Sample Workshops / Residencies for Students
KidsTell it Write!
We've got a story to write! But where do we start? With a story, of course!
In her Narrative Writing Workshop, Sue models effective storytelling followed by a discussion of the elements of a good story. Then Sue leads students through a series of fun, interactive, classroom tested activities designed to allow them to discover how they can bring a story to life with a little imagination, some knowledge of the basics, and a willingness to experiment. Topics include: beginning, middle, end, characters, setting, problem, solution, effective use of dialogue to move the story forward, important-interesting-supporting details, the importance of word choice, and more!
Sue’s unique approach to Expository Writing includes ACTIVities that spotlight introductions, conclusions, leads, transitions, focus, facts, feelings, elaboration, and creative mnemonic devices for students to use during the writing process.
In these workshops students unlock the Who? What? Where? When? Why? How? and Whew! of their writing before they pick up a pencil. Then prepare yourself for the incredible transformation in student writing once they learn they’ve got a fabulous story to tell!
"Sue Black's creative approach to expository writing has students up from their seats and invested in the writing process. Her dedication to research based learning is clearly illustrated in her delivery method of instructional best practice. I have never seen students so excited to begin their writing! I was completely engaged!"
Helene Caliva, M.A., N.B.C.T.
Gifted Education Specialist
Stop Bullying Now
Sue brings classroom-tested activities to the classroom that empower students, teachers, and parents with the skills they need to make a difference. Communicate a shared vocabulary about bullying. Cultivate a culture of inclusion where differences are respected. Celebrate problem-solving and conflict resolution skills. Each workshop is tailored to the concepts you’d like to address.
“Important and valuable content masterfully delivered.”
5th grade teacher
KidsTell! Students Tell Stories
Students in grades two through eight read, select, adapt, and learn to tell folktales from around the world in this school, library, or park district residency adapted to fit your timeframe and curricular goals. Sue’s enthusiasm is contagious as students learn the importance of voice, dialogue, body language, facial expressions, and gestures to communicate effectively. As students present their stories to their peers or younger listeners, the literacy circle is complete – Read! Write! Tell! Listen!
Public Speaking and Forensics Competition
Sue combines her years of storytelling and teaching experience to captivate, motivate, and help students articulate their public speeches, monologues, and/or performances. Areas covered can include: introductions, maintaining characters, use of voice, facial expressions and gestures, pronunciation/enunciation, pacing, genuine emotional content, the back story, how to learn without memorizing, how to practice, and more!
Digitelling
Students in grades five through eight bring projects, presentations, reports, personal narratives, and stories to life using digital storytelling techniques. Digitelling© combines the power of storytelling with technology as it weaves narrative, images, and music together. Students learn to craft their story and then tell it digitally in a simple, fun and creative way using Microsoft’s free PhotoStory3. Computer technology will empower them to take their story to a world wide audience! This workshop is presented in collaboration with Bev Frett, Library Media Center Director, IPSD#204.
Recent Workshops/Residencies with Students
KidsTell! Students Tell Stories
- Robert Clow Elementary School Storytelling Club, Naperville, IL – Year-long residency 2010 / 2009 / 2008 / 2007 / 2006 / 2005 / 2004 / 2003 / 2002
- Co-producer, Clow School Storytelling Festival, Naperville, IL - May 2010 / 2009 / 2008 / 2007 / 2006 / 2005 / 2004 / 2003
- GibbyStock Summer Theatre/Storytelling Camp, Heron, IL – August 2008
- Evanston District 65, Oakton School, Evanston, IL, - April 2008 / 2007
- Forest Road School / LaGrange Park, IL – January 2007
- Montessori School Storytelling Club, Batavia, IL – April 2006
- Freeman Partnership School, Aurora, IL - January-March 2006
- Joliet Central High School 21st Century Project, Joliet, IL - March 2006
- Meadow Glens School Storytelling Club, Naperville, IL – October, April 2005
- Lincoln School, Sterling, IL - April 2005
- Mill Street School, Naperville, IL - May 2004
- Indian Prairie School District Summer of Learning, Naperville, IL - July 2003
KidsTell it Write!
- Project Arte, Illinois Migrant Council Summer School, Hoopeston, IL – July 2010
- Project Arte, Illinois Migrant Council Summer School, Kankakee, IL – July 2010
- Robert Clow Elementary School, Naperville, IL – March 2010
- Spring Brook Elementary School, Naperville, IL – February 2010
- Lakewood School, Ann Arbor, MI – March 2009
- Lake Bluff Public Library, Lake Bluff, IL – March 2009
- Spring Brook School, Naperville, IL – February 2009
- Glenview Public Library, Glenview, IL – March 2008
- Robert Clow Elementary School, Naperville, IL – December 2007 / October 2006
- Oak School, Hinsdale, IL – November 2007
- Immanuel Lutheran School, East Dundee, IL – November 2007
- Tate Woods Elementary School, Lisle, IL - March 2007
Digitelling
- The "Tattle Tales" Middle School Storytelling Club, Naperville, IL – January-March 2007
Partial funding may be available through the Illinois Art Council and the Arts-In-Education program.
Sue welcomes the opportunity to work with you to present a program tailored to your needs at an appropriate price.