SCT is excited to partner with KING FM to present a 10-week education series, Saturday Morning Stories, beginning this Saturday, August 15. This series will bring beloved children’s literature to life through a crescendo of whimsical melodies and narrated plots.
Hand selected titles, like Goodnight Moon and Peter and the Wolf, take families on a classical music adventure where they can simultaneously engage in activities uniquely curated by SCT for each production that the whole family can enjoy. Listeners can tune in at 8:30 a.m. through October 17, 2020.
Read on to hear from SCT Curriculum Specialist and long time Teaching Artist Meredith Berlin on her process for designing the activities for 'Saturday Morning Stories' and what families can expect from this unique new experience.
 | MEET MEREDITH BERLIN, CURRICULUM DESIGNER OF 'SATURDAY MORNING STORIES' PARTNERSHIP WITH |
WHAT CAN YOUNG PEOPLE AND FAMILIES EXPECT THE EXPERIENCE OF 'SATURDAY MORNING STORIES' TO BE LIKE WHEN FOLLOWING ALONG WITH SCT'S ACTIVITIES?
Great question! The activities are designed to provide structures for artistic investigation and collaboration as well as family conversations on the themes embedded in the stories. Families can decide for themselves whether they would prefer to read the activity sheets before the program and engage in the activities as they listen, or if they prefer to use the activity sheets to extend learning after they have listened to the program. Each activity sheet includes simple instructions, a list of materials (which we are keeping minimal and simple so that everyone can participate without any need to buy supplies), and ideas for bonus activities and reflection. They are ALL designed to be fun and also help build confidence and connection to the music and each other.
WHAT WAS THE PROCESS OF DEVELOPING THE EDUCATIONAL CURRICULUM FOR 'SATURDAY MORNING STORIES' LIKE?
First I got to have a wonderful time listening to all of the programs. How lucky I felt to spend part of my work day joining Paddington Bear for tea, reflecting with Tubby the Tuba about the unique contributions I have to offer, and marveling at the courage and strength of Maui who snares the sun (just to name a few). As I listened to the programs there were sections that drew me in, and I would listen to those again and again, allowing them to inspire connections to movement, dance, visual arts, acting or writing activities. Once I decided which art forms to focus on I invited colleagues with expertise in those areas to contribute activities to the project. My colleagues and I are currently engaged in the process of solidifying those big ideas and honing them down into activities that anyone can try at home with their family.
WHY DO YOU THINK IT'S IMPORTANT FOR FAMILIES TO TAKE THIS TIME TOGETHER?
Whether or not they ever play a musical instrument, audition for a play, submit their art to an art gallery or their poetry for publication, these inter-generational activities help us see each other in a new light and are the types of experiences children remember for the rest of their lives.
DO YOU HAVE A PERSONAL FAVORITE SHOW THAT WILL BE FEATURES IN 'SATURDAY MORNING STORIES'?
Oh, that is the hardest question of all! Carnival of the Animals is something I listened to as a child, on my little plastic record player. My friends and I would choreograph dances to the music, dress up and perform for our parents. I seem to remember that I was an elephant. Later in life when I took cello lessons I had the chance to play some music by Saint-Saens myself, so I have a connection to that music that grew as I grew. But truly I love all the stories and musical pieces for different reasons.
