Storytelling, Speech and Symmetry ⚛ Creative Expression ⚛ Art & Culture (India)

📢  Storytellers, welcome to the stage! Every week we will work with a story and practice retelling it using our own words. We will practice using body language to engage our audience. We will use intonation and include pauses in our speech. Retelling stories is a terrific way for us to practice public speaking skills in a fun way. 🎭

STRUCTURE ⚛ Classes will alternate: one week students will listen to a story and create art; the next week they will read a story and work in small groups to then retell and act it out. 

ART & CULTURE ⚛ Students will learn about the ancient Indian art form known as Kolam. A Kolam is a geometrical line drawing composed of curved loops drawn around a grid pattern of dots. Benefits for children to draw Kolam include improved spatial orientation, visual tracking, a sense of balance and enhanced attention to detail… in addition to patience!

DYNAMIC ⚛ Classes will begin with a brief movement sequence inspired by yoga, balance and coordination exercises. We will have warm-up exercises to help students feel comfortable and connected to themselves and their peers. We will use breakout rooms and students will work together to practice their storytelling performance before sharing it with the group. 


⚛ Kolams are usually drawn at the break of dawn, and thought to help clear the mind as a sort of morning meditation. They are drawn at the doorsteps of homes and believed to bring happiness and prosperity. 


📅 This is an *ongoing* class and students can join at any time.

STORIES BY WEEK:
May 9: The Monkey and the Crocodile
May 16: A Flock of Pigeons
May 23: The Elephant and the Dog
May 30: The Foolish Lion and the Clever Rabbit
June 6: The Tortoise and the Geese
June 13: The Tiger, the Brahmin and the Jackal
June 20: The Intelligent Merchant 


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