite the blank page.

StellaStitches Story Seekers ~ Emily Harris

Students jump inside a story, turn it inside out, and create new worlds bursting with exciting characters, plots, sights, sounds, and colors. Connections are made between what is real and imagined as students map out story elements, organize their ideas, and bring original stories to life. Storytelling promotes literacy and increases the ability to learn and retain information. Language development, communication skills, and teamwork are also enhanced. Even the most reluctant students are enticed to participate. This program provides excellent ideas for CREATIVE WRITING Projects.

Get IN the ACT ~ Nicole Haumesser

Students’ imaginations spring to life with this spontaneous, fun and engaging workshop. Through the language of theater improvisation, teaching artist Nicole Haumesser uncovers the basic building blocks needed for students to find their own voices and share them in front of and with their peers. The concepts of story, character and scene building create an experience students won’t soon forget!

Words On Your Hands ~ D’Vora Cannell, Silent Partners, Inc.

Have you ever watched a poem? Can you draw a story in the air? Can you sing a song with a friend who can’t hear? Your students will answer “YES” to these questions after their introduction to American Sign Language. Through the art of movement, mime, and facial expressions, students learn how to sign simple songs, stories, poems and their favorite words.

Show What They’re Saying! ~ D’Vora Cannell, Silent Partners, Inc.

Add a new dimension to your poetry or writing unit with another language: American Sign Language. Using source materials written by deaf teenagers, teams of students dissect, discuss and visualize a poem or story. Then, utilizing the movements, gestures and facial expressions of American Sign Language, they create their personal interpretation of the work.

Clowning Around ~ Ian Beck

Not just for clowns anymore. This high-energy workshop focuses on clowning and comedy and how they relate to the imagination, focus, concentration and creativity of your students. Participants explore the art of clowning and bringing a character to life through skits, props and stories that enhance their creative freedom, all while discovering a brief history of the art of clowning.

Mime and Movement ~ Ian Beck

We all communicate silently with each other every day. Learn how to enhance that skill through the art of mime and movement. Discover how to "physicalize" a character and story through creative movement without ever saying a word. From simple motions to full force slapstick, explore them all and put your body to good use telling a story that is limited only by your imagination.

Juggling 101 ~ Ian Beck

It’s as easy as tossing a ball from hand to hand. Learn the basics of juggling, from scarves to bean bags, balls, and just about anything else. A variety of things to juggle are provided. Acquire a new skill or just improve on an old one while learning the art of patience and improving your hand-eye coordination.

Improvisation 101: Unlocking the Creative Mind ~ Nicole Haumesser or Ian Beck

Discover how improvisation can be a valuable tool in unlocking the creative minds of your students while strengthening their higher-level thinking, presentation and self-expression skills. The teaching artist uses group and individual exercises as well as improvisational games to explore the communication of thoughts, feelings, ideas, characters and stories.

Latin Moves ~ Blue Feliu

Have you ever played Shaky Morena or made a Piñata? Have you heard the sounds of Latin music or the stories the dances tell? Teaching artist Blue Feliu takes participants on a high energy journey traveling the Latin islands without packing a bag or leaving the classroom. Crafts, stories, movement and history are all part of this interactive workshop.

Getting Kids Zumbafied! ~ Liz Quiñones

This workshop literally keeps your students on their toes by combining Latin rhythms with high energy movements to encourage kids to exercise. She merges dance moves with a quick workout routine that is fun and easy to learn. Liz shows your elementary and middle school students how to “find their own groove” by mixing merengue with salsa, adding a blend of bachata, a sprinkle of cumbia and a dash of hip-hop to bring you a spicy Zumba fitness sensation that is sweeping the nation!

1001 Nights in 2010 ~ Alexandra E. Treiber

Dancer Alexandra Treiber takes your students on a magic carpet ride as they explore another culture through movement. Rich Middle Eastern music complete with drums and flutes is sure to capture the participants’ imaginations. Finger cymbals, veils, hip scarves and canes provide a fun learning experience for girls and boys alike.

Classical Fun: Music Basics ~ Jennifer Diedrich

Students become acquainted with the basics of music theory, form, history, and instruments of the orchestra through active listening to classical, jazz and modern styles in both recorded and live formats. Concepts of melody, rhythm, tempo and style are explored through games and creative input. Each session features live student/teacher performances.

Music Is What Feelings Sound Like! ~ Sarah Fady, CMP (certified music practitioner)

Hammered dulcimer musician Sarah Fady performs a variety of tunes to demonstrate the diverse sounds of this multicultural folk instrument. Students discover and identify feelings expressed by the vibrant music of the hammered dulcimer. Listening skills are fostered, and students learn about the history of this ancient stringed instrument. Note: The workshop facilitator will custom tailor the presentation to specific audiences or curriculums.

Caribbean Sounds ~ Alfredo Montes

Alfredo Montes, professional musician, takes your students on a tropical journey of sounds and rhythms without ever leaving your classroom, exploring the music and rhythms of Cuba, Puerto Rico and other Latin- influenced islands just south of our shores. Congas, bongos, tamboras, tambourines, claves, bells, drums and other instruments wait to be explored in this energetic, hands-on workshop.

Tropical Sounds and Movement ~ Blue Feliu and Freddy Montes

Using imagination, sounds and senses, students travel to the Latin islands through stories, crafts, music and dance. Participants discover the magical sounds of Latin rhythms through percussive instruments and their various beats. This fun, highly-interactive workshop will leave your students wanting more-and maybe even asking for a tropical smoothie!

Fun on the Drum! ~ Giving Tree Music

Experience the results attained when a classroom of students and staff all drum together. Discover a common pulse, a facilitated rhythm, a cohesive musical experience. When Giving Tree Music arrives with their drums, your environment is transformed as drumming sparks the joy in each student that ignites the creative FLAME. Discover that teamwork and community are fun as everyone plays a drum!

For Grades 6 - 12

Poetic Voices ~ Jared O’Roark 3- Day Residency

During this three-day workshop, students learn to compare what has been said with what can be said differently and what has yet to be uncovered and expressed. They also learn that an audience never gets the true power behind the words until they are brought to life by an artist.

Do the (Play)Write Thing! ~ Nicole Haumesser

Teaching artist/playwright Nicole Haumesser instructs your students in the fundamentals of playwriting in this highly-interactive workshop, uncovering the four main ingredients in a play. Interactive theater and writing games unlock the students’ creativity while showing them how much fun it can be to write effectively for the stage or the classroom.

Creating Characters from the Media World ~ Wilson Loria

Through the help of all kinds of media (newspapers, magazines, TV, radio, Internet), students learn how to create both characters and plays in a very hands-on and fun experience.

Put Storytelling to the Test ~ Emily Harris

Using storytelling as a learning tool addresses and reinforces many FCAT benchmarks. Through modeling and guided practice, students will learn techniques and skills to create stories concerning a specific academic subject. The students’ imaginations are engaged through storytelling techniques, increasing their attention to and retention of the subject matter. Included is a pre-conference with the classroom teachers to align the session with their particular needs and focus subject.

Kiss Your Worries Goodbye! ~ Emily Harris

A whimsical workshop based on Guatemalan Worry Dolls that have been reported to solve your problems- while you sleep! While focusing on scraps of fabrics, snippets of yarn, assorted beads and pipe cleaners, participants create a relaxed and safe space where conversations, stories, and new ideas can be shared. Rediscover your creative self as you make the little dolls and perhaps get a few problems solved, too!

You Can Cartoon ~ Ian Beck

If you can hold a pencil, you can draw! With cartooning, you can create a world of characters and scenery that is truly limited only by your imagination. Learn how to create characters, give them emotions, movement and attitudes. Find new ways to express yourself, tell stories, develop a new skill, or just improve on an old one... all through your pencil.

Spoken Expression ~ Adrienne Nadeau

Spoken Word combines traditional poetry, hip-hop, literary devices and theater to create a dynamic and relevant literary form. Adrienne Nadeau, a nationally touring artist, brings the energy of Spoken Word to your students in a workshop that is at once educational and entertaining! Workshops include an introduction to the form and tips on how to write an original poem. The event concludes with students joining the instructor to "cipher" in a group freestyle.

Mime and Movement ~ Ian Beck

We all communicate silently with each other every day. Learn how to enhance that skill through the art of mime and movement. Discover how to "physicalize" a character and story through creative movement without ever saying a word. From simple motions to full force slapstick, explore them all and put your body to good use telling a story that is limited only by your imagination.

Clowning Around ~ Ian Beck

Not just for clowns anymore. This high-energy workshop focuses on clowning and comedy and how they relate to the imagination, focus, concentration and creativity of your students. Participants explore the art of clowning and bringing a character to life through skits, props and stories that enhance their creative freedom, all while discovering a brief history of the art of clowning.

Juggling 101 ~ Ian Beck

It’s as easy as tossing a ball from hand to hand. Learn the basics of juggling, from scarves to bean bags, balls, and just about anything else. A variety of things to juggle are provided. Acquire a new skill or just improve on an old one while learning the art of patience and improving your hand-eye coordination.

Improvisation 101: Unlocking the Creative Mind ~ Nicole Haumesser or Ian Beck

Discover how improvisation can be a valuable tool in unlocking the creative minds of your students while strengthening their higher-level thinking, presentation and self-expression skills. The teaching artist uses group and individual exercises as well as improvisational games to explore the communication of thoughts, feelings, ideas, characters and stories.

Press Play, Rewind! Improvisation ~ Nicole Haumesser or Ian Beck

In this highly-interactive workshop, students bring ideas, situations and stories from their own experience and learn to use movement, role playing and improvisational skills to REWIND or REPLAY these personal scenes. The skills they gain in this workshop enrich their drama proficiency, oral communication, and creative writing curriculums.

Hero in My World ~ Emily Harris

By listening to tales of inspiration, then asking the question, “Who inspires me?” students are encouraged to identify and discuss an individual with whom they are acquainted who is a hero in their life. As a result, students learn how to express their ideas clearly, develop a better understanding of those around them, recognize their own importance and discover how even a small gesture can make a big difference in the world. This is an excellent program for CHARACTER COUNTS CURRICULUM.

Controlling the Stage ~ Jared O’Roark

An audience can be a very scary thing to an actor who loses control of a scene. In this workshop, students have an opportunity to explore their prechosen monologues. Jared O’Roark will lead them on an informative yet fun journey as they fully develop their characters and discover emotional accessibility in acting.

Handle With Care ~ D’Vora Cannell, Silent Partners, Inc.

Students transform familiar stories into short works of performance art through the rich and expressive American Sign Language. They also discover the process an interpreter uses to bridge the gap between English and American Sign Language. Learning to communicate through signing, participants develop an understanding of the deaf culture. A video recording is left with the teacher for future use. NOTE: Multi-day residency includes a final presentation.

Staging Media ~ Wilson Loria

Through the help of all kinds of media (newspapers, magazines, TV, radio, Internet), students
learn how to put on a show (or a monologue), using their own written work.

Building a Better Team ~ Ian Beck

Through the use of games and various activities that test all of your senses and skills, learn how to work together as a team to achieve a common goal. Improve listening and leadership skills while developing communication, initiative and trust, all while becoming an unstoppable team that can do anything it sets out to do!

The Other 90% ~ Unleashing the Power You Possess ~ Denise Oatley Hall

An interactive, experiential program utilizing the power of hypnosis, neural linguistics and laughter to teach students how to expand the use of their brain to relieve stress, prepare for exams, create new thinking and behaviors, solve problems, even recognize and disempower hypnotic suggestions from television, media and their peers.

Latin Moves ~ Blue Feliu

Have you ever played Shaky Morena or made a Piñata? Have you heard the sounds of Latin music or the stories the dances tell? Teaching artist Blue Feliu takes participants on a high energy journey traveling the Latin islands without packing a bag or leaving the classroom. Crafts, stories, movement and history are all part of this interactive workshop.

Salsa, Anyone? ~ Blue Feliu

NO PASSPORT required! Take your students on a trip to the tropical islands of Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Santo Domingo while moving to the mystical beats of Latin drums. This fast-paced movement workshop also explores the rich heritage and traditions such as quinceria and Three Kings Day, revealing the many facets of the Latin world.

1001 Nights in 2010 ~ Alexandra E. Treiber

Dancer Alexandra Treiber takes your students on a magic carpet ride as they explore another culture through movement. Rich Middle Eastern music complete with drums and flutes is sure to capture the participants’ imaginations. Finger cymbals, veils, hip scarves and canes provide a fun learning experience for girls and boys alike.

Zumba Basics ~ Liz Quiñones

“If you’re not going to a Zumba class… you’re going the wrong way”! This cardio-dance routine workshop tests your students’ skills, agility and endurance with the fast footwork and unique mix of Latin-flavored dance styles like merengue, salsa, bachata, cha cha, cumbia, flamenco, hip-hop and reggaeton. Zumba Basic leaves you feeling stress-free, relaxed and rejuvenated!

Music Is What Feelings Sound Like! ~ Sarah Fady, CMP (certified music practitioner)

Hammered dulcimer musician Sarah Fady performs a variety of tunes to demonstrate the diverse sounds of this multicultural folk instrument. Students discover and identify feelings expressed by the vibrant music of the hammered dulcimer. Listening skills are fostered, and students learn about the history of this ancient stringed instrument. Note: The workshop facilitator will custom tailor the presentation to specific audiences or curriculums.

Caribbean Sounds ~ Alfredo Montes

Alfredo Montes, professional musician, takes your students on a tropical journey of sounds and rhythms without ever leaving your classroom, exploring the music and rhythms of Cuba, Puerto Rico and other Latin- influenced islands just south of our shores. Congas, bongos, tamboras, tambourines, claves, bells, drums and other instruments wait to be explored in this energetic, hands-on workshop.

Tropical Sounds and Movement ~ Blue Feliu and Freddy Montes

Using imagination, sounds and senses, students travel to the Latin islands through stories, crafts, music and dance. Participants discover the magical sounds of Latin rhythms through percussive instruments and their various beats. This fun, highly-interactive workshop will leave your students wanting more-and maybe even asking for a tropical smoothie!

Fun on the Drum! ~ Giving Tree Music

Experience the results attained when a classroom of students and staff all drum together. Discover a common pulse, a facilitated rhythm, a cohesive musical experience. When Giving Tree Music arrives with their drums, your environment is transformed as drumming sparks the joy in each student that ignites the creative FLAME. Discover that teamwork and community are fun as everyone plays a drum!