All Hands on Math
By Jay and Leslie's Laughing Matters
This hands-on workshop about number sequences uses stacking cups, an activity increasingly used in physical education classes. Students learn about the benefits of ambidexterity while exploring square and triangular numbers. Leslie and Jay Cady target small group cooperation, different learning styles, and strategies.
Grades:
2-6
Fee:
$150
Workshop Size:
30 students maximum
Availability:
Year-round
Special Requirements:
Large open floor where students can work in groups of three
Addresses Standards (download standards here):
8.1, 8.3, 8.5, 14.3
Arts Parts
By Chris Best and Kathleen Warfel
This introduction to the basic elements of the visual arts, music, dance, and drama emphasizes the “cooperation” and interaction of the parts of each form. This is a participatory and interactive program where kindergartners cooperate to learn a song and dance, which are then woven into a folk tale.
Grades:
Kindergarten
Fee:
$150
Workshop Size:
30 students maximum
Availability:
Limited, please inquire
Special Requirements:
n/a
Addresses Standards (download standards here):
7.2, 7.3, 11.1, 11.3, 14.2
The Cow Jumped Over the Moon:
Creative Drama for Preshoolers
By Susansylvia Scott, Lighton Prize Winner for Teaching Excellence and
Master Teaching Artist
This workshop introduces preschool students to listening and pre-writing skills, while sparking their imagination as they create and recite their own nursery rhymes! Guided by master teaching artist Susansylvia Scott, students will strengthen problem-solving and language skills and learn to use their bodies expressively by acting out their stories.
Grades:
Pre K-K
Fee:
$75
Workshop Size:
15-20 students maximum
Length:
Each workshop is 30 minutes long
Availability:
Monday-Friday, 9am-noon
Special Requirements:
Please note, we request that each age group have their own workshop to ensure developmentally-appropriate practices. Requires a space large enough for the class to sit in a circle and room to move.
Addresses Standards (download standards here):
6.2, 7.2, & 7.3
How Many Stories in a Cupcake?
By Joel Jenkins
A story is like a cupcake: for a satisfying treat, the ingredients must be mixed together in the right proportions. Joel Jenkins shares a cupcake and the ingredients for making a story. From a vanilla farmer in Madagascar to a hometown baker, students learn to create engaging stories.
Grades:
2–4
Fee:
$75; $1 per student for cupcakes
Workshop Size:
30 students maximum
Availability:
Monday - Friday, 9am-2pm
Special Requirements:
A chalkboard or dry erase board; chalk or markers
Addresses Standards (download standards here):
1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 6.2, 6.6, 6.13, 14.2, 15.5
Improvisation
By Brad Shaw, Lighton Prize Winner for Teaching Excellence
A multi-talented storyteller, Brad Shaw leads students in a variety of games and structured improvisations. Students explore the skill required to spontaneously create characters and scenarios.
Grades:
6–8, 9–12
Fee:
$80
Workshop Size:
30 students maximum
Availability:
Limited, please inquire
Special Requirements:
Drama, speech, or debate classes only; large, open space
Addresses Standards (download standards here):
1.3, 6.7, 7.2, 14.3, 14.5, 14.7
Interactive Storytelling
By John Mulvey
With only a few props, John Mulvey will lead students into the magical world of make-believe. Every child will take a role in the telling of a traditional folk tale from Africa or Central Europe. Using highly structured improvisations, students will act out a tale as he tells it. Each tale’s ending will be a delight.
Grades:
1–4
Fee:
$75
Workshop Size:
30 students maximum
Availability:
Limited, please inquire
Special Requirements:
Large open space
Addresses Standards (download standards here):
1.3, 6.7, 7.2, 14.3, 14.5, 14.7
Kansas Cultural History Workshop
By Rebecca Dempsey
A strong companion piece to the Kansas Cultural History performance, this workshop offers an in-depth study of those topics covered. Rebecca Dempsey pulls songs and stories from the group performance to lead students in the exploration of some of Kansas’ history. Students wear hats and pantomime characters, play games, read cards, and sing songs while Rebecca tells the stories.
Grades:
3–5
Fee:
$75
Workshop Size:
30 students maximum
Availability:
Monday–Friday, 9:30am–1:30pm
Special Requirements:
Enclosed classroom or multi-purpose space; all workshops in same space
Addresses Standards (download standards here):
1.1, 1.3, 4.4, 5.1, 11.2, 13.1
Life on the Oregon Trail: A Pioneer Woman's Story
By Rebecca Dempsey
Professional actress Rebecca Dempsey brings a trunk of artifacts to describe pioneer life on the Oregon Trail. Students participate in the experience, and her dynamic delivery keeps them actively engaged. Students perform charades, play games, examine artifacts, do creative thinking in small groups, listen for clues, and participate in a story.
Grades:
4–5
Fee:
$75
Workshop Size:
30 students maximum
Availability:
Monday–Friday, 9:30am–1:30pm
Special Requirements:
Cleared open space
Addresses Standards (download standards here):
1.1, 1.6, 1.7, 5.3, 5.6, 5.7, 14.1, 14.3
Professor I Drop, the Juggling Scientist
By Jay and Leslie's Laughing Matters
Jay Cady combines a love of science with circus skills in this lively, engaging workshop. Topics include accomplishments of famous scientists, hypotheses, kinetic and potential energy. Students gain problem-solving skills when they are challenged to make up experiments to solve the “Mystery of the Four Boxes”.
Grades:
3–5
Fee:
$75
Workshop Size:
30 students maximum
Availability:
Year-round
Special Requirements:
Two 6' tables
Addresses Standards (download standards here):
9.5, 9.9, 14.3
Stage Combat
By Richard Buswell
With more than 15 years of stage combat experience, Richard Buswell provides students with insight into the exciting world of action theatre and film. Focus on the importance of personal safety and responsibility, physical control, teamwork, and awareness of others through staged fighting techniques. From slapstick to swordplay, these techniques can be applied to a variety of performance situations.
Grades:
6–8, 9–12
Fee:
$75
Workshop Size:
30 students maximum
Availability:
Limited, please inquire
Special Requirements:
20' x 30' space cleared and swept; tumbling mats, if available
Addresses Standards (download standards here):
1.6, 1.9, 7.2, 7.6, 7.7, 12.3, 14.5, 14.6, 14.7
Storytelling: The Reading & Writing Connection
By Susansylvia Scott, Lighton Prize Winner for Teaching Excellence and
Master Teaching Artist
Active learning is the trademark of this workshop. Creative exercises nurture the skills of imagining, listening, and active participation. Students enhance their ability to prepare and tell a story. This workshop is an exciting adventure into creative imaging.
Grades:
7–8
Fee:
$75
Workshop Size:
30 students maximum
Availability:
Monday–Friday, 9:00am-noon
Special Requirements:
Classroom desks moved to create a presentation space
Addresses Standards (download standards here):
6.1, 6.2, 7.2, 7.3, 14.2
Thinking on Your Feet
By John Mulvey
Through improvisational techniques and exercises, John Mulvey leads students in an exploration of characters, environments, problem solving, and their own imaginations. Three elements basic to improvisation—awareness, acceptance, and commitment—are defined and serve as the framework for student participation in making language come to life.
Grades:
6–8, 9–12
Fee:
$75
Workshop Size:
30 students maximum
Availability:
Limited, please inquire
Special Requirements:
Four chairs or stools
Addresses Standards (download standards here):
7.3, 7.4, 7.6, 11.1, 14.7