Creative Dramatics: We learn from animals

Acts of Wonder

We learn from animals. Students learn Creative Dramatic skills while investigating ecosystems and animal behaviors. Using body, voice, and imagination, students tell stories about animal details and environment characteristics. (K-2)

This 3-5 sessions residency incorporates basic creative dramatics skills that involve body movement, vocal exploration, creative storytelling, and problem solving through ensemble, partner, and independent activities. Students investigate these tools and how they are useful in communication, speaking, and creatively bringing ideas to life and story.

Body and spatial awareness, coordination, and balance techniques will be introduced through exercises and activities, encouraging safe and creative physical ways of movement while building community and enjoying imaginative social play.

-Mimicking animal characteristics/movement for design purposes and problem solving.
-Plant growth process and embodiment.
-How plants and/or animals use their external parts to help them survive, grow, and meet their needs.
-Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems

Focus flexibility: Can choose specific animal/ecosystem focus or keep with a broad exploration.

This program offered by: Acts of Wonder

Questions?

If you have questions or would like to request this program, please contact programs@artsforlearningnw.org.

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Details

Program Model: In Class

Art Form: Theatre

Curriculum Connections: Character Education, Community Building, Physical Education, Science, Social-Emotional Learning

Grades: 1, 2, K

Program Requirements: One designated classroom where students come to sessions, or can float from classroom to classroom.

Instruction Language(s):

Min. Residency Sessions/Classroom: 3

Acts of Wonder

About the Artist

Acts of Wonder

Nikki, with Acts of Wonder, is a licensed teacher for K-12 who has worked through the creative lens with thousands of students from all walks of life for over 20 years. Specializing in Creative Dramatics Arts Integration with a particular focus on social emotional and group dynamics and connection, she nurtures an environment where students find joy through creating and playing together, while honoring their instincts. Nikki believes that any day she is helping young people use their imaginations and create a story is a good day. As an Elementary Drama Teacher some of her most memorable moments were working in tandem with the Art teacher to create various group projects and installations including a walk-through sensory rainforest experience. Other projects included a full body puppet parade, shadow puppets, and adapted stories for Enchanted India. Nikki has been a member of Right Brian since 2010 and was part of Right Brain’s Colloquium series of featured artists. She has worked with a variety of after-school, in-school, and grant-funded programs serving students in all sorts of demographics and socio-economic backgrounds.

"What Nikki did in my classroom is literally the most amazing thing I have ever seen. It has totally changed my perspective on my own teaching." - Megan Smith, 1st Grade, Oregon Trail

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Program Costs

Program costs are based on a variety of different factors including number of sessions, planning hours needed and material costs. Please contact Arts for Learning NW at programs@artsforlearningnw.org for help determining the actual cost of your programs.