We strive to support programs that Gwen would have loved. Imagination, creativity and wonder were Gwen’s trademarks, and are the gifts Giggling Gwen strives to give other children in her name. Programs that have received our support range from public library visual arts programs to live theatre field trips for Title 1 schools to supporting teachers by providing drama training to assist with literacy education. We highlight just a few examples below.
We strive to support programs that Gwen would have loved. Imagination, creativity and wonder were Gwen’s trademarks, and are the gifts Giggling Gwen strives to give other children in her name. Programs that have received our support range from public library visual arts programs to live theatre field trips for Title 1 schools to supporting teachers by providing drama training to assist with literacy education. We highlight just a few examples below.
One scholarship recipient, a promising young person who has suffered through his family’s chronic homelessness and financial troubles, has blossomed through his involvement with Childsplay. As stated by his mentor: “During his time with Childsplay he has stretched himself to do things he wouldn’t normally do. His vocabulary has been enriched and his reading skills reinforced. The experience has improved his self-esteem. . . and I feel he is more expressive thanks to this opportunity.”
Another program we have also supported, Childsplay’s Early Youth Educators at Play (EYEPlay) program, which introduces pre-school teachers to experiential learning techniques that encourage literacy learning for 3 to 5 year olds. On average, students from lower-income households enter school with half the working vocabulary of students from professional households. One of the major goals of EYEPlay is to improve students’ vocabulary. The EYEPlay teaching artists do so by demonstrating how to use drama to build semantic connections —learning words with your whole body —not just through verbal or written memorization, and by encouraging classroom teachers to use higher-level vocabulary in their lessons.
Phoenix, AZ
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The Giggling Gwen Foundation supports arts programs in Arizona for young children – to support programs that Gwen would have loved. Imagination, creativity and wonder were Gwen’s trademarks, and are the gifts Giggling Gwen strives to give other children in her name.
