Programs for Students  >  Grades 7-12  >
LIFE SKILLS & PERSONAL GROWTH

The following programs, developed by the performing and teaching artists of The Learning Arts, emphasize courage, leadership, teamwork and personal growth for students. Programs can be custom-designed to accommodate scheduling and curriculum needs.

CREATIVE LEAPS:
THINKING ACROSS BOUNDARIES

Grades 7-12
1 performing/teaching artists - Three presentations/day
$375 + $175 + $100= $650

This original workshop on creative thinking explores how we perceive, make judgments and learn. How do our senses help us construct a picture of the world? When are these "pictures" illusions or in error? How are optical illusions related to errors in judgment or thinking? Students assess their own habits of thinking and are introduced to the thinking styles of others. Who likes to be creative within the rules of a problem? Who likes to be creative by changing the rules of a problem? The merits of different thinking styles are explored alongside an appreciation of our multiple intelligences. What is your preferred thinking mode? How can we understand people who think differently than we do? Students are introduced to techniques for thinking across boundaries as part of basic creative problem solving. The creativity of every person is emphasized.

INNER BALANCE: MEETING CHALLENGES
& MANAGING STRESS IN SCHOOL & OUT

Grades 7-12
1 performing/teaching artists - Three presentations/day
$375 + $175 + $100= $650

This workshop introduces students to the physical, emotional and mental connections between their minds and bodies. It acquaints them with their individual powers as well as those which come to life collaboratively within a group. The workshop begins with students standing in a large circle where they are introduced to body-centering and stillpoint (mental and physical readiness), body alignment, deep-breathing and breath control. These techniques improve a students focus and help them control their physical and mental response to stress. Students then work in teams of two in an improvisatory mirroring exercise. These exercises increase students' powers of observation and encourage leadership, creativity and collaboration. The mirroring is then expanded to include the whole group. After each round, a question and answer session leads students through an evaluation of their responses and needs, guiding them to the benefits of group problem solving and personal self-regulation. This hands-on workshop gives students new tools for dealing with the stressful challenges in their lives, including peer pressure, exams, public presentations, inter-personal conflicts and competitions.
This workshop is beneficial for all students. Special versions are available for students at risk, student leaders, peer mediators and competitive academic and athletic teams.

TOP FORM:
A PERSONAL PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE

Grades 7-12
1 performing/teaching artists - Three presentations/day
$375 + $175 + $100= $650

What does it take to do or be your best? How does a person begin - and then find a way to continue - a journey to their TOP FORM? Through a program of exercises and demonstrations, flutist/athlete, Donna Wissinger invites students to experience the ideas and feelings that top performers in the arts and sports have experienced as they pursue their best. Calling on her own experiences as a tennis teaching and playing professional, long distance runner, cyclist and international flutist, Donna leads students in a lively program of discovery of the mind-body-spirit principles which are the foundation of every person's ideal performance states.

The Ensemble Effect: Confidence, Honesty, Trust, and Personal Character Development

Self-confidence. Being honest. Trusting the people around you. When a group of actors or musicians describe themselves as an ensemble, these qualities and skills are the foundation of the teamwork they're talking about. They are life skills that are essential to everyone and, as evidenced in this dynamic one-session workshop, they are supported and encouraged by theatre games, acting and improvisation exercises, and creative collaboration. This special program is a fun and engaging combination of exercises and activities that heighten awareness of self and of others, and that prompt teamwork and collaboration among students. It is a high-energy, full-participation workshop that encourages the creativity and teamwork of every student. The skills learned from this workshop assist in building a supportive learning environment and in nurturing the character development of individuals. It is an excellent introduction to addressing issues such as tolerance, bullying, teamwork and leadership both in and out of the classroom.

The Ensemble Effect was recently premiered at the Albany/Schenectady League of Arts Artists for Schools Showcase in Albany, New York.

PHILOSOPHY FOR CHILDREN

Grades 7-12
2 performing/teaching artists - Three presentations/day
$475 + $350 + $225= $1050

We all know that children are natural philosophers. Their favorite question is “Why?”…and they are never satisfied with the answer. The same is true of philosophers. One good question leads to another and their sense of wonder guides the way to deeper, freer inquiry. Philosophy is the art of constructive wondering and, at any level, is designed to produce better thinkers. This workshop, adaptable for any grade level, helps children and adolescents to ask better questions and keep wondering “why?” and, in the process, to learn social skills like listening, sharing different ideas without arguing, and appreciating diverse viewpoints. Based on research from the Institute for the Advancement of Philosophy for Children, this workshop uses stories and the performing arts to engage students in thoughtful, playful conversations and inquiry-based learning. Available in 1-hour formats or multiple-session series, Philosophy for Children encourages children to participate in their own intellectual development while sharpening reasoning skills that will help them in every subject in school, indeed, in every endeavor in life. Teachers are invited to request special tie-ins to curriculum areas in the sciences, social studies, language arts and literature.