Sing Me A Poem
This is our original and still most-requested 'Ski workshop. We always have so much fun singing and writing with kids - we can't wait to enjoy it with your group! (This workshop has an easy PTA Fundraiser attached to it, so check out the link.)
How a 45-minute to one hour workshop works:
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First we sing some well-written children's song(s) to get the kids excited and involved in what we're doing.
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Then we ask the kids to pick a topic they want to write a song about. If you have curriculum requirements, you can pick a topic beforehand, or suggest a general area of study you'd like us to write about.
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Once we've picked a topic, the group thinks of all the details that they know of or want to write about the topic. This gives students a clear idea of what we're hoping to fit into our song.
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After we write down ideas, we ask the kids to pick a tune to write to. This works to insure children will remember the tune of the song that they wrote. It would be terrible for them to write a song and not be able to sing it! If you're interested in an in-depth look at writing music, check out our That's the Theory workshop or look into our Residen-'Skis as an option.
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Next the kids suggest lines to fit the meter, tune, and topic of the song - and we get to see what their growing minds come up with!
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Once we have a finished song, we sing it with the kids to help cement it in their minds. We also give each child a copy to take home and sing for everyone they know. (This may happen the next day, depending on scheduling.)
If you'd like, we can facilitate a school assembly or concert of the kids as they perform their songs for other writers in the school, or even set up a school concert for parents to enjoy the fruits of their child's writing experiences.
A longer workshop gives the opportunity to expand one or more segments above. Many classes use longer periods (1 1/2 to 2 hours) to divide the group up and, after an initial instructive session, write in their small groups. (Or you can choose to sing with 'Ski for part of your time.)
We also offer for older audiences a lecture / performance that discusses and illustrates our thoughts on writing. This lasts from 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours, and entertains and informs.
School costs for 'Ski workshops, concerts and Residen-'Skis are on our Rates Page.
