The Circus In The Classroom

BRIDGEPORT — For the third consecutive year, The Barnum Museum will host a three-hour “Circusworks” educational seminar for area teachers. The one-day workshop will be focusing on the use of circus facts and fun as classroom instructional tools.

The session will take place Saturday, September 20, from 8:45 am to noon, at the museum, which is at 820 Main Street.

The seminar is sponsored by Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus. It will be led by veteran circus clown and educator Peggy Williams. Ms. Williams is an education outreach manager with circus owners Feld Entertainment.

Teachers of grades pre-K through 8 will learn how to integrate circus materials, skills and activities into curriculum studies of mathematics, science, geography, history, social studies, language arts, music, art, and health.

Says Ms Williams, “The seminar, which has been taught to more than 25,000 educators across the country, will focus on the themes of teamwork, trust, tolerance, diversity, and respect. These themes will be applied while facilitating  hands-on, interactive, and attention-holding activities as  teaching tools that can be used curriculumwide.

“Budget cuts have precluded many student field trips to the circus,” she continued.

“However, through ‘Circusworks,’ we can bring educators into the world of Ringling Bros and they can take it back with them into their classrooms.

 “The rich history and cultural heritage of Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey should not be lost to today’s children,” she went on to say.

Early bird registration by September 1 is $5 per person. Registrations received after September 1 will be $10 per person. A continental breakfast will be served and museum admission is included. Reservations are required and can be made by calling The Barnum Museum at 203-331-1104.