VSA Arts - Grand Traverse Area

Programs

The arts are more than a source of entertainment and pleasure; they are an exceptionally powerful tool for learning, as well. Studies show that music improves mathematical abilities. Dance enhances spatial awareness and motor skills. Drama promotes communication and provides emotional release. The visual arts encourage decision-making and nurture sensitivity, while creative writing increases verbal skills and engages imaginative effort.

Kids on the Block (KOB)
In the Grand Traverse area, there are over 10 different topics offered as part of the popular puppet series, Kids on the Block. Each topic has been thoroughly researched and field tested and deals with timely and age-appropriate content. All third grade classrooms, special education and general education, in the Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District (TBAISD) are eligible for two different program presentations annually, FREE OF CHARGE. The local Kids on the Block programs are funded by the TBAISD and coordinated by VSA arts of MI-GTA.

Kids on the Block is a traveling puppet show that presents skits on issues of disability awareness, social concerns and medical conditions - an important teaching tool for thousands of area elementary students.

The most frequently requested programs are:

School Bullies and Safety

Students learn that bullying comes in all shapes and sizes and that absolutely no one deserves to be bullied. Also presented are a variety of coping strategies and warning signs that teach children when to report bullying to adults.

What is ADD, why do children with it act like they do, can you catch it, how do you deal with people who have it? These are just a few of the issues presented along with interactive games and discussions.

All students learn differently. There is no “best” way to learn and there are times when every student needs some help. Students get an inside view on what it is like to have a learning disability and how they can help.

At times, we all become angry and frustrated. But when our feelings and actions are out of control and dangerous- there are strategies to help manage this kind of behavior. Students learn about emotional impairments and how they can support positive behavior.

This is perhaps the most complicated presentation depicting a young man with autism and how his disability affects his education, friendships and family life. The KOB puppeteers spend time discussing the condition in kid-friendly language that not everyone with autism acts exactly the same and that autism is a spectrum disorder.

This KOB presentation explores the feelings and frustrations that may occur from a child’s point of view when there is a divorce in the family.

Start with the Arts: A VSA arts national initiative. Start with the Arts is a wonderful teaching tool for pre-school aged children using all the creative arts to support literacy and learning. Teacher kits and lesson plans are available for preschool settings.

Express Diversity: A VSA arts national initiative. Express Diversity is a series of social study lesson plans focusing on the history of the disability movement, supported by a variety of hands-on creative experiences. An excellent resource for elementary-aged students. VSA arts staff is available to present to classrooms.

Creative Challenges: People of all ability levels and ages can participate in simulated disability interactives through Creative Challenges. This program can be presented in the classroom, school functions, community fairs and more and is available upon request.

Art Escapes workshops: Presented by local professional artists, these workshops are designed for those with disabilities and are held annually throughout the winter months. Fees are nominal and scholarships are available. Pre-registration is required.




	Programs The arts are more than a source of entertainment and pleasure; they are an exceptionally powerful tool for learning, as well. Studies show that music improves mathematical abilities. Dance enhances spatial awareness and motor skills. Drama promotes communication and provides emotional release. The visual arts encourage decision-making and nurture sensitivity, while creative writing increases verbal skills and engages imaginative effort. Kids on the Block (KOB) In the Grand Traverse area, there are over 10 different topics offered as part of the popular puppet series, Kids on the Block. Each topic has been thoroughly researched and field tested and deals with timely and age-appropriate content. All third grade classrooms, special education and general education, in the Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District (TBAISD) are eligible for two different program presentations annually, FREE OF CHARGE. The local Kids on the Block programs are funded by the TBAISD and coordinated by VSA arts of MI-GTA. Kids on the Block is a traveling puppet show that presents skits on issues of disability awareness, social concerns and medical conditions - an important teaching tool for thousands of area elementary students. The most frequently requested programs are: School Bullies and Safety Students learn that bullying comes in all shapes and sizes and that absolutely no one deserves to be bullied. Also presented are a variety of coping strategies and warning signs that teach children when to report bullying to adults. Attention Deficit Disorder What is ADD, why do children with it act like they do, can you catch it, how do you deal with people who have it? These are just a few of the issues presented along with interactive games and discussions. Learning Disabilities All students learn differently. There is no “best” way to learn and there are times when every student needs some help. Students get an inside view on what it is like to have a learning disability and how they can help. Emotional Impairments At times, we all become angry and frustrated. But when our feelings and actions are out of control and dangerous- there are strategies to help manage this kind of behavior. Students learn about emotional impairments and how they can support positive behavior. Autism This is perhaps the most complicated presentation depicting a young man with autism and how his disability affects his education, friendships and family life. The KOB puppeteers spend time discussing the condition in kid-friendly language that not everyone with autism acts exactly the same and that autism is a spectrum disorder. Divorce This KOB presentation explores the feelings and frustrations that may occur from a child’s point of view when there is a divorce in the family. Additional VSA arts Programs: Start with the Arts: A VSA arts national initiative. Start with the Arts is a wonderful teaching tool for pre-school aged children using all the creative arts to support literacy and learning. Teacher kits and lesson plans are available for preschool settings. Express Diversity: A VSA arts national initiative. Express Diversity is a series of social study lesson plans focusing on the history of the disability movement, supported by a variety of hands-on creative experiences. An excellent resource for elementary-aged students. VSA arts staff is available to present to classrooms. Creative Challenges: People of all ability levels and ages can participate in simulated disability interactives through Creative Challenges. This program can be presented in the classroom, school functions, community fairs and more and is available upon request. Art Escapes workshops: Presented by local professional artists, these workshops are designed for those with disabilities and are held annually throughout the winter months. Fees are nominal and scholarships are available. Pre-registration is required.

Copyright © 2008 VSA Arts of Michigan - Grand Traverse Area