| Program Type | Residency |
| Art Form | Literary Arts & Storytelling |
| Curriculum Connections | Social and Emotional Learning | Language Arts/Literacy |
| Target Grades | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
View Artist & Programs
Testimonial
"The Jazz and Poetry program is outstanding! Through Leslie Johnson’s instruction, students learn about the diverse history of jazz music and its cultural impacts and influences. Students listen to a variety of jazz pieces and use movement to connect with the music. They then apply their learning by writing their own poetry inspired by the styles of different jazz artists. Even my most reluctant learners became engaged because the lessons are fun, interactive, and accessible to all students. Leslie incorporates instruments and movement activities, allowing students to share their poetry with classmates and even other classes. Her classroom management skills are fantastic and she creates a positive environment where students are eager to participate. As a result, students accomplish so much during each class period! I highly recommend Leslie's Jazz and Poetry program!"
Heather, Grade 3 Teacher, Colchester
Heather, Grade 3 Teacher, Colchester
Description
A variety of jazz music will inspire the creation of original poetry by student-writers in this lively, hands-on residency. Each session focuses on a different element of jazz and includes musical selections, model poetry, creative writing, and classroom performance. While being exposed to the history and artistry of jazz, students will experience the creative process as we brainstorm, improvise, collaborate, and express ourselves in our own unique voices.
Participants explore key similarities between jazz music and poetry, listening to jazz musicians (such as Ella Fitzgerald and Herbie Hancock) and reading jazz-inspired poets (such as Langston Hughes and Charles R. Smith, Jr.). Using techniques and ideas from musical and poetic models, Leslie guides students in fun, accessible poetry workshops that allow all students to create with confidence and success.
Leslie’s arts-infused approach to the writing process engages students with diverse learning styles. Each session of the residency is different, with movement, visual art, and musical instruments incorporated to spark student participation along the way.
Participants explore key similarities between jazz music and poetry, listening to jazz musicians (such as Ella Fitzgerald and Herbie Hancock) and reading jazz-inspired poets (such as Langston Hughes and Charles R. Smith, Jr.). Using techniques and ideas from musical and poetic models, Leslie guides students in fun, accessible poetry workshops that allow all students to create with confidence and success.
Leslie’s arts-infused approach to the writing process engages students with diverse learning styles. Each session of the residency is different, with movement, visual art, and musical instruments incorporated to spark student participation along the way.
Objectives
Objectives:
1) To strengthen literacy and writing skills, including vocabulary building, elaboration on a topic with specific details, and knowledge of figurative language.
2) To build SEL skills, especially self-confidence in communication, self-awareness of emotions, and collaboration with peers with mutual respect.
3) To learn about the diverse history of jazz music and its cultural influences.
1) To strengthen literacy and writing skills, including vocabulary building, elaboration on a topic with specific details, and knowledge of figurative language.
2) To build SEL skills, especially self-confidence in communication, self-awareness of emotions, and collaboration with peers with mutual respect.
3) To learn about the diverse history of jazz music and its cultural influences.
Pricing Information
$662 / day
Program Length
Minimum 60 minutes
Participants
For this residency, Leslie meets with each class separately. She can meet with a maximum of 4 classes per day. Days can be added to the residency to cover all classrooms equally.
Technical Specifications
• Set Up: 10 minutes
• Break: 10 minutes
• Strike: 10-15 minutes
• Program Space: Classroom setting with desks or tables for writing and floor space for movement activities.
• Electricity/Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi connection for blue-tooth speaker to play jazz music.
• Audiovisual/Tech: Leslie will bring her own portable microphone and speaker
• Tables/Chairs: Yes, students should have tables or desks and chairs while writing.
• Outside Possible: No
• Venue-Provided Supplies: School will provide white board or chart paper, pencils and paper for students, and some clear table space for Leslie to put her materials
• Mobility/Location Needs: Ideally one room with the classes coming to Leslie but can also travel class to class with 10 minutes for transition. Elevator may be needed for moving props.
• Break: 10 minutes
• Strike: 10-15 minutes
• Program Space: Classroom setting with desks or tables for writing and floor space for movement activities.
• Electricity/Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi connection for blue-tooth speaker to play jazz music.
• Audiovisual/Tech: Leslie will bring her own portable microphone and speaker
• Tables/Chairs: Yes, students should have tables or desks and chairs while writing.
• Outside Possible: No
• Venue-Provided Supplies: School will provide white board or chart paper, pencils and paper for students, and some clear table space for Leslie to put her materials
• Mobility/Location Needs: Ideally one room with the classes coming to Leslie but can also travel class to class with 10 minutes for transition. Elevator may be needed for moving props.