heARTwords
A Workshop of Self-Expression through the Written Word
WGN TV Chicago's Very Own: Barry Siegel - Making a Difference Segment from April 30, 2010:
Purpose
A program created to encourage participants with special needs, gifts and
disabilities to express their feelings, observations, and imaginations
through the written word.
Form, structure and a format will be presented, but without rules,
limitations or requirements.
Free thought on any subject matter, written as a poem, story, memoir or just
a sentence or two, will be accepted and welcomed without reservation.
We all need a sanctuary to vent our deepest and most intimate feelings, as
well as our most casual, reflective thoughts and insights.
As an art form, the written word is as powerful as a drawing,
painting, sculpture, dance or theatre performance.
This course will be interactive and will bring out each participant’s
voice in a unique, personal, poignant manner.
As a poet, I am blessed to have the written word as a sanctuary and fertile
playground to explore, challenge, explain, relate and emote.
I am certain that the experience of writing will be, for all, an
empowering, exciting, fun, important place which will provide a safe haven
for one’s joys, fears, angst, celebrations and pain to be shared with peers,
family and friends who understand the commonality of the human experience.
Basic Course Outline
I. The written word as a form of
expression
A. Excerpts, etc. from
Writing Down the Bones
B. Other reference books and
thoughts
C. Writing necessities (pens,
journals, paper, notebooks)
II. Types of Written Words
A. Poetry
B. Prose
C. Stories
1. Fiction
2. Non-fiction
D. Memoirs
E. Phrases, lines, articles,
etc.
F. Plays, screenplays
G. Letters and responses
III. Self-Expression and Exercise
A. Word association
B. Publication and other
submissions
C. Time limit exercises
D. Exercises as “homework”
E. Interactive group readings
and discussions
F. Feedback
1. “Really like” parts
2. More about subject
3. More explanation for a
better understanding
G. Final class submissions
Note: A safe environment will
always be the primary focal point!!
heARTwords
A Workshop of Self-Expression through the Written Word
Course Suggestions
A. A six, eight, or twelve week
course, once per week, for an hour or hour-and-a-half.
B. Perhaps, if enough interest,
offer another class on a different day (no more than 12 per class and no
less than 1).
C. At the end of the
course/program, a class folder/brochure will be put together for each class
member, family, friends, staff and others consisting of 1 or 2 special
writing pieces from each participant to help validate and share this
meaningful and artistic contribution.
D. Perhaps an actual
reading/performance to highlight these unique gifts in front of an audience
of peers, friends, family and staff.
In Summary
I truly believe this program will once again show everyone that we are all
so much more alike than we are different.
In addition to the artists with disabilities’ ongoing performances
and exhibits in theatre, dance, photography, sculpture, drawings and
paintings, authors with disabilities will be provided the same freedom and
space to showcase their very special talent.
Each participant’s life will be greatly enhanced with new confidence,
courage and purpose. The entire
community at large will, once again, be rewarded with artistic gifts from
this very special community amongst us.
“Time
is the Matter”
so lets embark on this new threshold with enthusiasm, passion, commitment
and love. Let’s move forward
together and make this happen.
I’m ready…right now!
Call
Barry
To see Barry's poetry Website click Here