Bringing the Word Alive
Children's Writings: Process to Performance

by Pat Hale

and Trish Lindberg

Text for teachers and directors, illustrated. Paperback 154 pp.. $ 14.95

Along with the growing popularity of programs in playwriting with young people is another art form--taking the kinds of writing that usually come more naturally to youngsters--personal narratives, little stories, journals, poems, writings in which children are often at their most spontaneous and authentic--and using them as the raw material for performance. This book is about developing that art form, putting together a patchwork quilt, bringing together the voices of many children to achieve a collective dramatic work for the stage or the classroom.

The authors share their extensive experience in helping bring these collective achievements about--initiating the writing, creating the collage, and bringing the children's words alive on stage. They deal with ways to expand the ideas of very young writers who think and imagine faster than they can write. They point out the links to learning that are all important in making a success of such programs in the schools, and outline workshops for children and for teachers.

Abundantly illustrated with photographs and examples of children's writings and art, Bringing the Word Alive gives you all the material you need to put together a successful program drawing upon rich material . . . the thoughts and words of the children for whom you play.