School Programs
I tell authentic traditional stories, myths and legends from cultures around the world to students in grades K-9. My programs enhance learning in Language Arts and Social Studies in the Common Core Curricula, referencing the frameworks and standards relevant to each grade.
The stories I tell, drawn from cultures around the world, are rich with vivid imagery and compelling characters. I carefully choose stories that are appropriate to the age, interests and learning objectives of each audience.
As students listen, their whole minds are engaged. As they respond to the story in discussion and in writing, they connect with the real world and with their own experiences.
In small group workshops, large assemblies, and residencies, my format and content are both very flexible. I adapt my programs to meet the unique needs of each school.
I am a roster artist with Arts for Learning Connecticut, HOT Schools, Hartford Performs, the Brooklyn Arts Council, and the New York State Council for the Arts.
Structure
Assembly Format:
The assembly model includes two back-to-back sessions for up to 225 students per session. These sessions are presented in the school auditorium, gymnasium or, where possible, in the media center.
Classroom Presentations:
Small group presentations are highly interactive; Students' comments and questions are welcomed throughout the presentation.
In the standard day of small groups, I present five forty-five minute sessions with a maximum of sixty students per session. These sessions may be for individual classrooms or up to three classes combined. These sessions take place in classrooms or in the media center.
Repertoire:
“What kind of stories do you tell?”
Click here for a detailed description of my repertoire of folktales and myths:
Teacher Prep Materials:
Please click below for a sample of preparatory materials provided for classroom teachers.
Fees
Assemblies:
1 x 45 minute program
$500
2 x 45 minute programs
Scheduled "back-to-back"
$750
3 x 45 minute programs
$1,000
Classroom Programs:
4 x 45 minute programs
Scheduled throughout the school day
Maximum 60 students per session
$750
5 x 45 minute programs
Scheduled throughout the school day
Maximum 60 students per session
$900
MULTIPLE DAYS
(May be a residency at a single school or at several schools on adjacent days)
One day…………………………… $ 900
Two days…………………………… $ 1,600
Three days……………………….. $ 2,100
Four days………………………….. $ 2,500
Five days………………………….. $ 3,000
Additional days....................$ 550
Intelligent, passionate, and creative.
“As a teaching artist for the Metropolitan Opera, Tom Lee is intelligent, passionate, and creative. His work is grounded in classroom experience and his keen knowledge of history, literature, music, storytelling, and pedagogy.”
— Marsha Drummond: The Metropolitan Opera
Amazing to watch!
“Tom Lee engages all students in his comprehensive lessons. His ability to make students think outside the box and dig deeper into their surroundings and themselves has been amazing for us, as educators, to watch.”
— The Third Grade Team: Chatham, NY Elementary School
A brilliant storyteller
"Tom Lee has captivated our New York audiences, both large and small. Not only is he a brilliant storyteller, but he has that rare ability to talk easily and well about his craft. He is an inspirational, motivational treasure!
- Lucy Calkins, Teachers College Reading and Writing Project, Columbia University