Date: Mon, 26 Jan 2009 21:23:10 -0600
To: <puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org>
Subject: [Puptcrit] Difficult Workshops


Interesting discussion.  Many things have already been said that I agree
with - teaching is much like a performance, but one where the performer
listens and responds to the audience, including them in the action.  Like a
performance, you need to start every class with something that builds a
trust.  The class/audience needs to trust they are in good hands with
someone who knows their stuff and is willing to share it with them.

One thing I do think is that kids have changed and are changing.  There are
many more children in schools today who have difficulty focusing -- ADD,
ADHD, Autism, Hyperactivity, are rampant in the schools where I teach
regularly.  It can often be frustrating to try and teach a class with one
child with these problems, but when there are five or six, and your class
size is thirty, is is daunting.  However, I also know that these students
cannot be blamed for their behavior- it is of ten the result of chemical and
hormonal changes in their brains brought about by genetics, or I also
believe, malnutrition (fast food) and lack of exercise (sitting in front of
electronic devices instead of running outside).

The culture of technology has evolved to the point where toddlers are
propped in front of electronics while their parents are busy texting and
playing guitar hero.  Is it any wonder they are climbing the walls?

I also know that puppets and masks have the ability to cut through a lot of
those walls and barriers.  I once had a student whose ADD was so bad he
literally couldn't sit still.  The entire class he would pace back and
forth, constantly muttering under his breath.  Sometimes shouting.  After I
picked him as a volunteer to demonstrate a mask, he wanted to always be up
with me - and when he wore the mask he stopped talking and pacing.  Later,
as he paced by me he muttered under his breath just loud enough for me to
hear, "I really like doing this!"

Many times, we realize that children in our audience or in our classes have
never seen a live performance before -- they are used to movies, TV,
computers.  The concept of live performance is new.  Likewise, the concept
of a teacher who listens and responds to them is often new.

Today, we began teaching a five week puppetry class with students who are
Blind. . . And many of them have other physical and mental challenges as
well.  It has caused me to start boiling down the essence of what puppetry
is-- can puppetry exist without sight?  I think so.  We started talking
already today about how to bring the audience's imagination to life, and one
student suggested turning on fans so the audience can feel what it's like to
be on a swingset.

So even with all these changes in children, I still believe puppets are one
of the best ways to reach our imaginations, and that is where I think all
real learning happens.

Ok, I'm done now!
-- 
Chris Griffith
Circus Minimus Puppetry
<http://www.littlerednose.com>
(612) 724-1435


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