“Folklife ~ Your Life!”

A unique, enriching and fun field trip for schools!

• This engaging, hand-on educational program provides an opportunity to discover the world of Folklife which is an important part of every person’s life –it involves the way we celebrate holidays, our family stories, the songs we sing and much more!!

• All sessions are designed to help children learn more about themselves, their families and communities and inspire an appreciation for traditions. 

Goals for your students:

• An understanding of what folklore is and why it is important

• An appreciation for the uniqueness of others and their folklife traditions.

• A positive experience in a variety of folklife activities.

• Understanding of yourself and your family.
  

   

Folklife ~ Your Life consists of a round robin of kid tested activities that are readily adaptable to multiple ages and ability levels and provide a meaningful learning experience in a short amount of time. The activities have been carefully selected to provide a balance of experiences; hands-on (craft), movement (dance), auditory/vocalizations (music) and active (games.)

Large groups are split into three or four smaller groups (up to approximately 20 students each) for a round robin of activities. Students bring a sack lunch to eat on the grounds (refrigeration available). We will help you select two, three or four of following activities, depending on class sizes, age level, time constraints and your needs.

Program Session Options:

• Life is a Dance

  People around the world and throughout history have moved together to music for celebratory and social occasions. You and your students will enjoy easy and fun social dances from several parts of the world. The children will be prompted to think about dance in their lives: Do you take dance lessons? Does your grandma ask you to polka at weddings? Do you dance at parties? If your student can walk and smile at the same time they will enjoy this activity. Adaptable to any age.

• The Bee in the Fiddle

  This lively melding of song and story will fill your hearts and the room with musical fun. The fiddle, dulcimer, guitar, harmonica, musical saw and other instruments will accompany you and your students on a high-spirited exploration of traditions and people. Adaptable to any age

• Hey! Let’s Play!

  Its floorboards creak, there is no clock on the wall and the facilities are “air” conditioned. The century old Wakefield Schoolhouse is the perfect setting for playing some traditional, non electronic games. You and your students will be challenged with the secret of the magic broom, help the organ grinder man and become pros at winking. As always, students are encouraged to relate the activity to their own lives. Children play tag all over the world. How many kinds of tag can we name in 30 seconds? Go! Adaptable to any age.

• How have you “Felt” Lately?
  Students will learn the history and process of making felt from wool. From a handful of wool, a bowl of soapy goo and lots of elbow grease you and your students will make a colorful ball of wool to take home. Great for all ages. Roll up your sleeves for a wet and wooly experience!

• Maypole dancing (Available Mid April – Mid June)
  This colorful dancing is a traditional English way of greeting the month of May and heralding the new spring season. Children will learn the history of Maypole Dancing Dancers each hold a ribbon which streams from a garlanded pole, and weave a variety of interesting patterns by dancing around the pole to lively music.

• Wycinanki, Polish Paper Cut Outs
  An introduction to the Polish art of Wycinanki, using patterns based on traditional motifs and designs. Students will complete one or two projects, have many colorful examples to view and will learn about the history and folklore of this tradition. A complete set of patterns and written background information, as well as a list of resources, is available to teachers for future reference or follow-up. Especially recommended for 4th - 6th grade.

• Picadas, Mexican Tissue Paper Banners
  These colorful, festive traditional cutouts are easy to make and bring great satisfaction to the creators. Your students will learn the history and folklore of Picadas and about the people who make them. The children will be asked to think about how their family, school and neighborhood decorate for special occasions. Good for all age levels.

General Information

Field Trip Program Notes:

• Programs are priced per group, not per person.

• 2-5 parents per class are encouraged to participate.

• Commercial playground equipment is available for outdoor recess time.

• Games and dances can be combined in the same session (often an advantage with older, dance-cautious students!)

Program Fees

Fees vary, depending on the scope of the program (schedule, number of staff needed, location, etc.). Folklore Village has limited funds available for schools needing financial support, through its Educational Outreach Support Fund. Priority is given to rural and smaller schools, schools with limited funding for cultural programs, and schools scheduling a Folklore Village program for the first time.

Facilities
Programs take place in the five-year-old, 5500 square foot Farwell Hall activities center, the 114-year-old Wakefield School, and the 125-year-old Plum Grove Church. Students walk on a trail between buildings, with the farthest being about 3 blocks away. A bus will need to be available to transport students between buildings in inclement weather. Not all buildings are handicapped accessible at this time, though we can usually accommodate special needs. Please call if you have accessibility concerns.

How to Schedule a Program
Contact us at (608) 924-4000 or email staff@folklorevillage.org with your scheduling needs, including numbers of students and classes. We will work with you create an enriching, fun, fantastic program!