**Mr. Twisty Arts-in-Education Assembly Programs** For over three decades, Chad Currin has brought Mr. Twisty, his hilariously charming character, into schools, captivating young audiences with assemblies that blend laughter, magic, and meaningful lessons. As the son of a school librarian, storytelling runs deep in Mr. Twisty’s heart, and he has even penned seven children’s books. Currently, Mr. Twisty also stars in *Mr. Twisty's Storytime Adventures*, a popular YouTube show that’s a big hit with early readers! Every episode celebrates children’s stories by independent authors, packs in delightful (and groan-worthy!) dad jokes, and showcases balloon artistry. Mr. Twisty’s arts-in-education programs keep kids engaged and enrich the curriculum, making learning memorable and exciting. Each assembly offers valuable educational experiences with an infusion of creativity and joy, fostering a love of reading, a sense of empowerment, and an appreciation for our planet’s tiny helpers. --- **Assembly Programs and Classroom Visits:** ### 1. **Books & Beyond: The Magical Power of Stories** **For Grades K-5** Dive into the adventure of reading with Mr. Twisty as he shares his story of growing up in a library and the love of stories he learned from his librarian mom! This lively program encourages students to explore the magical world inside books, emphasizing the importance of reading in daily life and supporting themes aligned with the Parents as Reading Partners (PARP) program. With humor, magic, and interactive elements, Mr. Twisty makes reading cool and fun, motivating students to open a book and discover the worlds waiting inside. - **Themes Covered:** Storytelling, reading motivation, imagination, book discovery - **Takeaways:** Kids learn that books are gateways to endless adventures and knowledge, igniting excitement for independent reading. - **Optional Classroom Visits:** Mr. Twisty can visit individual classrooms to work with smaller groups, sharing tips on creating their own “story magic.” --- ### 2. **The MAGIC of YOU! - Building Self-Esteem through Magic** **For Grades 3 and Up** In *The MAGIC of YOU!* assembly, Mr. Twisty uses magic as a metaphor for personal empowerment, helping students believe in their ability to make amazing things happen. This program is designed to boost self-confidence and encourage students to take pride in their unique qualities. Mr. Twisty shares inspirational stories and showcases illusions that remind students that they, too, have “hidden powers” within. After the assembly, students who attend the optional classroom sessions will learn a simple magic trick to take home, letting them experience the thrill of mastering something new and surprising their friends and family. - **Themes Covered:** Self-esteem, self-discovery, resilience, confidence-building - **Takeaways:** Students leave feeling empowered to face challenges and create “magic” in their own lives. - **Optional Classroom Visits:** Mr. Twisty can teach students a beginner-friendly magic trick to keep the theme of empowerment going. --- ### 3. **Wiggle, Dig & Compost! - Magical Worms & the World of Soil Health** **For Grades K-5** *Wiggle, Dig & Compost!* is a hands-on program where Mr. Twisty introduces his pet worms and teaches students all about the incredible role worms play in recycling and composting. This isn’t a typical assembly; it’s a special classroom experience where each class gets an up-close encounter with Mr. Twisty’s wriggling worm friends and a reading of his story *Little Lily and Eddie the Earthworm!* Kids will learn about worms, composting, soil health, and sustainability in a way that’s unforgettable—and they get to meet and greet Mr. Twisty’s worms for a fun, tactile experience. This program is ideal for teaching young students about the environment, helping them develop respect for our planet and its tiniest eco-heroes. - **Themes Covered:** Environmental science, composting, recycling, worm care - **Takeaways:** Students learn that even the smallest creatures play a big role in keeping our earth healthy and clean. - **Classroom Visit Experience:** A close-up meet-and-greet with real, live worms—a unique and memorable way to connect with nature’s recyclers. --- **What Teachers & Librarians Love About Mr. Twisty’s Programs:** - **Curriculum-Connected Learning:** Each program ties into key educational themes, providing a fun way to reinforce classroom topics. - **Interactive Elements:** Assemblies are highly engaging, often with student volunteers, humor, and age-appropriate magic tricks to make learning fun. - **Encouragement for Young Readers:** Mr. Twisty’s passion for storytelling inspires students to read more and discover the magic in books. - **Empowerment Focus:** Programs like *The MAGIC of YOU!* are designed to build self-esteem and encourage personal growth. - **Environmental Education:** Mr. Twisty’s hands-on approach in *Wiggle, Dig & Compost!* offers a unique environmental science lesson. Each program is adaptable to meet the needs of your school and audience, and Mr. Twisty is happy to work with educators to create a memorable and impactful experience for students. Let Mr. Twisty’s magic bring laughter, learning, and lasting lessons to your school!

At TWUSA, we're firm believers in the vital role of theater in our youth's development. Our multi-session arts programs cater to all ages and abilities, aligning with educational and arts standards. We provide curriculum, all supplies, and passionate Teaching Artists who create safe spaces for structured youth development, active learning, and SEL skill practice. You'll also gain access to free shows and unwavering support from our education team. We provide a sliding scale for pricing and offer customize residencies for K-12 sites and beyond.

Bi-Okoto creates performances and educational experiences to help audiences of all ages and backgrounds engage and bridge cultural gaps. We use authentic African culture-based theatre, music, drums, dances, cooking, languages, and clothing to accomplish that. Our B-FIT classes are classes offered at our center on a weekly basis. They include West African languages (Yoruba, Kiswahili, etc.); Drumming (for kids, and mixed-levels); Dance (for kids, and adult mixed-levels); Drumming (for kids, and adult mixed levels); AfroPop Dance (ages 13 to adults); Cooking (ages 13 to adults) Images of Africa Summer Camp keep kid 6-12 engaged in activities from our B-FIT classes in. Kids participate in cultural and character-building activities at the center, and they have weekly field trips to various community-based arts activities. In Tolongo Afterschool program we offer similar contents as in our summer camp programming above, but only available when CPS schools are in session. E Sin Mi d’Africa (Come with Me to Africa), Residencies is our cornerstone program. This is a cultural and educational arts residency using multi-sensory, multi-disciplinary learning experiences integrated into student's daily academic curriculum that addresses student needs over the course of a nine-month. This is integrated into the schools’ arts curriculum, working with school. Wa-Zo-Bia Movement & Music Workshop helps students understand math skills, purpose & meaning of the drum and heartbeat, and the communicative language of the drum that mimics different cultural tribes. The workshop compares & illustrates to students the similarities & differences of popular movements & music and how it relates to what is done every day in common situations such as walking. Ekaabo School Assembly program (West African – with emphasis on Nigeria) We take students on an interactive journey from USA to a handful of West African countries. The richness of African culture is revealed through a broad range of dance and languages. Akwaaba and Tooli, are similar program with emphasis on Ghana and Guinea, respectively. “Agidigbo” is a monthly gathering that seeks to foster interactions, drumming, dancing, play reading amongst young adults ages 20-40. “Agidigbo” aims at creating a space with a supportive and welcoming environment to YPs, for discussion, learning, socializing, engaging, and networking opportunities; To further attract and retain/hire Young Professional to the community. HeartBeat Drum Circle- this event is a quarterly event that seeks to foster connection and positive interactions amongst our patrons/community for healing, fun or for music enthusiasts with percussive instruments who come to share and learn. Three Annual stage productions (selections from Igbeyawo, Yemoja, Irin Ajo, etc…) Each production is written to expose the “western” culture to traditional, contemporary, or comedic African theatre which includes a narrating character, live music, songs, dance and students from the adult & children’s classes. Okoto-Kekere (2nd Company) - is designed and tailored to nurture young and budding creatives who are seeking to pursue a career in Afrocentric theater Arts. We pair the youths up with our professional TPAs to provide them with firsthand training and experimental learning opportunities in a holistic way – learning it all, from scripting, backstage management, acting, tech booth management, lighting etc. All our programs are carefully engineered to be in alignment with our mission.

The Science Chef offers STEM education with or without a cooking/food based option! Providing hands on workshops, both in person or virtual with materials delivered, provides an engaging activity for your students. Our workshops are also standard appropriate, and we can provide the list of standards each workshop can help meet. Each workshop comes with a take home project, associated with the theme of the chosen workshop. The non-food workshops are $199 per one hour workshop, up to 20 participants. Our food based workshops are 75-90 minutes depending upon the theme, and the class is mostly the science based workshop, with a food based activity based on the workshop's theme. For example, our Volcanos and The Rock Cycle workshop is all science, and the students prepare lava cakes at the end to take home and microwave. The cost is $229 for up to 10 participants, and includes both the science take home, and the food take home per student. Our assemblies are not hands-on, but provide the WOW to bring some educational fun to your students! Intended for groups of students up to 100, we have several different options to choose from, and are always happy to provide a recommendation based on your student's ages and the space you provide us. Please note: scheduling with me is something that should be done in advance. I am a full time anatomy & physiology professor, and The Science Chef programming fits around my classes and breaks. Contacting me via e-mail or text is the best option, as I will not answer a phone call during any classes, whether the college or The Science Chef! :)

An 8-week, high-engagement enrichment intensive that empowers students to find their voice through the art of filmmaking. Social-Emotional Growth: The cooperation nature of the process requires students to practice empathy, active listening, and conflict resolution during the high-stakes production phase. Confidence Through Creation: By moving a project from a blank page to a public screening, students develop the belief that they can tackle complex, long-term goals. Career & Technical Foundations: Students gain early exposure to digital media careers, developing a portfolio-ready short film and a foundational understanding of the digital arts.

The Parmesan Pig Book Series is a dynamic and engaging children's picture book series designed to inspire imagination, creativity, and a love for reading in young learners. Each book in the series features Parmesan Pig alongside her charmingly named food-animal friends, whose playful and inventive names add an extra layer of fun to their adventures. These stories not only entertain but also introduce important life lessons, such as friendship, problem-solving, and the value of perseverance. The author visits goes beyond storytelling by offering interactive and follow-up activities. Children/Students engage in character exploration activities, where they experience the creative journey of developing character illustrations—from initial sketches to the final artwork. Each session concludes with the exciting task of inventing new character names that could seamlessly join the series. These activities are designed to enhance literacy, boost creative expression, and build confidence in young readers. The Parmesan Pig Book Series is ideal for elementary school students and can be tailored to fit various educational settings, including classrooms, libraries, and after-school programs. By bringing these stories to life through interactive sessions, I aim to foster a deeper connection with reading and learning, making the educational experience both enjoyable and impactful. Key Features: 1) Interactive Storytelling: Bringing the adventures of Parmesan Pig and friends to life through engaging readings and discussions. 2) Creative Interaction: Activities that encourage children to explore their creativity and express themselves. 2) Educational Enrichment: Each session is designed to align with educational standards, promoting literacy, critical thinking, and social-emotional learning. 4) Flexible Format: The program can be adapted to fit the needs of different age groups and educational settings, ensuring a customized experience for each school. Join Parmesan Pig and her friends on a journey of creativity and learning that will leave a lasting impact on young minds!

Sweethearts & Heroes is a social and emotional wellness organization dedicated to building sustainable networks of support, promoting empathy activation, and empowering students to become positive influencers within their communities. Our mission is to nurture Human Skills like empathy and compassion and develop positive leadership in young people. Through structured, spaced-repetition practices designed for age-mixed learning, we leverage the power of H.O.P.E. (Hold On, Possibilities Exist) and inspire students to Jump into Action to help others and establish healthy social norms. By leveraging your school influencers and Champion Teachers, Sweethearts & Heroes provides students with the tools, strategies, and skills to foster resilience and contribute to sustainable, compassionate school cultures. Our partnership approach involves scheduling our team for services based on your school, district, or organization’s desired pace and needs. This can be done with all our services and offers an independent approach to implementing the practices, tools, and messaging we bring to your community. Assemblies Our foundational assemblies introduce the world of Sweethearts & Heroes. In these assemblies, tailored to each grade level band (K-2, 3-5/6, 6/7-12), we’ll discuss the problem in the world today (this epidemic of hopelessness), how these Sweethearts give H.O.P.E. (Hold On, Possibilities Exist), and how Heroes Jump into Action to help others. Student-Teacher Empathy Program (S.T.E.P.) From day one, the Sweethearts & Heroes message has empowered our youth to be the change the world needs. S.T.E.P. is about taking our foundational K-2 and 3-5 grade messages and training high school students to deliver them in a small group classroom format. This propagates the message of Sweethearts & Heroes for your younger students while starting to build relationships across ages, setting up the crux of our youth leadership programs and age-mixed learning. B.R.A.V.E. 6-Week Youth Leadership Program B.R.A.V.E. stands for 16th-Century Bullies ‘R’ Action-Based, Vulnerable, and Empathetic. This is our student leadership system focused on 1) student empowerment, 2) empathy activation, and 3) Human Skills (SEL Core Competencies). It is uniquely designed to take young student leaders who can impact their school and build a culture and community of H.O.P.E. and Action through peer modeling, mentorship, and influence. We’ll introduce a group of up to 20 student leaders to Circle work and Bully Drill fundamentals. These students will implement vital age-mixed play-based learning by traveling to individual elementary classrooms to work with younger students Hero Huddles and Bully Drills. Circle Training | 1-Day, 2-Days Our Circle Training is designed for educators, administrators, students, and school teams. A single Sweethearts & Heroes Circle Trainer can work with up to 20 individuals at once in a training. Circle Training can be a single day, however, it is best completed over 2 days. Weavers of the Future Circle Training | 2-Days The Weavers of the Future Program trains older students to facilitate Circles, fostering healthy social norms and driving lasting, positive change in school culture. These student leaders will lead discussions that cultivate empathy, strengthen essential Human Skills (SEL), encourage perspective-taking, and build supportive peer networks. Master Weaver Circle Training | 3-Days Our train-the-trainer Master Weaver Circle Training is essential to creating a sustainable Circle culture and offering in-house training to future staff and students. This 3-day intensive training is designed to prepare an elite Circle team in your school who will be able to train new Circle facilitators. During this training, we’ll teach you how to tailor and deliver our foundational Circle Training, utilizing your personal stories of Circle and how it has impacted your life. The B.R.A.V.E. System Class Suite B.R.A.V.E. 101 | B.R.A.V.E. 102 | B.R.A.V.E. 103 | B.R.A.V.E. JRs The B.R.A.V.E. System Class Suite includes four classes to create systemic change that reaches all grade levels and implements our Circle work and age-mixed Bully Drill practices throughout your district. These experiential curricula embed our methodologies into your school culture through yearly B.R.A.V.E. lessons on leadership, social-emotional growth, and compassion. Community Ambassador Program Our community ambassador approach involves placing one of our team members in your school to work alongside your team as a long-term partner for school improvement and turning your school into a Circle culture. We provide individualized support weekly or bi- weekly throughout the school year to establish Circle as a consistent practice in your community and implement several of our programs based on your community’s needs.

The Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum educational programs offer unique experiences, including our perforator machine that creates band organ rolls (one of the first forms of coding!) and viewing simple machines at work. In 2016, the Carrousel Museum received the Excellence in Collaboration Award from the Erie County Association of School Boards for our “T-NT (Tonawanda – North Tonawanda) STEAM is Dynamite!” program. Join us for fun, interactive tours, and brand new workshops in our Education Center. Students will have the opportunity to participate in hands on learning and see practical applications of their curriculum. Our exhibits offer the opportunity to ride a 1916 Herschell Carrousel, and tour the factory where it was originally constructed! Additionally, our programs can come to you in person or virtually.

Celebrate the Erie Canal Bicentennial with "The Erie Canal: A Story of Building the Impossible," Sandy Schuman's presentation with more than 275 informative images. Learn about the Great Depression through songs and stories of those times. Marvel at the story of "Lead Belly: Singer, Songwriter, Murderer; King of the 12 String Guitar." Sing along to songs from the Great American Songbook and hear the stories about how they came to be written with "Familiar Songs and their Unfamiliar Stories."

Marty Beller is the Grammy Award–winning drummer for the iconic alt-rock band They Might Be Giants, and a composer for Film, TV, dance, and educational media. He brings his 60-90 minute interactive, immersive lecture to music students, aspiring artists, and anyone passionate about the arts. Marty immerses attendees in a vibrant whirlwind of experiences and shared stories — from recording studios to live shows, the big break, creative meetings, surfing the sea of inquiry and beyond. Marty utilizes decades of experience to leave students with a clear understanding of what a working music career looks like, as well as the importance of finding your voice, collaborating, showing up hungry, and grabbing every opportunity. And the most important thing is to put every bit of energy you have into everything you do!

Middle/High School Why Music Students Excel Motivational Clinic for Band, Youth Orchestra and Chorus (Also appropriate for Theatre Kids.) Program Description This morale and self-esteem building session begins with a ten minute solo performance by Justin. The performance is intentionally virtuosic, leaving no doubt in the student's mind that the artist is a seasoned professional who has experienced success on stage. The objective of this learning experience for students is to reinforce what the music faculty has been stressing all along. That is: the student's musical experience and musical education goes well beyond 'blowing a horn'. This experience is about developing life survival skills. Skills that will help the students to become better adept at problem solving, decision making, enjoying a fulfilling life beginning now and into the future. Justin asks the students to identify skills that they have learned from their musical experience (lessons, practice, or performance) that they have found useful when they are outside the world of music. Skills described by the students typically range from attention to detail and time management, to conflict resolution and ability to accept criticism. At the end of this segment of the session, a list sometimes comprising as many as 24 skills has been articulated by the students. Kolb looks at the students and asks them to seriously contemplate the "skills inventory". Kolb then exclaims, "Look at who you are and what you can do!" He quickly points out that large corporations and even governments invest great amounts of dollars to teach their employees how to acquire these same skills.These sessions are highly informational, uplifting, fun and enhance self esteem. Justin gets along easily with students, parents, staff, and faculty.Willing to tailor sessions to better meet the needs of the students.

'Traditions of Chinese Acrobatics' is a solo acrobatic performance. Li Liu performs hand balancing, artistic cycling, plate spinning, ribbon dancing, diabolos and foot juggling. A limited number of volunteers get to join her on stage to create an impromptu ribbon dance, and also to try their hand at plate spinning. Educational connections are made with the Chinese language and culture. Li explains some of the rituals of Chinese New Year, teaches the audience some basic Chinese phrases, and encourages them to think about what it might have been like to grow up in a different time and place.