As a Montréal artist in the Québec government's program, 'Culture in the Schools,' Norman teaches kids (kindergarten to senior high school) how to use pens, pencils, imaginations and their own natural talents for writing, acting, making music, and performing.

Norman at Riverview Elementary School in Verdun From 'The Association of Teachers of English of Quebec' newsletter: "Norman Nawrocki gave students a glimpse into the type of writing and musical work he does. He challenged students to think outside the box, look into their own experiences for writing material, experiment with the written word and explore other forms of expression, such as music and oral readings to music. His eclectic repertoire and dynamic presentation inspired students. Though some were shy at first, they easily ventured to write their own stories, and in a matter of minutes each student had the beginnings of a narrative, complete with conflict and suspense. It was impressive to note that students who are reticent writers during the year, eagerly embraced the process when Norman helped them find their voice and of course, confidence. In discussion, the students discovered that, rather than the writer commanding the events, sometimes stories take on a life of their own and the characters write themselves. Knowing that they were only the vehicles for their stories was all the motivation some students needed to keep writing. As one youngster exclaimed under breath, "Whew, I'm not making the story up; it has a life of its own". As teachers we hope to read an all-Canadian masterpiece. Yet, the real tour de force occurs when an unmotivated student finds his voice." - Mary Eva, Heritage Regional High School, St-Hubert, Québec

Author, Actor, Musician, Comedian, Poet, Educator, Motivater. A hit with Quebec students & teachers.

Norman Nawrocki already offers two workshops about creative writing and performing in the online ‘Répertoire de ressouces culture-éducation’ (from the Ministère de l’Education, du Loisir et du Sport, Quebec). But he can also offer more and is open to ideas - in Quebec and elsewhere:

• Books, newsletters, school papers — how to organize, write & publish
• Spoken Word — put words to music & beats
• Creative non-fiction — explore all genres
• Theatre — writing, acting, staging & improv skills
• Imagination — how to channel it
• Poetry — have fun writing & sharing
• Social issues — use the arts to engage
• Comedy — create & perform sketches
• Story telling — the elements
• Clowning — simple fundamentals, solo & group

Experienced. Energizing. Multi-disciplinary. Inspiring.

• Norman is an experienced multi-disciplinary artist who entertains while he teaches, coaches and inspires students to express themselves intelligently.
• He helps simplify and demystify ‘creativity’ and shows students how to turn ideas, experiences and personal observations into thoughtful words on paper or other forms of artistic self-expression.
• He makes the creative process fun and exciting and helps students build skills and confidence to realize their own potential.

Norman Nawrocki is an internationally renowned artist who has authored several books of poetry and short fiction (in English, French & Italian) and is included in numerous anthologies. He has written plays for CBC Radio and released 50 albums of spoken word and music. Since 1985, he has performed his spoken word, music and theatre to rave reviews on stages, radio and TV across North America, Europe and in China. He teaches part-time at Concordia University about how to use the arts to engage the public. He has worked in Quebec's ‘Culture in Schools Program’ for several years and loves it.

AVAILABLE FOR ALL LEVELS IN ALL REGIONS OF QUEBEC (open to out-of-province visits, too)

Now booking Fall & Spring public school visits. Contact Norman here.

NAWROCKI DOES SCHOOLS, ELEMENTARY AND UP

English poetry: "SHE PUTS ON HER HEADPHONES" A collective poem written in collaboration with the students of Cavelier-de-LaSalle high school, in the Marguerite-Bourgeoys school district of Montreal

"The invitation to participate in La semaine québecoise des arts (The Quebec Week of Arts) was a unique opportunity to encourage my students to create a poem they could share with the rest of the province. Mr. Nawrocki, a distinguished guest who has extensive experience as an Artist at school, brought excitement to a regular class and at the same time helped these students to open up and create something they would be proud of.

"Although providing them with the opportunity to experience an authentic writing situation was my main goal, it was also important for them to use the different parts of the writing process, to work in cooperation with others and to go public with their writing. Many students mentioned that they enjoyed the project, because they learned that all their peers had something to share, and they loved working together. They actually remember some of the difficulties that they surpassed because of their individual efforts. They took their responsibility seriously with regard to the end product. They were actually surprised that they could produce such an interesting poem, even though it's not their mother tongue. They are all proud of “She Puts on Her Headphones,” and are looking forward to seeing the video.

- Fiorina Sammartino, teacher, Cavelier-de-LaSalle high school

Norman Nawrocki – The Spoken Word workshop

The Association of Teachers of English of Quebec offers subsidies to help sponsor such projects as workshops and author visits. Thank you ATEQ. M. Eva

A couple of years ago I was fortunate to spot Norman Nawrocki’s name on the MELS Culture in Schools program. I was looking for an entertaining way to enlist student’s appreciation of poetry and all the while have them see the importance of the spoken word through music. Norman offered such a workshop. I had had the pleasure of working with Norman in 2006 when he gave a short story writing workshop to my students. It was a success as evidenced through their descriptive writings. I also attended a spoken word evening where Norman used music – he plays a mean violin – a drum machine, and put his stories to music. This eclectic use of literature interested me and I asked my secondary 4 and 5 students whether they would like to have such a workshop. No coaxing was necessary – I have yet to hear a young person reject music or a chance to do something different. The workshop aptly took place in April, during Poetry Month.

Since Norman is an accomplished musician and spoken word performer, he was able to offer students a glimpse into the many uses of music, other than the listening phase – which in some cases may be passive. In preparation for Norman’s visit, students chose poems that “spoke to them”, or as many did composed original ones. Our school participated in the Poem In Your Pocket day and so students spent time creating or searching for favourite lines to share with others. They were also encouraged to bring in selections of favourite music – preferably instrumental, or even bring in their instruments.

Norman introduced the concept of spoken word in performance art, and demonstrated various techniques for performing their pieces with appropriate melodies. After the initial stops and giggles, students learned how to set their writing to beats and music, and how to read and perform that writing – either as solo acts or duets. With Norman’s feedback and coaching, everyone took turns sharing their performance work. Some relevant themes of concern to students ranged from concerns about bullying, racism, poverty, environmental issues, and relationships. From the romantic and idyllic to the passionate and funny, from lyric to narrative and rap, the poems entertained. However, more importantly, students had an opportunity to see that the written lines can be as vibrant as music and its message can be powerfully delivered.