Today I taught my 2nd graders for the last time. I did a literature lesson with them using the book Starry Safari by Linda Ashman. As I read the book to them we stopped to dance some of the action loaded words that we found. One of the great things about this lesson was that the students learned some new words like sturdy, herd, and wallow. When I asked them if they knew what these words meant they came up with rhyming words but most didn’t have an understanding of the meaning. After learning the definition and then physically moving it, I think these students will better remember these new vocabulary words. The students danced a lot today and I could tell that they loved it. I was having fun as the teacher and I could feel the fun energy from them.
At the end of class I asked them to tell me some things they learned from dance this semester. Many of them mentioned some of the dance elements or terms, but I was really impressed by one boy who said that dance taught him that he could have fun and learn at the same time. Another boy with today’s lesson in mind asked if he could read the dictionary and dance the words in it like we did today. Another girl told me she taught her cousins the locomotor steps. I have wondered about my influence and if I have done any good teaching dance to these students, but today it was clear that even this short time with one second grade class has made a difference. They experienced the power of learning through the arts and it will always be a part of who they are, and I hope many of them will continue to explore the arts and share with others like the girl who taught her cousins.
This experience with Arts Bridge has had its challenges for sure, but I am grateful for the experience. Every day teaching children is an adventure. As much as you prepare, things always turn out a bit different than you expect. Some lessons go fabulously and some don’t. One thing I have learned is that I need to keep my expectations high but give students sufficient structure to reach the desired objectives. Also, I need to really see the students and see what they need. It takes a keen sense of discernment as well as experience to know in the moment how best to teach individuals within a classroom setting. I have a long way to go, but this will come in time.
My message to whoever is reading this blog is that dance is a powerful tool for learning and I hope that you will continue to support arts in education. Thank you to those who do and to those who specifically supported this program.
