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John's Services

Here is a sampling of the types of programs I’ve given over the past few years followed by a schedule

Performances

"I Love your stories. Aye wry funny. I lit owe you changed your vocewily fast. I lite your music" -- 1st graders letter to John

"Through his use of stories, I found myself thinking very seriously about how people treat each other and most of all, how I treat people... I think I learned the most in his (hour-long) class over any other in the semester" -- Student evaluation of a performance/workshop on racism at University of Massachusetts.

1) Celebrations of Story and Song. Grades Pre-K to 12, family and adults. A mixed repertoire show including stories, songs and music geared to the wit and intellect of each age group.

2) Reading Magic. Grades Pre-K to 8 and family. A program on the magic of reading a good book.

3) One Earth: Environmental Stories and Songs. Grades K-12 and family.

4) Listening To Your Truths: Living well without an escape clause. Grades 5-12. A program that helps young people explore the alternatives of making healthy, kind, spirited choices.

5) Celebrations of Light: Stories and Songs for the Holiday Season. Grades Pre-K to 12, family and adults. A program of seasonal stories and songs arisen from many traditions.

6) Thrills and Chills: Tales for a Halloween Night. Grades 2-12, family and adults.

7) Tales and Songs from Around the World. Grades Pre-K to 8 and family.

8) Bridges of Understanding: Beyond Hate. Grades 6-12 and adults.  A program that takes a look a why and how we develop prejudice and howwemove through to build caring society .

Workshops and Residencies for Students

"The week was inspirational. Your work moved us along in our development as learning, caring, confident and hopeful people! We will not forget your magical tales!" -- Krista Revill, Teacher at the Geenwich Middle School, NY

1) A Festival of Storytelling. Grades 1-12. Through learning and performing stories students discover the joy of language and gain a fresh look at life and the great potential in each person.

2) Life in Your Town. Grades Pre-K to 8. Students deepen their sense of connection to and pride in the place they live by taking a journey into their town's history. These cooperative explorations culminate in a public presentation.

3) Creative Writing Playshop. Grades Pre-K to 8. Student are fired up to find joy and heart in their writing. Creative games and group feedback help them recognize their own brilliance and that of others.

John's Workshops for Educators and Others

"Best presentation I've attended in 23 years of teaching -- very motivating and humorous -- I will be able to use this (and I am a science teacher) energetic, organized, hands-minds on -- terrific communicator, inspirer and teacher" -- Evaluations from a workshop at a Franklin County Inservice Day, MA

1) How to Tell a Darn Good Story. Learn to tell powerful, motivating and humorous stories more quickly than you'd imagine. Then use them as touchstones to help build vibrant classroom lessons.

2) Games to Build a Cooperative Classroom. Learn upbeat playful activities to foster greater teamwork and a joyful, spirited learning environment. 

Presentations with Rob Peck (gifted juggler, comedian & wordsmith):

3) The Four L’s: Listening, Laughing & Learning from Life Stories. Enliven classroom lessons and forge deeper connections with your students by integrating personal memories and important milestones into your teaching.

4) Different Truths for Different Youths. Reach diverse student populations by using Multiple Intelligence’s Theory to reframe "How smart are you" to "How are you smart." Increase the joy of learning -- and teaching by creating "whole brain - full body" lessons.

A Sampling of John’s Performance and Workshop Highlights.

  • Barbados Reading Festival, Bridgetown Barbados. pre-k to12th graders.
  • Chestnut Middle School, Spingfield MA. 45 day residency, 6-8th graders
  • First Night, Orange MA. multi-aged.
  • Scituate Pre School , Scituate MA. pre-school.
  • Saw Mill School, Commack LI, NY. 3rd & 4th.
  • Winter Living Celebration, Sherburne NY. multi-aged
  • Seekonk Public Library, Seekonk MA. multi-aged.
  • Maple St. School Residency on Writing and Respect, Vernon, CT. K-5.
  • Hubbard Memorial Library, Ludlow MA. multi-aged.
  • Ashokan Environmental Education Center, (many visits) Shokan NY. 5th&6th graders.
  • Amherst Public School Teacher Training Series, Amherst MA. Teachers.
  • Greenwich Middle School, Greenwich NY. 7th graders.
  • Jones Library, Amherst MA. multi-aged.
  • University of Hartford, T.E.A.M. summer math program CT. Grades 8-12.
  • The Adult Literacy Resource Institute, Boston MA. Teachers.
  • Franklin County Inservice Days, Franklin County MA. Teachers.
  • Director of Farm & Wilderness Camps "Family Camp" 93 to present, Plymouth VT. Multi-aged.
  • For Pete Sake Pre-School, South Attleboro MA. PreSchool.
  • Maquan Elementary School, Hanson MA. Kindergarten.
  • Springfield Museums on the Quadrangle, Springfield MA. Docents working with K-2 students.
  • Environmental education school tour for the Northeaster PA Audubon Society. 4th -9th grade.
  • Migrant Education Program, Lawrence MA. 1st-8th grade.
  • Holyoke Heritage State Park, Holyoke MA. multi-aged.
  • Whately Elementary School, town history residency Whately MA. pre-k to 6th.
  • Mt. Washington Town Hall, Mt. Washington MA. multi-aged.

 

For more information and/or references please contact:

John Porcino, 120 Pulpit Hill Rd #10, Amherst MA 01002
Phone: (413) 549-5448.
Email: john.porcino@cohousing.com
Web Site: http://www.johnporcino.com