S TAGING L ITERACY S UMMER W ORKSHOP P ROGRAM FOR S ECOND G RADERS J ULY 5-9 TH, 10 AM – 2:00 PM By Maria Frey Griffin

A BOUT U S  Primary goal is to ignite the pleasure of reading, introduce new ways of comprehending by sparking insight, reflection, self knowledge and imagination (Brinda, 2008).  We will work through dramatic reinventions of fairy and folk tales from around the world to create a shared multisensory experience for parents/care givers and their children.  Through discovery, reflection and insight, children will deepen their comprehension and expand their oral language and vocabulary.  This program is a partnership with the Rochester City School District, second graders and their parents/caregivers, Nazareth College of Rochester Department of Theatre Arts, and Barnes and Noble Booksellers.  Food and Refreshments provided from Tops Friendly Markets.

Bring to life traditional and multi-cultural fairy tales and folktales through imaginative storytelling and scene work Children and parents/caregivers will rotate through four centers each with a Storybook character leader and guided by teachers and Artists in Residence from the RCSD. Anticipated participation of 60 second graders with a parent, care giver or other significant adult, 5 classroom teachers, 4 Artists in Residence, and 12 college volunteers from the Nazareth College Theatre Department. Support, materials and translations of stories will be provided to accommodate the home language of participants. About the Program

T HERE IS MORE THAN ONE WAY TO GET INSIDE A GOOD BOOK  Parents and caregivers will learn the significance of arts integration through small group discussion with teachers and teaching artists as well as hands on experiences with their children  Drama integration offers active experiences where children can imagine, evaluate ideas, analyze stories, and redefine problems (Cordett, 2007).  Children build on each other’s stories, stories they have heard before and their own experiences.  Drama is shown to increase students learning, especially in literacy (Cordett, 2007).

Storybook Characters Present Nazareth College Theatre students come dressed as storybook characters to answer questions and guide participants in developing their own characterizations and scenes!

Energizers & Warm-ups Priming the Brain! Each session will start with acting energizers and warm- ups led by our group leaders, the Nazareth College of Rochester, Storybook Characters. Crafting Drama Students and their parent/care giver will create props and costumes from recyclable materials. They will also work collectively to paint a backdrop for their scene. Fairy Tales and Folktales Exploration Each group will delve into different versions and reading levels of fairy and folktales from around the world! They will explore the stories through reading, writing and discussion. Production and Performance Groups will work with their leaders to learn the craft of theatre through Character Interviews, Improvisations and Scene Work. Groups will practice participatory democracy while developing a collaborative piece to be performed for the other groups on the last session.

A SSESSMENT AND P ARTICIPATION  Each group will create and perform an ensemble retelling or re-imagining of a folk or fairytale.  Parents/caregivers will learn with, from and about their children by active participation in creating and performing!  Group Leaders will scribe for the participants to create a written representation of their works  Students will be evaluated on their use of body, verbal expression, focus, imagination, evaluation, social skills and audience etiquette.

R EFERENCES Brinda, W.(2008). Engaging alliterate students: A literacy/theatre projects helps students comprehend, visualize, and enjoy literature. International Reading Association, 51(6), doi /JAAL Cornett, C.(2007). Creating meaning through literature and the arts: An integration resource for classroom teachers. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc. Morrow, L. (2008). Literacy development in the early years : Helping children read and write. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.