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Small Business Training & Consulting
What's So Great about Juggling, Anyway?
The
practice of juggling brings a wide variety of benefits:
"He has a gift for capturing the interest of children and involving them in his performances. Andrew clearly enjoys both teaching and performing, and using these talents to enhance the lives of others.” Thomas Hall, Director, Casowasco Conference Center, Moravia, NY
"A program like this makes a difference in many lives..." Manny Pelligra, Otsego County ARC, Oneonta, NY
"Kids are so
naturally joyful and ready to laugh and have fun... -Andrew
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Juggling “Playshops”
Andrew’s many years of research and teaching form the base of his interest in spreading the joy found in “The Art of Creative Foolishness.” At Allegheny College, he researched the potential psychological benefits of learning to juggle for children of all age groups. Through an independent study, he connected observable benefits to the developing mind of children resulting from learning this movement discipline among other movement arts.
Andrew has based his creation of instructional “Playshops” both on academic authorities and experts in the instructional juggling field, including Perry Rubenfeld and David Finnigan.
In In addition, Andrew has compiled his own personal witness of the wonderful effects participants have reported in learning to juggle to further enhance his method of instruction and creation of a playful environment in the learning process of traditional schooling. Click here to learn more about the benefits of Juggling in the Classroom!
Based on the essential truth that every person has value and potential, this dynamic character education program promotes "high performance living" and addresses significant issues such as attitude, excellence, and responsibility. Grades K-12. See Andrew's 11 minute promotional video here. Check out this video also found on YouTube.com under "Andrew Barden Eccentric Juggler"
---SEE BELOW FOR REFERENCES---
"Read-to-Achieve"
Add to the presentation workshops teaching juggling (read below) for a full day of learning through play. Studies show that juggling develops tracking, crossing the midline, and fine motor skills, improving reading and handwriting. (May 1996, Teaching Elementary Phys Ed). Schools and libraries serving children 12 and under use “Read-to-Achieve” as a jump-start or grand finale to their reading programs. Kids prepare for Andrew’s show by reading about the history of juggling and clowning. Sample articles are available here. Kids then write about the show as a critical piece as well as report on their experience of learning to juggle. A full-circle experience! ---SEE BELOW FOR REFERENCES---
"High On Life"
"Juggling: You Can Do It!"
References
Unsolicited
Letter after a "Possibilities" Show: "You are a talented juggler and performer. You engage the audience quite well and keep a nice flow to your show. Both adults and children were laughing often, a testament to your professionalism and preparation. As an elementary school teacher, I was very impressed with the 'message behind your madness,' if you will. Since your show, my wife (also a teacher) and I have been reinforcing your message with our two boys: positive Attitude, try your Best, have Courage, and remember that everyone has Value. This is such a fantastically simple yet meaningful framework for parents, teachers, and children to use! During our current baseball season, for instance, some unkind words have been heard on the field. Having your ABCs has helped to keep our boys focused on keeping a positive Attitude and trying their Best. Our family is grateful to you! Thank you again for your thoughtful presentation and for influencing my family so positively! Sincerely, Bruce Melhorn, Elementary School Teacher, Valley Center, CA
*************************** From Teachers at Grant Middle School, Escondido, CA: "We had a great time! The kids really enjoyed it and it was a great experience for them. Very positive message." "We were spell bound! It was wonderful... not just the juggling... but watching the kids and seeing how attentive they were... how involved they were! Great message! Very impressed!" "The kids were completely rapt and "into" it! ... so were the teachers! It was wonderful! From the Director of The Boys and Girls Club, Escondido, CA: "You are so good! You have 'it!' You have what it takes. For 8th graders to pay attention, you 'have it goin' on!'"
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