Some positive feedback for the Suitcase Circus program kindly provided by West Australian Educators: {arifancythumb src="/images/stories/JuggleTrio350.gif" mce_src="/images/stories/JuggleTrio350.gif" thumbHeight="160" hideOnContentClick="true" align="right"} Jo Bolton has an amazing presence. When Jo Bolton enters a hall full of children, there is an immediate silence with fascinated focus waiting for the colourful character to share his knowledge of circus. Students and staff are motivated and interested by the facts he shares about where the tricks originated and why. Jo also approaches circus with a science perspective and discusses gravity, rotation and space with the students. Jo holds the students interest throughout by goal setting and encouraging students to work towards certificates. Students move around the groups to a drumbeat and are given opportunities to show their progress to him. Teachers use this time to interact with students and measure their progress on a weekly basis. It is an opportunity for teachers to observe students listening and cooperative learning skills and gross motor skills. Sessions provide opportunities children who are less academically involved to shine in other areas of the curriculum and to discover their strengths. Through activities Jo encourages risk taking and goal setting for children to increase their confidence, self esteem and to improve their perseverance and resiliency. He supports the children through positive self talk and affirmations and encourages them to do the same. Circus with Jo is a must for teachers and students! Nesta Fallick, Tim Prentice and Carol Tomcala – Swanbourne Primary School {arifancythumb src="/images/stories/PlateGirl350.gif" mce_src="/images/stories/PlateGirl350.gif" thumbHeight="220" hideOnContentClick="true" align="left"} My school has worked with Jo over a number of years. His professional manner, capacity to build relationships and his circus skills make him a unique and gifted personality. I highly recommend his program to any school or organisation.
Jo has the ability to lead others into the world of Risk Taking and Collaborative play in a supportive and fun manner. His high levels of enthusiasm and ‘will do’ attitude encourage his charges to strive for improvement and join him in exploring Suitcase Circus skills. Jo is a skilled and talented performer who brings to life the world of Suitcase Circus. His work with students and parents is engrossing, challenging and fun. Geoff Hood Principal, Principal of Bertram Primary School The skills that the kids learn from juggling, using diabolo, riding the unicycle or walking on stilts as well as using numerous other pieces of circus equipment develops a sense of resilience and confidence within the kids which is then easily transferred back into the classroom and general curriculum. I would thoroughly recommend Jo to run a programme at your school and I’m certain you will be amazed and delighted with the results he achieves and what’s more it’s FUN!! {arifancythumb src="/images/stories/RedHoop350.gif" mce_src="/images/stories/RedHoop350.gif" thumbHeight="220" hideOnContentClick="true" align="right"} Jeanette Hutchison, Middle School Teacher, Donnybrook District High School {arifancythumb src="/images/stories/Plate350.gif" mce_src="/images/stories/Plate350.gif" thumbHeight="160" hideOnContentClick="true" align="left"}
Jo’s teaching style is exceptionally positive and has encouraged persistence, confidence and a “Can do” attitude in all the students. He has an excellent grasp of how skills progress developmentally and can easily adapt lessons to suit any age group Jo ensures that they have plenty of time to practice and develop skills independently and the joy on the faces of children as they master something “tricky” is fantastic. Our Circus skills sessions have incorporated juggling, twirling and acrobatics amidst much fun, laughter and real achievement. Jen Graffin Deputy Principal, North Beach Primary School I would just like to give you some positive feedback about the circus incursion that we attended this morning.
The whole class absolutely loved it, they were totally engaged the whole time and I was surprised to see how well my ‘weak’ kids excelled at most of the tasks.
He was simply a fantastic presenter and I would definitely recommend that we use him for any other MADD (Music, Art, Dance & Drama) week incursions in the years to come. {arifancythumb src="/images/stories/RingJuggle640.gif" mce_src="/images/stories/RingJuggle640.gif" thumbHeight="320" hideOnContentClick="true" align="right"} Year 5 Teacher, John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School {arifancythumb src="/images/stories/Club350.gif" mce_src="/images/stories/Club350.gif" thumbHeight="220" hideOnContentClick="true" align="left"} Thanks so much for visiting Onslow during the school holidays. Your Suitcase Circus workshops were the highlight of the year! Your positive energy and patience allowed the children to laugh and learn – what more could we have asked for? Thanks again for leaving some equipment with us; the kids never stop asking for them! I hope to work with you again soon.
Emma Smith, Shire of Ashburton
|
