I am using15 years of experience as an educator in cultural and scientific settings (Museums, scientific programs, etc.) to engage students in a variety of age appropriate curriculum explorations through puppetry: material, light, technical mechanisms (STEM), cultural traditions (Social Science), storytelling and performance (Literacy and Language Arts). I offer classes in English and French.
"Maite brings her broad experience and training with puppetry from around the world to any given setting and is able to creatively apply her knowledge to merge and adapt to the interests and resources of her students." Teacher
IN SCHOOL RESIDENCIES & PERFORMANCES
SCHOOL RESIDENCY
As a teaching artist, I work with pre-K to 8th grade students, and use mainly Shadow puppet production and performance to promote self confidence, respect, collaboration and problem solving skills.
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I am part of FACE AIS, the "Artists In the School" program through Fairbanks Art Association, since 2018.
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I am part of the Alaska Statewide Teaching Artist Roster (STAR), since 2023
Schools reached
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Spring 2019: Pearl Creek Elementary (500 students, prek-6), 2 weeks ; Salcha Elementary (70 students, prek-6), 1 week
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Spring 2020: Nordale Elementary (250 students, prek-3), 2 weeks; Watershed School (K-8)/ Cancelled due to Covid-19
Articles & videos
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"Artists in Schools FY19 Season Highlights", Fairbanks Art Association, Website (link)
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"A shout out to students, artist in residence", Tori Brannan, April 2019, Newsminer (link)
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Salcha Elementary School Students Final Pieces Videos, youtube page (link)
BRING A PROFESSIONAL
PUPPET SHOW
INTO YOUR SCHOOL
Mitten the kitten - for pre-K to 3rd graders
As a professional puppeteer, I created a story for a young audience (preK-3rd graders), using handcrafted wooden string puppets. This tale-like story is about a small adventurous cat who is accidentally left outside on a warmer winter day in the middle of the Boreal Forest.
REMOTE CLASSES
I work remotely with individual classes using shadow, hand or rod puppets to enhance a particular lesson.
The number and duration of lessons is adaptable to your class availability and age group: between 3 to 5 lessons (30-60 min each). Teachers will be asked to finish some steps in class between meetings.
Contact me directly if you are interested. The option below is an example and can be adapted to any of themes you are working on.
EXAMPLE:
Explore the world of fables through shadow puppetry (3rd-7th grades)
An Art and literacy Workshop
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You want your class to learn about fables and shadow puppetry at the same time?
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You would like your students to learn how to adapt a written story into a visual and oral form of storytelling?
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You think that learning basic shadow puppetry techniques, construction and performance using simple materials from home or school can enhance their learning?
On top of the lessons (3-5), you have access to:
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A video tutorial on how to make a shadow theater from a cereal box (available here!)
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Written tutorial (PDF) on how to make sceneries and puppets
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Individual feedback on each presentations once posted
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My expertise and passion for puppetry all along the way!
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A full curriculum to make it again later in one of your future class
Price: Varies with sizes/location of class. Please contact me
IF YOU ARE A TEACHER OR HOMESCHOOL PARENTS AND ARE INTERESTED TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PUPPETRY, CHECK THE WORKSHOPS PAGE.
WHAT TACHERS SAY
Mr. O'Reagan, 4th grade teacher
“Maite offered clear, organized instructions in a cheerful, pleasant manner. She showed great enthusiasm and patience with the class. She was able to help students problem solve and encouraged them to take risks. I would gladly welcome her into my [online] classroom again!”
Mrs. Hammer, 4th grade Teacher
I would absolutely ask all my colleagues to get on board with this project to enrich their language arts studies. Shadow puppet theater is expressive, creative, and another vehicle to share stories. Students also get practice using their hands to create their theaters and puppets, improving dexterity and artistic skills”.