WORKSHOPS 'Class Acts' series puts the fine arts at center stage

The workshops are for teachers looking for new ways to reach their pupils.
CLEVELAND -- "Class Acts," a series of professional development workshops designed to help Northeast Ohio educators use the arts in their classrooms, is being presented by The Playhouse Square Foundation.
The workshops fall into two categories:
U"Teacher Tuesdays" focus on elementary education and occur in conjunction with children's performances at Playhouse Square Center.
U"PlayDates" are for teachers of pre-kindergarten through 12th grade and provide opportunities for professional development while seeing a Broadway show.
"Class Acts workshops were designed for educators looking for new, exciting and effective ways to reach their students," said Colleen Porter, the foundation's education outreach manager. "Utilizing the performing arts in lesson plans not only helps children to better express themselves, but is also proven to enhance retention."
Cost: "Teacher Tuesday" workshops are $15 per person and include parking, refreshments and all teaching materials. "PlayDates" workshops are $55 each and include the workshop, teaching materials, light refreshments and a ticket to the show.
Call Porter at (216) 348-7906 for more information.
The schedule is as follows:
TEACHER TUESDAYS
Nov. 13, Dec. 5 and Jan. 8, 4 to 6 p.m., "The Very Hungry Caterpillar/The Very Quiet Cricket," pre-kindergarten to second grade; explores the art of puppetry and how to use puppets in the classroom, culminating with a presentation by the Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia Co.; pupil performances are Jan. 9, 10 and 11.
Jan. 15, 4 to 6 p.m., Maurice Sendak's Little Bear, pre-kindergarten to second grade; based on the books and the Nick Jr. television series; covers creative dramatics exercises to draw out the curious, imaginative, natural learner in pupils; pupil performance is Jan. 25.
Feb. 12, 4 to 6 p.m., "The Three Sillies," kindergarten to fourth grade; deals with developing lesson plans in language arts, social studies and science using theater games and self-expression exercises; pupil performance is March 1.
March 5, 4 to 6 p.m., "Highlights for Children," kindergarten to fourth grade; teaches methods to stimulate pupils in learning all year long; pupil performances are April 11 and 12.
March 19, 4 to 6 p.m., "Time After Time," grades 2 to 7; using a wide range of literature, discovering activities to help pupils explore the impact of science and technology on their lives; pupil performances are April 18 and 19.
April 2, 4 to 6 p.m., "Rainbows for Reading," kindergarten to third grade; stories featured on the popular PBS "Reading Rainbow" series offer fun and practical ideas for reading in primary grades; pupil performances are May 2 and 3.
PLAYDATES
Feb. 8, 4 to 6 p.m., Disney's "Beauty and the Beast"; learn how to use fairy tales to engage pupils in reading and writing across the curriculum.
March 15, 4 to 6 p.m., "Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida"; this workshop, in partnership with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, explores history using modern music.
May 17, 4 to 6 p.m., "Kiss Me Kate"; perfect opportunity for teachers involved in their schools' theater departments. Learn new ways to choreograph big musical numbers, organize rehearsals and much more.