Elementary School

Many folks know that our modern-day Santa Claus had his start as St. Nicholas, but what happened on the journey to make us think of a "jolly old elf" rather than a pious Christian Bishop? Where, exactly, did Santa Claus come from, and why does his popularity remain so high in modern American popular culture?

This illustrated lecture is well-researched, with details on the journey Bishop Nicholas made to become our current-day Santa Claus. You’ll enjoy recognizing many familiar images and poems in this holiday program.

Beyond the Ingenue: Trailblazers will perform selections from the entire revue by local, professional actors of new works commissioned from songwriters. The cast, production team, and academic experts will also host a post show discussion on the process behind the project and cultural significance of these historical figures.

Learn how poets use their five senses by taking a literal (and literary) walk to Midvale School’s community garden and writing haikus about the experience.

Moisés Villavicencio Barras will lead the workshop. He is a Mexican poet, translator, and published writer. He teaches at Midvale School.

This workshop is for elementary aged children who are accompanied by parents or caregivers.

Join us as we investigate our corner of space and beyond with MPM On the Move (Milwaukee Public Museum’s outreach program)! Learn how our understanding of the universe has changed through the years. Participants will get a chance to model the movement of celestial bodies and build their own scale model of the solar system.

For astronomy lovers ages 8 through adult!

Madison Ballet will talk about the history of ballet and the Nutcracker, run through a mock rehearsal with several dancers, and perform some scenes from the upcoming Nutcracker performance at the Overture Center for the Arts.

Refreshments will be served and a craft offered for kids.

**Due to high interest, please select one performance to attend, and arrive early since space is limited.**

An evening of brats, cheese, Sprecher’s root beer, ice cream, and original music by Ken Lonnquist, with Doug Brown.  Ken’s music is packed with humor and beautiful musical portraits of the Badger state.

Celebrate Wisconsin history, folklore, and natural places, plus the quirky delights of life among the cheeseheads.  

Seating is limited, so please register at the DeForest Area Public Library or on their website.

Badger & Packer attire encouraged!

Attendees will learn the basics of the ukulele in this two-hour group lesson. By the end you will know how to play at least one song.

Please bring your own ukulele.

For ages 9 to adult. Registration is required and register online or call 608-835-3656.

The lesson will be taught by Adam Chisman of Academy of Sound.

Presented in partnership with the Friends of the Cooperative Children's Book Center, Meg Medina will join the Wisconsin Book Festival to discuss her books for kids of all ages.

Cell phones aren't the only small devices connecting people these days. Ukuleles are transcending borders, genres, and generations. Madison's thriving ukulele culture includes a 700-member club called Madison Area Ukulele Initiative (MAUI) www.MAUImadison.com.  MAUI director Andrew Wilke will be available to help beginners learn to play in this free, 2-hour workshop and sing-along. 

Bring a ukulele or try one of the instruments available at the event.  No prior musical experience required.

Jessie Hass will come speak to students at the Black Earth Elementary school about her books: Saige, Bramble and Maggie Spooky Seasonand Horse Crazy! 

Jessie Haas grew up on a small farm in Westminster, Vermont. Currently, she lives next door to the family farm with her husband, children’s author, Michael J. Daley, in a solar, off-grid house they built themselves. They have two cats, two horses and no kids.