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How can we create playful experiences for young children that are purposeful and productive? A team of ISTA theater artists and educators flew into Singapore from Brussels, Beijng, Los Angeles, Sydney, New Zealand and the UK to converge at an ISTA lower primary school festival hosted by Rachael Mweti of Nexus International School. They transformed the auditorium into the Enchanted Woods utilizing a play-based model shared by Artistic Director, Debra Kidd that ignited the children’s imagination through inquiry, iterative, interactive and active experiences. “The goal of the festival is to create a joyful and playful experience for the students that they can also share with their parents,” shared Debra who has a doctorate in education and is the author of three books on education and creativity.  Top Ten Tips for Purposeful and Productive Play |
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Step 5: Improve
The kids decided that that monsters needed a place to live and built "Monster Land" out of blocks and recycled boxes. They constructed a city where each monster had a place where they can feel like they belong.
The kids decided that that monsters needed a place to live and built "Monster Land" out of blocks and recycled boxes. They constructed a city where each monster had a place where they can feel like they belong.
2. Empower young explorers by creating a travel path using items that you can find in your classroom or home.
In this short video, ISTA artist and primary school expert Sierra Laderoute shares how she collaborated with her ensemble to create a journey using a “an icon hat” and an interactive obstacle course.
In this short video, ISTA artist and primary school expert Sierra Laderoute shares how she collaborated with her ensemble to create a journey using a “an icon hat” and an interactive obstacle course.
The kids created hats with images that represented the different characters that they played in the journey through the Enchanted Woods.
3. Create an imaginative story using tribal wars to teach peace and empathy.
Watch Carl Robinson (actor and a drama teacher from the International School of Brussels) and Odette McKenzie (actor/singer from Sydney) set the context of conflict between two warring worlds through role play.
Watch Carl Robinson (actor and a drama teacher from the International School of Brussels) and Odette McKenzie (actor/singer from Sydney) set the context of conflict between two warring worlds through role play.
4. Build caves, craft stories and devise chants.
Kids love to build forts, caves and kingdoms. Watch ISTA veteran artist and clown expert Matthew Godfrey share about a magical cave and spell created by his young tribe.
Kids love to build forts, caves and kingdoms. Watch ISTA veteran artist and clown expert Matthew Godfrey share about a magical cave and spell created by his young tribe.
5. Play music from one of your favorite kiddie movies and have a dance party. If you need ideas on how to groove, search for a Just Dance youtube video.
For example, I led a "Fairy Dance Party" during the full group and sharing sessions.
6. Sing silly songs.
Carl's Arustasha was a hit with the kids (and their parents)!
7. Use guided meditation and tickle your child's senses by gliding soft fabric on their skin and use a spray bottle to gently splash them with water infused by essential oils.
For example, I led a "Fairy Dance Party" during the full group and sharing sessions.
6. Sing silly songs.
Carl's Arustasha was a hit with the kids (and their parents)!
7. Use guided meditation and tickle your child's senses by gliding soft fabric on their skin and use a spray bottle to gently splash them with water infused by essential oils.
8. Transform a space into an imagined setting through lighting, props and scenery.
9. Design or make masks and create characters inspired by mythical creatures.
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10. Be playful.
The ISTA artist team tapped into their inner child and through playful exploration crafted joyful experiences in their ensembles and full group sessions. They also facilitated an-hour long interactive sharing - that featured the various talents of the ISTA artists that included physical theater, singing, dancing, meditation and play - that bonded the children with their families.
The creative fire sparked by the festival will hopefully continue to burn long after the curtain closed; may the warm glow of playful memories light the hearts of the families that shared this journey through the Enchanted Woods.
The ISTA artist team tapped into their inner child and through playful exploration crafted joyful experiences in their ensembles and full group sessions. They also facilitated an-hour long interactive sharing - that featured the various talents of the ISTA artists that included physical theater, singing, dancing, meditation and play - that bonded the children with their families.
The creative fire sparked by the festival will hopefully continue to burn long after the curtain closed; may the warm glow of playful memories light the hearts of the families that shared this journey through the Enchanted Woods.
Interested to join an ISTA festival, check-out this website:
https://ista.co.uk/events/
ISTA Lower Primary Festival Team
Artistic Director: Debra Kidd
Rep: Liane Campbell
Artists:
Matthew Godfrey
Carl Robinson
Odette McKenzie
Sierra Lauderoute
Hannah Northcott
https://ista.co.uk/events/
ISTA Lower Primary Festival Team
Artistic Director: Debra Kidd
Rep: Liane Campbell
Artists:
Matthew Godfrey
Carl Robinson
Odette McKenzie
Sierra Lauderoute
Hannah Northcott
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