Tag Archives: storytelling

Community Learning and Development, Drama, Early Learning, Expressive Arts, Health and Wellbeing, Languages and Literacy, Mathematics and Numeracy, Primary, Sciences, Social Studies, Technologies

Out to Play CPD Sessions – October 2019

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“I hadn’t realised the power of imagination within outdoor learning”

Eco Drama is delivering 3 Out to Play CPD sessions for primary school teachers and education practitioners at venues in Glasgow and Paisley this October on the following dates/times:

  1. Monday 21st October, 3.30-5.30pm – Jordanhill School, Glasgow
  2. Tuesday 22nd October, 3.30-5.30pm – Kibble Education Centre, Paisley
  3. Thursday 24th October, 10-12noon – Glenburn Resource Centre, Paisley

The session will introduce the Out to Play project, supporting primary school teachers and education practitioners to engage further with outdoor learning and make imaginative use of school playgrounds using drama and storytelling. This 2 hour practical session costs £45 pp which includes a hard copy of Eco Drama’s latest resource ‘Let’s Go…Out to Play!‘.

There are a limited number of places left on each of the dates. To find out more information and book a place, please email christine@ecodrama.co.uk

“Best CPD event I have been to in ages.” Catriona Brown, Battlefield Primary

“Fantastic workshop. Ben is inspirational.” Jane Johnston-Smith, Eaglesham Primary

Community Learning and Development, Drama, Early Learning, Expressive Arts, Health and Wellbeing, Languages and Literacy, Primary, Sciences, Social Studies

Eco Drama Resource Pack ‘Let’s Go…Out to Play!’

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Eco Drama have copies available of our brand new Resource Pack ‘Let’s Go…Out to Play!’, an invaluable 82 page document bursting with ideas, activities, stories and inspiration to develop a school’s ‘Out to Play’ journey.

Building on the first pack written by Eco Drama in 2015, this second edition draws on the experiences of the Drama Artists that delivered Out to Play residencies in school playgrounds across Glasgow during 2015-18. It contains an abundance of new ideas to support teachers to deliver imaginative outdoor learning sessions in school playgrounds, including inspiring environmental stories, nature connection exercises, session plans, drama activities and games, and is packed full of handy tips and insights for facilitating creative outdoor learning sessions.

The pack is suitable for teachers, early years practitioners or any practitioner working in an education setting, looking to explore more creative ways of delivering outdoor learning and sustainable development education.

“Teachers who have used this resource have found it well planned out, easy to follow and have found the activities to be very motivating for the children.” Andrea Gurd, Aultmore Park

Packs are available to purchase for £20 as a quality, ring-bound hard copy booklet. To order a copy pleased email nina@ecodrama.co.uk. View a sample copy or visit the Eco Drama website for more information: http://www.ecodrama.co.uk/resources/

Attention All

Out to Play Teacher CPD Workshops

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Out to Play is a creative learning project delivered by Eco Drama in which Drama Artists collaborate with partner Primary Schools and Nurseries to explore the role of Drama and Storytelling in Outdoor Learning. The project facilitates interaction with the natural world through quality artistic experiences, re-thinking traditional views of nature and noticing and appreciating nature on our doorstep. Sessions are tailored to the unique surroundings of each school playground, and through imaginative play and adventurous learning, Out to Play aims to deepen young people’s connection to our natural world.

Out to Play Teacher CPD Opportunities 2017

As part of the project, Eco Drama have some upcoming Out to Play Teacher CPD opportunities which were a popular element of the 2015 pilot project, designed to engage primary school teachers in arts-based outdoor learning. The sessions are open to teachers from any primary school across Scotland.

Eco Drama will be running after school twilight CPD sessions on the following dates in 2017:

  • 26th September 2017 – 3.30-5.30pm – Dalmarnock Primary School, Glasgow  **PLACES  LIMITED**
  • 27th September 2017 – 3.30-5.30pm – Dalmarnock Primary School, Glasgow  **PLACES  LIMITED**
  • 20th November 2017 – 3.30-5.30pm – venue tbc
  • 21st November 2017 – 3.30-5.30pm – venue tbc
  • 22nd November 2017 – 3.30-5.30pm – venue tbc
  • 23rd November 2017 – 3.30-5.30pm – venue tbc

During the 2 hour session, teachers will explore how to integrate outdoor learning into the school curriculum and how to utilise creative learning methods such as drama, storytelling, song and movement in order to engage learners with the natural environment. Participating teachers will also be provided with their very own Out to Play Outdoor Learning Resource Pack.

 The session will be led by Eco Drama’s Out to Play Drama Artist, Ben Mali Macfadyen, who will ensure that there is a mixture of activities and discussion tailored to the various ages and stages of the primary school curriculum.

Aims

By the end of the CPD teachers will;

  • Have an increased understanding of the role of drama and storytelling within outdoor learning.
  • Have improved knowledge, confidence & skills in delivering arts-based outdoor learning.
  • Have actively participated in creative learning and nature connection activities which can be delivered with children.
  • Have a bank of ideas and resources on which to draw on for future outdoor learning.

Reviews

“I hadn’t realised the power of imagination within outdoor learning. Really informative session, lots of ideas to start with. Thank you.”
Irene Boyle, Corpus Christi Primary

“Best CPD event I have been to in ages.”
Catriona Brown, Battlefield Primary

“Excellent ideas and superb resource which I intend to use ASAP.”
Ellie Henderson, Knightswood Primary

The cost is £45 per teacher, which includes the Out to Play Resource Pack (usual retail cost £16). Each CPD event is limited to 20 attendees and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

To book a place please email nina@ecodrama.co.uk detailing how many teachers you would send and confirming which date (s) would be suitable.

Alternatively, Eco Drama could visit your school with a dedicated CPD session for all of your teachers to attend. If this option is of interest, please get in touch with nina@ecodrama.co.uk / 0141 552 9920 to discuss.

“A wonderful experience for the children and myself. A fresh look on how to develop Outdoor Learning in a more creative manner. Fantastic experience.” Tommy Hynes, Teacher, Corpus Christi Primary, participating school in pilot project 2015

Website: www.ecodrama.co.uk
Twitter: @EcoDrama1
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1lFBjDg

More Info CPD: http://www.ecodrama.co.uk/workshops/out-to-play-cpd-workshop/

Short film about Out to Play 2015: https://vimeo.com/141887997

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Out to Play Teacher CPD Opportunities & Resources this Autumn

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Following on from a successful Out to Play pilot project in 2015, winner of the Glasgow City Council Environmental Initiative Award 2016, Eco Drama will run a series of 7 week creative outdoor learning residencies this autumn with 4 primary schools, marking the beginning of a 4 year project in 25 primary schools and nurseries across Greater Glasgow.

Out to Play is a creative learning project in which Drama Artists collaborate with partner Primary Schools and Nurseries to explore the role of Drama, Storytelling and Theatre in Outdoor Learning. The project seeks to facilitate interaction with the natural world through quality artistic experiences, re-thinking traditional views of nature and noticing and appreciating nature on our doorstep. Sessions are tailored to the unique surroundings of each school, and through imaginative play and adventurous learning, Out to Play aims to deepen young people’s connection to our natural world.

Out to Play Teacher CPD Opportunities 2017

As part of the project, Eco Drama are delivering Teacher CPD sessions, which were a popular element of the 2015 pilot project and which may be of interest in engaging teachers from your school in outdoor learning.

Eco Drama will be running an after school twilight CPD session on Wednesday 27th September at Dalmarnock Primary School, delivered by Ben Mali Macfadyen, the Drama Artist who delivered the Out to Play pilot project in 2015 and who led on the creation of the Eco Drama Out to Play Resource Pack. Additional CPD dates will likely be added on Tuesday 26th and/or 28th September.

During the session, teachers will explore how to integrate outdoor learning into the school curriculum and how to utilize creative learning methods such as drama, storytelling, song and movement in order to engage learners with the natural environment. Participating teachers will also leave with an Out to Play Outdoor Learning Resource Pack.

 Reviews: “I hadn’t realised the power of imagination within outdoor learning. Really informative session, lots of ideas to start with. Thank you.” Irene Boyle, Corpus Christi Primary

“Best CPD event I have been to in ages.” Catriona Brown, Battlefield Primary

“Excellent ideas and superb resource which I intend to use ASAP.” Ellie Henderson, Knightswood Primary

The cost is £45 per teacher, which includes the Out to Play Resource Pack (usual retail cost £16). Each CPD event is limited to 20 attendees and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

At the moment Eco Drama are gathering notes of interest from teachers who would like to attend this CPD event.  If this is of interest to your school, please email nina@ecodrama.co.uk detailing how many teachers you would send and confirming if the 26th, 27th or 28th September would be suitable.

Alternatively, Eco Drama could visit your school with a dedicated CPD session for all of your teachers to attend. If this option is of interest, please get in touch with emily@ecodrama.co.uk / 0141 552 9920 to discuss.

“A wonderful experience for the children and myself. A fresh look on how to develop Outdoor Learning in a more creative manner. Fantastic experience.” Tommy Hynes, Teacher, Corpus Christi Primary, participating school in pilot project 2015

Website: www.ecodrama.co.uk  Twitter: @EcoDrama1
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1lFBjDg

Short film about Out to Play 2015: https://vimeo.com/141887997

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#DareToDream: Invitation to All Schools

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We  invite all schools to be a part of our storytelling festival local campaign this year, #DaretoDream. The campaign is an outreach initiative running from September to November, book-ending and running alongside our Scottish International Storytelling Festival (a ten day festival running from Friday 21st—Monday 31st October).

By taking part, your school will be contributing to a Scotland-wide initiative inviting and creating space for children to imagine their personal and collective futures, which in turn will build confidence to begin to make these aspirations and ambitions a reality.

We hope that this initiative is an easy way to progress creative learning in your school community with maximum impact, at the same time creating a positive and inclusive experience for pupils.

“Discover the stories of the past and dream the stories of the future. What are the stories of your local place? What stories would you tell to the world today, from the future of your dreams? Everything created must first be imagined: explore the possible and Dare to Dream!”

The principles of creative learning, active learning and inclusion are embedded in this project. Through dreaming, the liberating power of the imagination is open to everyone – neither language nor disability are barriers to participation. The campaign is relevant to the entire school and to every subject area. Activities will also help meet outcomes in both Literacy and Health and Wellbeing.

Download our Storytelling and creative learning booklet here

In an ever-changing world, we believe that it is vital that children are educated about their role and the value they have in shaping a vibrant and sustainable future. By setting learning in the context of your local school and focusing on issues relevant to your pupils, our #DareToDream campaign provides a great opportunity for you to encourage children to think about their right to participate, empowering and enabling them to become active citizens, both locally and globally. We provide the context for learning and suggest tasks and activities, but there is no limit on where this engaging topic could be taken in the classroom.

We will run a #DareToDream social media campaign during the main Scottish International Storytelling Festival. During this period we will make visible all contributions via our online platform. This is an opportunity to showcase your own school’s contribution with the wider community should you so wish in the form of a blog, video, photographs or otherwise.

As part of our social media campaign, we will have a special #DareToDream Day on Thursday 27th October.  On this day, we will encourage every creative citizen in Scotland to share a dream for the future on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the campaign hashtags. Our aim is to make visible Scotland’s collective imagination for all to see!

#DareToDream   #CuirBrighRiBruadar   #DaurTaeDream

HOW TO TAKE PART:

We have made it as simple as possible for teachers to take part, with the options for engaging in more depth should the individual teacher so wish. In a secondary school context, we have suggested a simple activity that could take place in registration class.

Register your school here

Download our #DareToDream Schools Toolkit here

We have also worked in partnership with  heritage organisations, mental health organisations, artists and storytellers to create simple resources for you to use. All additional learning resources will be available on our website before the end of August.

www.daretodream.scot

Please contact Mairi mairi@scottishstorytellingcentre.com if you have any questions.

Art and Design, Attention All, Colleges, Community Learning and Development, Dance, Drama, Early Learning, Expressive Arts, Health and Wellbeing, Languages and Literacy, Music, Primary, Religious and Moral Education, Secondary, Social Studies, THIS IS A TEST, Uncategorized

Dare to Dream

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For the Attention of Headteachers, Faculty Heads and All Teachers:

We are aware that creativity is high on the agenda and is part of many School Improvement Plans for the upcoming academic year. For the first time creativity is embedded in HGIOS 4 quality indicators. We hope that this initiative is an easy way to progress creative learning in your school community with maximum impact, at the same time creating a positive and inclusive experience for pupils.

Invitation to All Schools:

We invite all schools in Scotland to be a part of our  Dare to Dream  campaign 2016.  The campaign  is an outreach initiative from this year’s  Scottish International Storytelling Festival and will run from September to November.

“Discover the stories of the past and dream the stories of the future. What are the stories of your local place? What stories would you tell to the world today, from the future of your dreams? Everything created must first be imagined: explore the possible and Dare to Dream!”

By taking part, your school will be contributing to a Scotland-wide initiative inviting and creating space for children to imagine their personal and collective futures, which in turn will build confidence to begin to make these aspirations and ambitions a reality.

The principles of creative learning, active learning and inclusion are embedded in this project. Through dreaming, the liberating power of the imagination is open to everyone – neither language nor disability are barriers to participation. The campaign is relevant to the entire school and to every subject area. Activities will also help meet outcomes in both Literacy and Health and Wellbeing.

In an ever-changing world, we believe that it is vital that children are educated about their role and the value they have in shaping a vibrant and sustainable future. By setting learning in the context of your local school and focusing on issues relevant to your pupils, our #DareToDream campaign provides a great opportunity for you to encourage children to think about their right to participate, empowering and enabling them to become active citizens, both locally and globally. We provide the context for learning and suggest tasks and activities, but there is no limit on where this engaging topic could be taken in the classroom.

How to Take Part:

We have made it as simple as possible for teachers to take part, with the options for engaging in more depth should the individual teacher so wish. In a secondary school context, we have suggested a simple activity that could take place in registration class.

Our info for teachers can be found on our website under the tab ‘For Teachers.’ This includes a schools’ toolkit and information about how to book a storyteller if you wish.

We have also worked in partnership with  heritage organisations ,  mental health organisations,  artists and storytellers  to create simple resources for you to use. All additional learning resources will be available on our website when we launch our campaign to the public, the week beginning *Monday 22nd Aug.* Resources will also be available on GLOW.

If you are interested, please register your name, contact, school and postcode by clicking the link below. We will send you an update with links to all resources and materials.

Register your school here

Showcase your school online:

We will run a #DareToDream social media campaign for the duration of the main International Festival, from the 21st – 31st November. During this period we will make visible all contributions via our online platform. This is an opportunity to showcase your own school’s contribution with the wider community should you so wish in the form of a blog, video, photographs or otherwise.

As part of our social media campaign, we will have a special #DareToDream Day on Thursday 28th October. On this day, we will encourage every creative citizen in Scotland to share a dream for the future on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the campaign hashtag. Our aim is to make visible Scotland’s collective imagination for all to see!

www.daretodream.scot

#DareToDream

#CuirBrighRiBruadar

#DaurTaeDream