Arts Programming for Schools | Big Hearts Little Theatre
Big Hearts Little Theatre offers curriculum-connected arts programming designed Big Hearts Little Theatre offers curriculum-connected arts programming designed for elementary schools. Our touring performance of The Day the Crayons Quit combines live theatre with interactive participation and a post-show workshop that supports social-emotional learning. Students explore feelings, empathy, and creative expression through engaging storytelling and experiential activities.
•Social Emotional Learning
• Curriculum Connection
• Interactive Workshops and Performances
We offer dynamic, interactive, learning experiences through cross-curricular engagement in the arts.
Big Hearts Little Theatre offers touring arts programming for schools across Ontario. Our performances combine live theatre with interactive workshops that support creativity, confidence, teamwork, and social-emotional learning.
Big Hearts Little Theatre provides curriculum-connected arts programming that supports social-emotional learning through experiential theatre, dance, music, and literature workshops for elementary students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer arts programming for elementary schools?
Yes. Big Hearts Little Theatre tours schools with interactive theatre programs and workshops designed for large groups.
Does the program support social-emotional learning?
Yes. Students explore feelings, empathy, and self-expression through storytelling, movement, voice, and creative participation.
What grades is the program for?
Our touring presentation of The Crayon Tour featuring Drew Daywalt’s, The Day the Crayons Quit is designed for Kindergarten to Grade 5.
Where do you perform?
We perform in school gyms, libraries, or multipurpose spaces and bring everything needed for the show.
Does your company have insurance?
Yes, we do and can provide you with our insurance policy documentation upon request.
The Crayon Tour
In this workshop your students will…
watch and participate in interactive storytelling.
explore emotions and empathy
practice creative expression
participate in interactive storytelling
engage in a guided theatre, music, dance, and literacy activities
AND their very own art will be featured in our presentation!
The Day the Crayons Quit is copyright 2013 by Drew Daywalt and is presented with his exclusive permission.
Erin Newton
Artist in the Classroom
This experience supports multiple areas of
the Ontario Curriculum, including:
📖 Language – reading comprehension, storytelling, and communication
🎭 Drama – role play, expression, and performance skills
🎶 Music – rhythm, listening, and participation
💃 Dance/Movement – body awareness and creative expression
🎨 Visual Arts – creative response and personal interpretation
💛 Social-Emotional Learning – confidence, empathy, and connection
Stories That Move Us:
A Creative Arts Workshop
This workshop brings stories to life through expressive storytelling, music, movement, and visual art — creating a fully immersive arts experience that supports literacy, creativity, and student well-being.
🎭 1. Story Selection (Teacher-Guided)
The classroom teacher selects a children’s book that connects to current learning, themes, or classroom needs.
🎤 2. Interactive Dramatic Storytelling
The story is brought to life through an engaging, expressive reading led by a professional theatre educator.
Students are invited into the story world, encouraging imagination, focus, and active listening.
🎶 3. Music & Movement Exploration
Students explore the themes of the story through a connected song and guided movement.
This step builds energy, confidence, and a deeper emotional connection to the story.
🎨 4. Creative Expression Through Visual Art
Students respond to the story through a guided visual arts activity designed to support social-emotional learning. Paper and hand-outs provided by Big Hearts Little Theatre. The school supplies crayons or pencil crayons for student use.
💛 5. Reflection & Connection
The workshop concludes with gentle sharing and reflection.
Students are invited (but never required) to:
Share their artwork or ideas
Reflect on how the story made them feel
Connect their experience to their own lives
This reinforces:
Confidence
Empathy
Classroom community
Each step is designed to support literacy, creativity, and social-emotional learning through an inclusive, arts-based approach.
**More specific workshop details are available upon request.
🌈 Workshop Investment
Half-Day: Story-Based Multi-Arts Experience
$400 + HST
Full-Day: The same workshop delivered twice
$750 + HST
Each session is a customized, curriculum-aligned program combining drama, music, movement, and visual art to support literacy and social-emotional learning.