August 13, 2018

Artists-in-Schools: Hobey Ford Taps Puppetry and Digital Animation to Engage Students in Science Curriculum

Children at an Artists-in-Schools performance in Chatham County.

Hobey Ford is a puppeteer known for excellence in puppetry performance and craft. But what made his June visit to Siler City Elementary even more notable was the way he incorporated puppets and digital animation to teach literacy and science concepts, resulting in a compelling story of animal migration. The students watched with amazement as the story came to life before their eyes.

This artist in residency marked the ninth and final elementary visit in the 2017-2018 school year for the Chatham Arts Council’s Artists-in-Schools initiative. The Siler City Elementary students were most excited to hear how Ford made the puppets and animation film, and Ford was excited that his beloved craft was a way to fully engage students in the rich curriculum.

Photo credit: Gina Harrison

Photo credit: Gina Harrison

Photo credit: Gina Harrison

We look forward to seeing more amazing Artists-in-School programs next school year, when all 10 Chatham County Schools elementaries will be participating in the program. Until then, happy summer!

To help CAC grow the Artists-in-Schools initiative and reach our goal of having professional artists in every single elementary school in Chatham County in the 2018-2019 school year, click here.

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Don’t take it from us! See what Chatham County students, teachers and administrators are saying about their Artists-in-Schools experiences.

“Children were so excited to write and to share. They all came away talking about writing and wanting to talk about poetry. They looked forward to his [Phillip Shabazz] visits each day.” –Classroom Teacher
“It felt relieving and comforting to express myself during the workshop.” –6th grade student
“I really liked showing my feelings in my work.” –4th grade student
“This is my 4th time in this school division participating with an artist residency. They have all been wonderful. It is a great opportunity for students to learn in different ways. My hope is for this to be available to us every year.” –Classroom teacher
“It made me feel happy because I got to use my imagination.” –5th grade student
“It felt good for me to release all my emotions.” –5th grade student
“The students talked about the experience for a week after.” –Classroom teacher
“Watching the kids put their plan into action for the performance and actually dance, all while doing so in front of their peers is the reason we do this…The experience was amazing!” –Elementary Assistant Principal
“I have a student that is a newcomer to our school, as well as to our country. She found great comfort in being able to communicate with instructors in her native language and showed such enthusiasm in her willingness to participate. It was beautiful. We would welcome the opportunity again in the future!” –K-8 Principal
“It felt good to be myself in school.” –6th grade student
“I personally saw students who, in my experience, have never been willing to speak in a group, let alone dance, do both without fear or hesitation. Students who participated have asked to join band – they want to have more opportunities to participate in music. Students in subsequent meetings have asked to learn more about Senegalese cultures.” –K-8 Music teacher
“It felt like the best days ever.” –5th grade student