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ARE YOU HAVING A LAUGH?
In November 2009 I toured several junior/primary schools in Powys with the above day long programme of storytelling and workshop. Intended to introduce children in Years 5 and 6 to the idea of loss and change,"Are You Having a Laugh" is a day which combines comedy and tragedy in a gentle way, introducing children to the idea that one can often follow another.
Because of popular demand I have been able to extend the opportunity to schools in Powys for a further term and at a still subsidised cost of £150; still less than paying a supply teacher.
THE IDEA OF THE DAY
“Are You Having a Laugh” is a day of storytelling, comedy and drama activities specially designed to gently introduce years 5 and 6 to the idea of loss and bereavement. This is done through combining the themes of comedy and tragedy.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
A couple of “silly tales”, suitable for the whole school and with one of them inter-active, is followed by two sessions for the older children One of these is a comedy workshop which introduces them to such important skills as the right way to slip on a banana skin, clowning, comic timing and status.
In the afternoon session three tales are told in which loss of some sort is a theme, leaving ample time for the children to talk about and process their responses with both myself and their teacher(s) through discussion, art and written work.
The idea of bereavement and the whole ethos of the day is simply introduced leaving the school to follow it up how and when they wish.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST
Due to subsidy from the Welsh Arts Council I am still able to offer the day at a reduced rate of £150 for the day. For this you get a full day of activities including two storytelling sessions, a workshop on comedy and time for discussion and activity at the end of the day. This price will hold for the remainder of this term and I have slots available after half term still.
WHO AM I?
My name is Steve Gladwin and I am a storyteller, performer and drama teacher based in the Vyrnwy valley, with over 20 years of experience teaching people of all ages but especially junior/primary. I seem to possess the ability to get the skills out of people they didn't know they had, and for “creating something out of nothing”.I use a particular method which combines story and image and I am also available for groupwork and for initiating your projects.
I have recently set up “Swanfall”; a bereavement support service through the arts.
Please e mail me on gwern50@swanfall .co.uk. if you are interested in booking a date or phone me for a chat on 01938 500728 or through this website swanfall.co.uk/.com.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Meantime look out soon for teacher resources from our comedy workshop.
*What is the right and wrong way to slip on a banana skin?
*Which is funnier; something unexpected or something you expect to happen.
*How does the clown troupe work.
*How do you carry a big breakable jar on your head without dropping it?
| | THE FEEDBACK
“The
topic of loss and bereavement was introduced in an excellent way, fully
involving the children, their ideas and their contributions”
Mike Williams Caersws School
“The
children were able to hear a range of stories from different cultures
told in an interesting manner. The drama workshop was also enjoyable.
A very enjoyable day for all involved.”
Mrs Bent Penygloddfa School
“We
have had storytellers in the past but this was so much better in that
children had an opportunity to discuss emotions raised in stories and
how to bring that into creative work.”
Mrs Fowler Forden School
“We
used this day as a platform for discussion in “circle time” as to
strategies we can use to help us overcome loss and bereavement”.
Mike Williams Caersws School
Gave
me as a teacher an opportunity to see drama activities being presented
by another adult and therefore a clearer idea of my role.”
Mrs Fowler Forden School
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