Words Come Alive Toolkit Author:Joan Robinson, Claire Noble The toolkit is a quick and easy resource for teachers, introducing various tried-and-true drama and movement warm-ups and activities. The structure of each activity is described simply on one side of each page and the other side describes variations of the exercise. This design is intended to jumpstart teachers’ imaginations, and encourage them ... more »to create variations of their own.
The toolkit includes 47 pages of durable cardstock, measures 5 1/2” x 8 1/2”, and is bound by one ring for easy maneuvering. In addition to various warm-ups and activities, it also includes definitions of essential dance and theater terms, basic guidelines for using drama and movement in the classroom and for reflecting on student work, and a list of important resources.
“…a user-friendly bridge to retain the integrity of the art forms while addressing Vermont Standards.” —Dr. Jonathan Silverman, Coordinator of Arts-in-Education Graduate Program at St. Michael’s College
Words Come Alive! is the Flynn’s signature professional development program based on research substantiating the vital importance of the performing arts in learning. Since 2001, through Words Come Alive!, classroom teachers have worked in close collaboration with Flynn teaching artists to develop drama and movement techniques that address curricular goals while strengthening students’ expressive skills. Words Come Alive! techniques connect with reading, writing, social studies, science, math, social issues, foreign languages, and visual arts, enabling children to become active learners. They become ecosystems, embody poems, and get into the shoes of story characters. They relive the Boston Tea Party and create movement pieces about the Holocaust and child labor.
“The dance/theater work I have done in collaboration with the Flynn folks makes a difference both cognitively and socially for all the children involved. I couldn't imagine teaching without it at this point and the children would definitely agree! – Terri Lessard, J.J. Flynn Elementary« less