We've listed some of our
favorites books, tapes and other resources here
for experiential and
arts-centered learning with youth. If you have a
favorite resource that you think we should list here, send
us an email so we can put it up. Enjoy!
CREATIVITY/ INTEGRATING THE ARTS INTO LEARNING
Learning and Loving It: Theme Studies in the
Classroom,
by Ruth
Gamberg et al.
An inspiring and instructive guide to theme-based
learning as practiced at the Dalhousie Experimental School
in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Shows how to integrate the arts
into a program.
The Hundred Languages of Children: The Reggio
Emilia Approach to Early Childhood Education,
edited by Carolyn Edwards, et al.
A collection of inspirational essays and interviews
describing an early childhood educational approach that
integrates the arts into the learning process. Will
stimulate good ideas regardless of the age group you work
with.
The Mind Map Book
by Tony Buzan with Barry Buzan
How to engage both sides of the brain to increase creative
thinking, brainstorming, and problem solving. Mind mapping
can be used for values exploration and to inspire art or
writing.
The Soul of Education: Helping Students Find
Connection, Compassion, and Character at School,
by Rachael Kessler
Based on the “Mysteries” curriculum, a rites of passage
program for eight and twelfth graders, this book is an
excellent guide for addressing the inner life of youth
without violating the separation of church and state.
Published by ASCD Press;
www.ascd.org.
WRITING
The Artist’s Way,
by Julia Cameron
A method for working through creative blocks. Effective
exercises. Good book to work with a group over a series of
weeks.
Writing Down the Bones
and Wild Mind, by Natalie Goldberg
Excellent books on writing as a practice. Free writes are
the basis of this work. Connects writing to inner process
and meditation. Good for teens and adults.
If You Want to Write,
by Brenda Ueland
Brenda Ueland is an enthusiast about people’s innate
creative capacities. This book will give you the courage to
put pen to paper.
Bird by Bird,
by Anne Lamott
By the best-selling author of Operating Instructions,
a book about her first year of mothering. Anne is honest,
witty, and self-forgiving. A excellent guide for those who
are more serious about writing.
Writing the Natural Way,
by Gabrielle
Ricco
A guide for using mind-mapping as a method for getting into
writing.
STORYTELLING
The Moon in the Well: Wisdom Tales to
Transform Your Life, Family, and Community,
by Erica
Helm Meade.
This book written by a Seattle-based storyteller and
therapist, introduces you to stories to use as teaching
tales in response to a wide range of life situations.
Includes excellent advice on how to learn and tell stories.
THEATER
AND IMPROV
Interactive Acting,
by Jeff Wirth
An excellent primer for both interactive (audience
participation) theatre and improvisational theater. Written
in clear, simple language. Published by Fall Creek Press,
Fall Creek, Oregon ISBN 0-9632374-9-7
Improv Game Book ll,
by Linda
Belt
An excellent collection of performance games. Published by
Thespis Productions, 2010-12th Ave. SE, Puyallup,
Washington ISBN 0-9620799-6-0
Spontaneous Creation: Using Comedy
Improvisation in the Classroom,
By Katie Goodman and Soren M. Kesiel.
An accessible guide for using comedy improv to bring
learning alive. Includes lots of games as well as excellent
tips on how to lead improv. Available for $20 plus $4
shipping and handling from Katie Goodman, 2304 N 7th
Ave., Ste C-1, Bozeman MT 59715.
Theater of the Oppressed,
by Augusto Boal
An introduction to Augusto Boal’s system of interactive
theater. Boal’s powerful theater techniques can be used to
explore social issues and empower individuals and
communities to make change. Published by Theatre
Communications Group, New York ISBN 0-930452-49-6
Games for Actors and Non-Actors,
by Augusto Boal
Filled with exercises, this book provides the practical
application for the Boal approach to theater. Published by
Routledge, London. ISBN 0-415-06155-5
VISUAL ARTS
Drawing from the Right Side of the Brain,
by Betty Edwards
This method will uncover talent you never knew you had.
Offers exercises that teach you to see in a new way.
The Zen of Seeing,
by Frederick Franck
A kind of Wild Mind for drawing. This book teaches
you a simple way to draw by looking at the object rather
than the page.
MUSIC
Rise Up Singing: The Group Singing Songbook,
edited by Peter Blood and Annie Patterson
The lyrics and chord charts for over 1200 much loved songs
and chants. To learn the melodies you can purchase
accompanying tape sets. Sing Out, P.O. Box 5253, Bethlehem,
PA 18015-0253 or call (215) 865-5366.
Singing in the African American Tradition:
Choral and Congregational Vocal Music,
taught by Ysaye Barnwell with George Brandon
A six-tape set and guidebook on multi-part singing with
groups by the lead composer of Sweet Honey In the Rock.
Homespun Tapes, Box 694, Woodstock,NY 12498. ($49.98)
YOUTH LEADERSHIP
It’s Up to Us: The Giraffe Heroes Program,
by John Graham.
An excellent teen leadership guide based on the premise that
the meaningful life is the happy life and the strongest
leadership flows from vision. Includes an excellent chapter
on how to make a good speech. Order from the Giraffe
Project: 1-800-853-7550
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