PERFORMED STORYTELLING

GRADES 2 & 4

An Explosion of Courage

Both Irene and Shrek encounter ordeals and tests to achieve their goals with incredible cunning and stamina. Stories packed with action and humour – arresting illustration work!

Based on Brave Irene & Shrek by William Steig

PERFORMED STORYTELLING

GRADES 1-3                                                                                               

Mess in the Tate Gallery

Everybody thinks Mildred is lazy…she spends the whole day in her cozy basket. But no one can tell what she is capable of… until the gallery doors close. Once alone, Mildred is anxious to find her inner cat artist, but as luck would have it, a whimsical mouse crosses her path. And an incredible scuffle follows with extraordinary consequences in the Tate Gallery, alongside re-imagined art!

Children also play drama games inspired in Calder, Pollock, Miro and Andy Warhol’s paintings … and the big mess that follows the scuffle. Fun and educational! Inspired in the curious incident of a real cat that lived many years in the Tate Gallery, London.

Based on Mildred, the Gallery Cat
By Jono Ganz

PERFORMED STORYTELLING

GRADES 3-4                                                                                                

Friendship Grows Everywhere

Where you see an empty space, there may be a seed for a myriad of possible connections to grow. The ingredients? Imagination. Empathy. Kindness. Two young characters embark on journeys to find new friends in clever and heartful ways- only after admitting there’s an unfinished story they need to complete.

Short book discussion follows on biased first opinions and the importance of real connections with others. A thoughtful look at the illustrations stretches young audiences’ imaginations.

Based on: Adrian Simcox does Not Have a Horse by Marcy Campbell & illustrated by Corinna Luyken And Neville

By Norton Juster & illustrated by Brian Karas

PERFORMED STORYTELLING

GRADES 3-5                                                                                                        

Small and Big Things in the Wild

A tiny baby deer and a colossal whale are at the center of these two stories, where young characters venture into the wild with loving care and determination. What does it take to rescue wildlife?

Themes: nature, freedom, courage, emotional growth.

Based on The Boy and the Whale By Mordicai Gerstein
& The Home of the Wild by Louise Greig
Illustrated by Julia Moscardó.

PERFORMED STORYTELLING

GRADE 6 and up

The Art of Story Weaving

A boy goes on a personal quest to search for water in the dry Kingdom of Morocco. He is soon to discover that in the joy of storytelling, abundance and gratitude flow. A bluebird, a blue spindle and a brass cup full of cool water are some of the symbols in this frame narrative, where the weaving of stories allows the young protagonist to outwit Sand Storm and save a village and its people.

Themes: the power of storytelling, coming-of-age, creativity and empowerment.

Based on The Storyteller
By Evan Turk

PERFORMED STORYTELLING

Integrated Project on William Steig with The Magic Pebble, Brave Irene and Shrek 

In this classic trilogy of Children’s Literature by acclaimed author illustrator William Steig, characters step into the ordinary to meet the extraordinary – with amazing strength, candor and faith.

GRADE 1

Sylvester and the Extraordinary Pebble

Based on The Magic Pebble by William Steig

PERFORMED STORYTELLING + SYMBOLS

GRADES 5-7

Inner Wisdom in Water Stories

Seals are magical creatures in Scottish folklore, and the sea is a universal symbol for psychic energy and flow. What can happen to a seal-catcher if forced down into the ocean? What lessons are to be learnt and what healing properties can he bring to his soul?

Students are also invited to generate new narratives, prompted by conversations on the symbols and images in this ancient literary piece. The Hero’s Journey is also discussed.

Based on The Seal Catcher and The Selkies from:
Celtic Tales – Fairy Tale and Stories of Enchantment from Ireland, Scotland, Brittany and Wales. Designed by Emily Dubin
Illustrated by Kate Forrester. Text adapted by Mirabelle Korn