TEACHING DANCE

This past week in class we learned many fun and creative ways to teach dance in an elementary school setting. I really enjoyed this experience because it got me thinking about dancing differently. I am a dancer, and have been dancing for about 9 years. These activities really allowed me to see how you can use dance for children who maybe aren't comfortable dancing. Many children, especially the younger ages, have not been exposed to dance. These activities get their blood flowing and their brains thinking. The approach in adding dance to the elementary classroom is much different than that of a studio. It has very much to do with creating an open learning environment for your students. Implementing the arts and dance allows for students to express themselves, communicate with one another and be open to new experiences. Dance in elementary schools isn't about technique like it would be in a studio. It's about bringing your students together and providing them a new way of learning and growing. I will definitely use dancing in my future classroom because I think it is extremely beneficial. I enjoyed it so much and I know those little children would love it as well.

Teaching Drama and Story

The past few weeks in class we have been focusing on incorporating drama with our lesson plans. I have had so much fun the past few weeks learning about different games you could play with your class. I honestly had no idea that you could have so much fun with drama in a classroom setting. Before the past few weeks, I definately didn't think you could really incorporate drama into school other than a school play. I used to think drama was only for.. the dramatic people! :)
I never realized how many wonderful things drama can teach. Drama is an excellent way to break up cliche's in the classroom. It is also a wonderful way to get your students involved in communication. Communication is KEY to relationship!! If you want your class to get along and have good chemistry, get them communicating. Drama also allows for expression and allows personalities to shine through! I definitely enjoyed seeing this in our own class. The activities really helped loosen me and lighten the mood. It was nice when that happened because then everyone in our cohort was able to just be themselves. That type of relaxation will be invaluable in the classroom.
I will without a doubt incorporate drama into my future classroom, because of the positive experience i've had in this course.

With, In & Through the Arts: Blog # 1

To teach with, in and through the arts you have to incorporate different levels of the arts to qualify for each one. Each has a different meaning in which the level of arts is incorporated. Lower grade teachers, teach with the arts every single day. When they have their kindergartners or first graders color a work sheet, that is considered teaching with the arts. Teaching in the arts is a bit different. In order for this to take place a teacher must take this integration to the next level. When teachers plan with arts specialists to teach about the arts, that is when such integration takes place. Teaching in the arts is more meaningful than merely teaching with the arts. It is teaching your students about art. Lastly, we have teaching through the arts. This is the most full integration of the arts that a classroom can hope to have. This type of teaching involves a complete environment change. This includes having an asthetically pleasing classroom while using the arts not only to supplement each lesson but also as the core unit of many lessons. In this type of classroom everywhere you look you can learn from art. I feel that these types of instruction with the arts incorporated heavily are so important. Children can relate to arts and it makes for an enriching experience while they are learning something new. Art often times acts as an ice breaker, or a scaffold to connect old to new material. I am so excited to learn more about arts integration and how to successfully use these methods in my future classroom.