Case Study: Knuckleball Comedy at Vaughn Occupational High School
“The arts are a way for students to learn how to become an individual and enhance their creativity, along with learning how to maintain social relationships with their peers, improve decision making and other skills that they will not only learn but also improve when going into adulthood.” - Alexis A Tornez Martinez, Vaughn Occupational High School
Through Ingenuity’s Creative Schools Fund Grant, The Brainchild Collective brought social emotional learning to Vaughn Occupational School through our partners Design Dance and Knuckleball Comedy.
SETTING THE STAGE
Vaughn Occupational High School was looking for a partnership that provides programming that not only encourages their students to have fun, but also allows them to work together with their peers and enhance their creativity. Program coordinator, Alexis, knew right away that The Brainchild Collective’s Knuckleball Comedy program would check all their boxes.
Alexis also learned that Vaughn Occupational is composed of students with diverse learning abilities. In addition to being a program coordinator, he also taught multiple classes for Knuckleball Comedy. Following an exploratory meeting with school administration and lead liaison, Jeremy Green, Alexis got to work adapting curriculum to ensure all students had the ability to engage fully with the Knuckleball Comedy program.
“Between the improv comedy and the movement in dance, the classes provide our students with an emotional outlet and alternative ways to interact with others at school.” - Jeremy Green, Vaughn Occupational High School
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS
At the beginning of the program, Alexis found a majority of the students were shy, with only a few who were excited to participate in the activities. To encourage participation, he, along with the classroom aid and teacher, modeled activities to the students, knowing that modeling is a great tool for students since it makes them comfortable seeing adults they’ve known. This allowed the students to fully express themselves.
In a couple of his classes, he had students who were speech impaired and used tablets to assist them with speaking. Alexis adapted improv activities to be less talkative and more dependent on body and facial expressions so everyone could be included. All students felt noticed and were able to participate with their peers.
SEEING THE TRANSFORMATION
Over time, students have shown big improvements with improv. What began as silly games requiring them to just say what was on their mind, transitioned to students doing scene work with larger groups and even leading activities. They became comfortable with self-expression and began shaping the activities into scene work with partners.
“The confidence that I see in the students developing is what drives my artistry as a teacher,” said Alexis.
BRINGING TBC TO YOUR SCHOOL
With Knuckleball Comedy, your classroom transforms into a stage for students to explore their comedic talents, enhance their communication skills, and build strong connections with their peers. Our skilled instructors are dedicated to creating a supportive space where each student feels empowered to express themselves and step out of their comfort zones.
From team building and collaboration to fostering creativity and enhancing communication skills, this program provides an engaging mix of laughter and learning.
PROGRAM OFFERINGS:
IMPROV + PERFORMANCE (PRE-K THROUGH 12TH GRADE)
Students will tap into their creativity and unique sense of humor to build communication skills and foster creative confidence. Students will be able to perform a variety of team-building activities that focus on self-awareness, listening, and compromising with their peers.
All programs are designed to reach key social-emotional learning objectives through our proprietary curriculum model.
Learn how you can bring The Brainchild Collective to your school. Schedule a call today!
