Caldwell Middle School Author Residency Day 2 – Tuesday, January 8, 2013
on January 9, 2013
Friends:
Today was the second day of my writing residency at Caldwell middle school through a grant administered by Story Tapestries and the Houma Regional Arts Council.
Today, the students began brainstorming story ideas using story prompts that included two animal characters and a situation. First, I modeled the brainstorming process on the Smart Board.
Then, working in groups, the students were given their own characters and situation. They began brainstorming a story together, working as a team.
There were some really wonderful, created stories coming from the students. One group of students had a roach named Rapunzel who was trapped in a tower by an evil witch. I can’t wait to see how that story turns out!
After a full day with six fourth grade classes, I did a professional development workshop for the teachers. I demonstrated “Tangram Tales,” which integrates math and language arts in a fun, visual story theater method. The teachers learned how to create a Tangram without a pattern and formed Tangram illustrations.
The workshop culminated with a group performance of a Tangram story theater called “Tiger’s Tale, Anansi’s Stories.”
It was so much fun and there was great energy with the teachers. I had another fabulous day with the students and teachers of Caldwell Middle School. Tomorrow, the students begin writing the drafts of their stories. I can’t wait!
Until next time…
Warmly, Dianne
Categories Artist Residency, Arts, arts education, Author, Children's Books, Children's Stories, Dianne de Las Casas, Language Arts, Literacy, math, School Visit, Storytelling, Teacher In-Service, Teaching Artist, The Little "Read" Hen, Workshop, writing
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