Teaching with Puppetry
By Barb English
Puppetry is an umbrella for literary, visual and dramatic art forms. A workshop can be a scaffold to further learning and support development of the following competencies:
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All of our workshops:
- Include Alberta Program of Studies links in Science, Social Studies, Language Arts, Math, Art, Drama
- Build teacher and school capacity to promote the development of positive mental health and wellness
- Provide assessment and evaluative opportunities in an experiential learning setting
- Through non-threatening and fun activities, in a safe place, prepare students to be better engaged in their academic learning
EXPLORE, CREATE, PLAY
EXPLORE CREATE, PLAY is our program of interactive maker workshops designed for K-6/ages 5-12. They are a great learning resource for teachers and homeschool parents; they can be used in either an online or classroom setting. They are also fun for individuals, young and old, who want to learn more about puppets.
Our inaugural course, called “Playing with Shadows”, covers the art of shadow puppetry. It explores Light and Shadows linking to the Alberta Education Program of Study, Grade 4 Science. Knowledge gained in the course can also be applied to other grades and subjects, including Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Art, Drama and Health and Wellness.
The course is offered on the Talent LMS platform. After purchase via our Online Shop links and instructions are emailed. There are four spots available per month, but a classroom teacher can purchase one spot to use with a class. Users have the calendar month to complete the course.
In our online store you can also purchase a course manual, puppet kits for 10 students and a shadow puppet screen kit, as well as ‘live stream’ sessions with a professional puppeteer on manipulation techniques and directorial feedback. If you have a team of teachers who want to run the course at the same time, you can purchase up to 4 course slots in a month so each teacher would have individual access for their class.
In 2021 we will be developing additional online courses for making a variety of other puppets.
COURAGE JOURNEY
COURAGE JOURNEY is the phrase to epitomize our work with mental health connections. A puppet’s ‘power’ is wide and deep. Anecdotes from our programs continually reinforce the efficacy of puppetry to support positive mental health. A child mastering a math concept builds self-esteem. An adult makes a friend; establishes a supportive relationship. A youth tells a story of resiliency. A senior’s experience is honoured; he/she/they feel involved. Through a puppet, participants recognize emotions, problem solve, build community, find expression, create beautiful and meaningful art.
Consequently, as we develop our online workshops and performances, we will include links, resources, suggestions, assessments and more, that advocate and support mental health awareness, as we all walk our Courage Journey.
For more information about our school residencies or Courage Journey workshops, please contact Wendy Passmore-Godfrey at admin@wppuppet.com.
Puppet Pop UP DIY
In response to Covid-19, we are developing Puppet Pop-Up DIY that will appear on our website every couple of months. They are developed around a theme, like giving Tuesday, and inspired by a storybook for children to enjoy. The online video provides step-by-step instructions for making the puppet and curriculum connections for teachers.
Sign up for our newsletter or follow us on social media to find out when the next Puppet Pop-Up will be.
Facebook Groups
EXPLORE, CREATE, PLAY and LEARN with Puppets – This is a fun, creative group for teachers, homeschoolers and families who are looking for inspiring ideas for making, sharing and playing with puppets.
Puppet Power for Professional Development – This group is a collaborative community for individuals who are interested in using the power of puppetry to impact positive social change. It is an adult, professional development space for sharing resources, posing questions and supporting each other in the way we do in applied puppetry.
You can find more information about us on our social media channels:
- Facebook: @WPPuppet
- Facebook Group for Teachers: EXPLORE, CREATE, PLAY and LEARN with Puppets
- Facebook Group for Professional: Puppet Power for Professional Development
- Twitter: @WPPuppetTheatre
- YouTube: WPPuppetTheatre
- Pinterest: WP Puppet Theatre
- Instagram: @wppuppet