Friends of Arts Education

The Performance

Lonnie Collins Motion has so much kinetic energy that his nickname, Locomotion, is perfect.  Lonnie has experienced a lot of sadness in his young life, but when he discovers a passion for writing poetry, he finally finds a way to express his feelings about his family, the fire that took his parents away, the separation from his little sister, and his world being turned upside down.  Award-winning novelist Jacqueline Woodson has turned her Coretta Scott King Honor Book into an inspiring play about the journey of an eleven year-old African American boy as he moves from tragedy to hope, from silence to expression, and from losing one family to gaining a new one.  Along with Lonnie, we all learn that something as simple as writing a poem can start a journey of growing up, through the discovery of a warm, funny, perceptive, and unique voice.

PDW at Cerritos Public Library

Thursday, March 22, 2012 / 3:45 to 5:30 PM

This Professional Development Workshop will be led by actor, dancer, musician, and drama educator Gerald James.  A strong believer in the intrinsic worth of poetry and the therapeutic power of creative writing, Mr. James will lead activities that will allow participants to walk a mile in Lonnie’s shoes.  Theatre, creative writing, and music will serve as the framework for participants to safely express their inner voice about real life situations.  Concrete examples of language arts and social studies integration will be demonstrated.  A written curriculum guide will be distributed to facilitate implementation of activities in the classroom.

This performance is graciously sponsored by Dr. & Mrs. David. V. Hubbell