Coming together with others in a

drumming circle creates a metaphor for

life. It's symbolic of our communities and
the rhythms that we all experience in our
day-to-day routines.

An interactive drumming
experience for students.

Rhythm & Rhyme Coalition for Youth

brings
students together in an allinclusive, all-equal circle representative of
our school community. The circle is
facilitated in a way that is representational
of the way in which we all meet each
other daily with different "rhythms" and
how sometimes those rhythms are not in
harmony with one another--resulting in
conflict.
Additionally, age-appropriate
examples of the events that happen in our
lives that knock us off our rhythms are
also discussed and demonstrated.
With
compassion,
empathy,
and
empowerment as my main focus, I
emphasize the importance of harmony
with others in order to strive toward
peaceful and respectful communities.

What Teachers Are Saying!

Thank you for bringing rhythm into our classroom!
There were many moments of sharing, growing
and learning together. Learning acceptance and
tolerance is key to building a better, stronger
community and you brought that to our class!
Thank you for sharing your journey, life lessons
and strength with us. We ALL benefited!

Ms. Tamara Murray, St. Marguerite School

When I asked Gaylene to join our classroom, I was
expecting the students to learn the skill of
drumming, but what was presented exceeded my
expectations. Gaylene is able to connect and
demonstrate, through drumming, what a healthy
sense of community looks like and the ways we
can support each other in a classroom community.
The way that she channels heavy issues/topics
into drumming is amazing! Gaylene provides an
outlet for students to discuss issues such as
bullying and peer pressure while feeling safe in a
group setting. My students and I look forward to
our sessions together.
Mrs. Deedee Roberts, St. John School
We are so fortunate to have had Gaylene come
into our class to introduce the drumming circle.
Gaylene is a kind, compassionate soul who shares
her stories and wisdom with the kids in a way that
really draws them in and allows them to reflect on
their own lives. She teaches students about
treating others in a respectful manner and about
respecting ourselves by living according to our
own rhythm and by living in harmony with others.
The experience of the drum circle is empowering,
engaging and unique. Every student and
classroom should have the opportunity to take part
in this positive experience. Thank you, Gaylene!
Mrs. Kerrie Thomas, St. Marguerite School

"Together we're bringing

back the village."

Gaylene Klatt
Phone: (306) 380-8078
Email: rhythm.rhyme.coalition@gmail.com
www.rhythmrhymecoalitionforyouth.weebly.com

The Rhythm

The Rhyme

The Coalition

Through
drumming
games
and
communication, we are able to open
dialogue and share our ideas on topics
such as the following:

I started writing poetry and short stories

at the age of ten. Little did I know back
then that it was the beginning of a life
long journey of writing that would become
my "go to" coping mechanism. By 21,
that passion evolved into songwriting. I
share my love for writing with students
and encourage them to use it as a way to
deal with negative emotions. Most young
people have found an artist with which
they connect with his/her music. I remind
them that the connection is because they
can relate to the emotion that inspired the
song.

This project would not be possible without the

generous support of the community through the
donation of money, services, and/or time:

Together we walk through the process of

writing a song. It's during that time that I
carefully
plant
seeds
of
creative
encouragement in the hearts and minds of
the students.

ARTISTIC CONTRIBUTIONS
Tabatha Mitchell
Chantelle Richard

Listening to the rhythms around us

Identifying

our

emotions

and

acknowledging how they affect us.

Exploring the expression of those

emotions through music

Identifying and building support

systems

Supporting others

Finding our unique identity while

remaining in harmony with our
community

"Every song began as an emotion."

THE STRUCTURE:
I deliver the program over a 3-week
period visiting the class once per week for
1.5 hour sessions. (Example: Thursdays
from 9:00 - 10:30)
Week One:

What are Rhythms?

Week Two:

Rhythms with Self

Week Three:

Rhythms with Others

DRUMS:
A Head of Time Hair Design
Les Wear (Village Auto Sales)
Vern's Husky
Linda Kolenosky
Michelle's Flowers
TJ's Pizza
YMCA
Saskatoon Police Service
RSB Logistic
Tomas the Cook Family Restaurant
The Scheduling Dept of Home Care

Rhonda Henry (In Memory of Brad Rudolph)

CASH DONATIONS
Val Mitchelmore
The Beattie/Mitchelmore Family
Heather Griffith
Nancy Julien
Deanna Wegwitz
Kristen Shymko
Tamara Day
Maria Ni Dhonnacha
Patti Zelizney
Cindy Smith
Margret Shepard
Rhonda Henry
Anonymous contributors