Published: November 22, 2008 12:21 am      

Arts and education partner for workshop  

Special to The Star



More than 100 Mississippi State University-Meridian Campus senior block elementary education majors recently participated in a “Flat Stanley Visits Meridian” teacher workshop sponsored by the Meridian Council for the Arts Education Committee, the MSU Riley Center for Education and Performing Arts, and the MSU-Meridian Campus.

The workshop, held in the MSU-Meridian Kahlmus Auditorium, was a part of events scheduled in anticipation of Friday’s performance of The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley at the MSU Riley Center.    

Workshop participants received a CD full of lessons, participated in a Gandy Dance Activity, completed a Meridian Bio Poem whole group activity, and learned arts integration techniques they will be able to use in their future classrooms to teach localized history, geography, social studies, science and math. In addition to this workshop for elementary education majors, a similar workshop was held earlier in the month for currently employed teachers. 

Children and their families were also treated to two events related to the Flat Stanley visit. A Flat Stanley book reading by a professional storyteller was held at the Meridian Public Library, followed by a puppet making workshop at the Meridian Museum of Art the same day. In addition to making Flat Stanley puppets, the children had an opportunity to work with their puppets as part of a performance on a puppet stage.  Coordinated by the Meridian Arts Council Education Committee, these events were geared toward children pre-K through third grade and were free and open to the public.

"We are fortunate to have had the MSU Riley Center bring this nationally touring presentation of Flat Stanley for area young people to experience,” said Kris Gianakos, president of the Meridian Council for the Arts.

“Our activities surrounding this performance were designed to enhance young people's participation in and appreciation for the arts. At the same time, we were able to help our local teachers by providing them innovative tools and resources to teach the required curriculum,” he said.

Dr. Charlotte Tabereaux, education director for the MSU Riley Center, appreciates the joint efforts in helping expand the Flat Stanley experience in Meridian.

“The MSU Riley Center was thrilled to have had the support of the Meridian Council for the Arts, museum, public library, and MSU-Meridian Campus,” said Tabereaux. “Joint activities such as these only enhance what we are able to provide families and students.”

Gianakos said the Arts Council looks forward to future collaboration.

"This is a wonderful example of what we can accomplish in the community when arts and education organizations partner together," he said.