Social Studies | Dance & Drama | Music | Language
Kindergarten | Pricing | Reviews
I would love to come to your school as an artist-in-the-community to share love of music, stories, movement, and the way it connects children to the best of themselves and the rest of the world. My programs can enhance the Social Studies, Language, Music, Dance, and Drama curriculums from Kindergarten through Grade 6. (Italicized quotations are from The Ministry of Education and Training's "The Ontario Curriculum".)
Please call if you would like more information.
Social Studies Curriculum Programs:
GRADE 1: "Relationships, Rules, & Responsibilities" and "The Local Community" This program is explored through several stories, mostly focusing on conflict resolution, and interpersonal dealings. The stories will include "King Frown," "Alphonse the Lion Boy," and an African tale called "When The Sky Was Far Away". Musical exercises focus on developing personal confidence and group harmony, with the class writing a song about the different occupations they observe in their community.
GRADE 2: "Traditions & Celebrations" and "Communities around the World" A world tour with stories and songs from around the globe. Stops along this tour can include Asia, South America, The Caribbean, or a specific country a class may be studying. Inside this entertaining program are themes of respect, tolerance, and overcoming difference.
GRADE 3: "Pioneer Life, and Urban & Rural Communities" A collage of true and not-quite-true stories and songs of Ontario's Pioneer Days, and the Pioneer experience of other countries. Students will experience an interactive story called "The Village & The Radio" which deals with the contrast and conflict between modern, urban and traditional rural societies.
GRADE 4: "Medieval Times" Bards, jesters, kings, knights, and common people will all appear in this mix of medieval and medieval-esque tales that will transport the students to life in another time and speed. They will also hear and sing Medieval songs and test their wits against Medieval riddles.
GRADE 5: " Early Civilizations" Creation stories, legends, and folklore from Egyptian, Indian, Meso-American, and Babylonian history will be brought to life. The main focus is the Ancient Sumerian epic of "Gilgamesh", which is the oldest known recorded story. This story still has much relevance today with it's themes of power, humanity, and environmental exploitation.
GRADE 6: "Aboriginal Peoples & European Explorers" An evocative telling of legends from Native Folklore and historical vignettes of the exploration of Canada, the Americas, and the World. Students will hear and sing aboriginal songs and sea chanteys. Both sides of this conflict will be covered and students will see how it is still alive today.
Students will "interpret and communicate the meaning of stories" through role-playing exercises. They will work on the "basic elements of drama & dance" by presenting stories to each other, practicing teamwork, visualizing ideas and exchanging feedback.
Students will "identify and perform music from a variety of cultures and historical periods" and be exposed to the accordion, banjo, and guitar. They will participate in a variety of games and exercises that develop "an understanding of the basic elements of music."
Language: Grades 1 - 6 (Oral Communication)
Students will "listen & react to stories...retell stories, work constructively with others" in a safe and fertile circumstance where children of all abilities can practice their oral language skills in activities allowing the more withdrawn to come forward and the outgoing to share the stage.
JK/SK students are expected to "enact stories from their own and other cultures...play the parts of characters from folktales and legends of various countries, move in response to the tempo and mood of music, and show appreciation of folk songs and dances from various countries." All this and more will be covered in an exciting, interactive way that will encourage self-confidence, co-operation, and a love of self-expression.
In Toronto, a one hour show is $175 and a two hour program (two of the above age groups back to back) is $225. A full day's program is $400.
In outlying areas, the prices increase because of travel time. Please call anytime for a quote.
"Thank you so much for the wonderful afternoon of songs, music, dances and stories. The children had a great time. There was a nice mix of seated, quiet activities and more active activities. I appreciate how well your program addressed so many of the expectations of the kindergarten curriculum."
Patricia MacLeod, Kindergarten Teacher, Cedarvale Public School
"Thanks again for a great morning - the girls really enjoyed telling their stories to each other and working through all the activities! They also loved your stories!"
Lisa Hoover,Grade 4 Teacher,St. Clement's School
"A highly energetic, fun, and diverse workshop on movement. The students received an excellent workout. We're looking forward to having James at the school again."
Michi Kobayashi, Grade 2 Teacher, Rosedale Public School
"Thank you, James, for working with a group of my students and coaching them to be stronger, more confident oral presenters. The kids spoke so highly of you and your program."
Matt McGovern Teacher Grade 4 & 5 Dovercourt P.S