Freeman, MacKenzie

Project 1: Life Stories
We are innately fascinated by others' lives. During this week students will learn how to combine writing and engaging methods of research as they work on an oral history project. They will build their storytelling skills while developing interviewing and note-taking techniques. Students will interview the teacher, MacKenzie or one another about a life experience and then write a story based on the interview. The writing empahsis is on word choice, perspective, observation and listening skills.

Project 2: History Steps out of the Book and Into the Classroom
Students won't think of history as dry and dusty or old and moldy when they have the chance to interact with someone from the past. They will learn they same techniques described in the LIfe Stories residency, but with a twist. The main writing project can focus on a history subject or current events to enhance existing curriculum. During the interview portion, MacKenzie will pose as an historical figure to interivew.

Project 3: Scriptwriting
Nothing happens in the movies or on television without a script. Only if a writers has successfully conveyed his or her ideas will everyone--from the director to the actors to the set designers--know what to do. This workshop will help students understand how a writer's job is powerful, as well as creative. Through a variety of fun exercises, they will learn the mechanics of scriptwriting and the importance of word choice, plus how to bring characters and scenes to life. The week usually culminates with them writing a movie scene or commercial and acting it out in front of the class. The final project can be tailored to your curriculum. This residency is appropriate for grades 3 and up.

MacKenzie shares with students excerpts from her illustrated book , The Butcher, The Baker and The Scheresliep. It features oral histories and original drawings of people she met in Holland and Belgium. Currently she is working on new book series entitled Portraits of ... The first two books will be Portraits of Love and Portraits of Work. Each book will include a collection of short oral histories and original watercolor portraits. She frequently collaborates with her husband, Doug. Together they have written four screenplays and a gift book.