Jelly Beans Creative Learning - Teacher Education

Teacher/ Child Care Provider Education

Jelly Beans Creative Learning K-12 Teacher Training Co-Sponsored by Hamline Graduate School of Education-Continuing Studies Program

EDUC 6147 Creative and Emotional Growth Through Drama Education
(1 Credit)
The course establishes that social/emotional growth and critical thinking development are areas that need to be seriously fostered in our youth. The reasons for the deficiencies are discussed. The history of the American school system is examined. The current social climate and other considerations are explored as contributing factors. The need for our future citizens and work force to possess these proficiencies is demonstrated. Through the application of a drama curriculum and philosophy designed to respond to these needs teachers can provide opportunities for growth, while at the same time enhancing all learning. Along with developing the needed skills for life, through drama, students will gain the benefit of an active learning experience, accelerated learning and the opportunity to explore through the arts. Teachers will learn how easily they can provide a learning environment that supports growth through drama. Teachers will acquire new skills to teach any subject actively by transforming information into the form of dramatic activities using: movement, improv, scenes, set, props & puppets. Student age will of coarse dictate the choices and application of activities.

Course requires 12 contact hours at any city location teachers choose!

"Working with Wendy is such a fun learning experience. I have worked with Wendy as both a parent and an educator. She is energetic and creative. When collaborating with her as a teacher, she is flexible and supportive of ideas. Integrating creative dramatics into the curriculum is easy and motivating. It's a great way to add expression and movement to my existing units. Working with Wendy has helped me grow professionally. I am now more conscious of adding dramatics into my lessons." Lonna Moline-Teacher Special Ed. Jonathan Elementary Chaska Public Schools

"Wendy had a lot of enthusiasm for the graduate class. That got us excited about the ideas. Jelly Beans taught me how to use creative dramatics in my elementary physical education classroom. I am excited to help my students understand the importance of positive social interaction through dramatic activities. I would recommend Jelly Beans for any teacher who wants to create a safe, creative environment for students to learn. I think the possibilities for creative dramatics are endless, even in physical education." Julie Hoecherl-Teacher Creek Valley Edina Public Schools

"I consider Wendy to be one of the most empathetic and caring educators I have ever met. She developed many creative methods to teach her subject without losing the personal touch. Wendy was one of the "best loved" teachers at MBA. She worked daily in class with a creative flare that demonstrated her abilities and philosophy." Paul Durand-Superintendent Winnona Public Schools

"The best parts of the Hamline class with Wendy were the active learning opportunities and variety of teaching methods". Jennifer Zimmerman-Teacher Creek Valley Edina Public Schools

"Wendy's energy is contagious and her enthusiasm knows no bounds. I couldn't wait to use some of the great ideas that were covered in class. If adults in her workshop could have that much fun with creative dramatics, imagine how the children will eat it up. Using dramatics is a great way to teach and a fun, energetic way to learn. I recommend Wendy's workshop to anyone who is involved with children." Deb Evan

"Thank you so much for the excellent drama class. Thanks for so many terrific ideas in creative dramatics. Thanks especially for your true teacher approach. So often it seems that professionals appear to want to flaunt their expertise, rather than to impart confidence in their adult students, which is what I felt you did at the Regional Child Care Conference." Diane Childs

"Wow-best CCR&R training I've been to." "I loved the class and the ideas that flowed." "Great trainer with a lot of energy. I had a great time!" "Instructor was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic and gave a lot of ideas to take back to group." "Lively, informative, got the imagination going." Cap Agency Participants

"Wendy was always positive and encouraging with students and their teacher! I feel that I can use the techniques Wendy taught us on my own. That surely is the sign of a good teacher! JoAnn Blatchley- Creek Valley Elementary-Edina

"Working with Wendy is such a fun learning experience. I have worked with Wendy as both a parent and an educator. She is energetic and creative. Kids love her. As a parent I was impressed by the personal connection she made with my child. When collaborating with her as a teacher, she is flexible and supportive of ideas. Integrating creative dramatics into the curriculum is easy and motivating. It's a great way to add expression and movement to my existing units. Working with Wendy has helped me grow professionally. I am now more conscious of adding dramatics into my lessons."

Lonna Moline- Special Education Dept. Jonathan Elementary-Chaska

The goals

To share how to use drama for child development and as an active learning technique!

To share how drama used in this manner helps celebrate children who have special needs.

To demonstrate to teachers/child care providers how to provide their students with environments that promote growth, educationally, creatively and emotionally, using drama, while allowing their students to celebrate and explore their individual, unique creativity. When drama is taught to foster growth in child development it will yield not only the enjoyment of dramatic play for its own sake, but also the enhancement of language development - verbal skills, reading, writing, and general communication - as well as encouraging critical thought and social learning.

Creative Dramatics can be used to teach science?

Besides enhancing the obvious educationally, language learning, social learning etc., creative dramatics can be an invaluable tool to teachers/child care providers, as it can be used to teach any subject, providing an active alternative to traditional teaching methods. The human body is a wonderful subject to explore through drama as are animals and their behavior and practices with young children.

The focus of the teacher/child care provider training

will be sharing the components and skills necessary to successfully guide student's educational, creative and emotional growth using creative dramatics. Teachers/child care providers will learn to create the appropriate environment to achieve this. They will learn to create creative dramatics curriculum from stories or subject matter they wish to teach. They will learn to form the curriculum in the shape of scenes, improvisation, movement, projects (making props, etc) fun activities and games.