October is Black History Month and a great opportunity to develop children’s awareness in so many dimensions: cultural, historical, socio-economic . . .
An African Drumming or African Dance day gives everyone an instant cultural immersion and a springboard for learning. And it gives everyone a massive togetherness boost and a fantastic social/emotional workout. African Story Telling, Ancestral Mask Making and Tie & Dye days also make great jump off points for further learning.
Our friends at Ancestral Hands are expert facilitators in a wide range of African cultural activities. Check out the Black History month options they’re offering below, and if you’re interested in taking things further, just contact Kojo with reference “Drums for Schools BHM” and make your booking direct with him. Full day (6 hours contact) £480 in Greater London area. Other regions may incur travel costs.
Virtual workshops are also available in Ancestral Mask Making, StoryTelling and Azonto Dance Fitness. If you would like more information please get in touch with Kojo!
See details of Ancestral Hands African Workshops below or book a Drums for Schools African Drumming Workshop day here (coverage Greater London, South Wales, Midlands and South West England).
The sessions were energetic and the girls learnt about the various types of drums. The Younger year groups created vibrant African masks and learnt about their origins.
Miss Nike Head of Pre School & Preparatory
The ‘story telling’ was great, full of actions and funny moves that kept the girls engaged. He was able to keep their attention for an hour with just ONE STORY!
Madame McMullen Head of Year 5, Language Teacher
The students had just arrived to the College from the four corner of the world. The students were delighted with the results and this physical and social interaction served its purpose, The socialising effect of making music together was so valuable, and I thoroughly recommend it for students of any age.
Peter Hopkins, Head of Music
Body Percussion and African Drumming up to 30 students with drums and percussions. All ages
Learn a traditional instrument from one of the many African countries. Sing ancient songs that accompany the rhythms. Play as a troupe, interacting with fellow class mates in a full circle. Play games and styles that help improve your learning!
Learn the history of the Drums
The meaning and the origin of each drum
Learn 2 playing positions and names
Learn a traditional rhythm/song
Recite the rhythms as a group
Play a solo
Benefits:
Rhythm
Better coordination
Improved dexterity
Increased self-esteem
Communication
Hand to eye coordination
Concentration
Creative development
Coordination
Group inclusion
All over body synchronicity
African Dance up to 15 students at a time with drums. All ages
Learn a traditional dance from one of the many African countries. Dance to ancient rhythms accompanied the drums. Dance with fellow class mates in sync. Create a wonderful synergy. Improve your rhythm and coordination!
Learn the history of the dance accompanied by drums
The meaning and the origin of each dance
Learn to dance in a group
Learn a traditional dance/song
Recite the dance as a group
Perform to fellow students
Benefits:
Better Coordination
Improves rhythm
Self Esteem
Concentration
Creative development
Coordination
Group inclusion
Cultural awareness
All over body synchronicity
African Storytelling. All Ages
Who doesn’t love a great story?
Immerse yourselves in the brilliant mind and world of Alim Karmara. You will be captivated and spellbound by his interactive stories and physical theatre. You will smile, rumble, even fall off your seats with laughter. Alim takes you through traditional stories with an added twist of morals, lessons and antidote endings. Everyone will walk away with increased knowledge and wisdom.
Learn the historical stories from the past that have been passed down from generation to generation but the Griots
Immerse yourselves in groups
Feed off each other’s energy and vibrancy
Benefits:
Better listening
Improved reading
Storytelling skills
Concentration
Creative development
Coordination
Group inclusion
Cultural awareness
Traditional stories
Ancestral Mask Making All ages
Learn the historical differences in African countries and why they’re masks differ
Learn how to assemble an Ancestral Mask
Immerse yourselves to your hearts desire
Feed off each other’s energy and vibrancy
Produce a masterpiece you will truly relish
Benefits:
Better self-management
Improved attention
Improved self-esteem
Concentration
Creative development
Coordination
Group inclusion
Cultural awareness
Creative responsibility
Tie & Dye workshops all ages up 30 students
This is a great way to bring the whole class together under one roof and get those creative juices flowing. These workshops are very popular amongst or students as you can imagine there are no boundaries or rules towards the final outcome of each dyed finished article. Each student gets the chance to produce their piece of fabric and printed dye material. They choose their colours and design and they’re away!
Benefits:
Better organisational skills
Improves instructional abilities
Self Esteem
Communication
Concentration
Creative development
Coordination
Group inclusion
All over feel good fun
Create own masterpiece to take home
