Our budding, little Mozartians range from very low to middle-income families with many homeless students. I service students in two schools from different ethnic backgrounds, some who are autistic and deaf, some with special learning deficits such as ADHD, in addition to just your normal, average run of the mill child. As their music teacher, I'm always figuring out ways to lead them through "the mystery of creating artistry" adding joy full of surprises. Students come away dancing and singing and moving to music understanding phrasing while experiencing the physics and timing behind it. Believe me, their beat work causes them to break a sweat as they use their minds to expand, and their focus to really feel the music!
"You don't get harmony when everybody sings the same note." - Doug Floyd
While there is more than one note in every chord, we likewise need varying experiences in every field for mastering our minds and bodies in unique and challenging ways. This project is one way for students to learn to master aural and literary skills through the joy of musical imagination while fostering love and care for the animals around them, and each other.
My Project
As a published researcher of the effects of music on students with all kinds of limitations and learning disabilities (including ADD and ADHD), I quickly learned the powerful aid that music is for children. It gives them an outlet that allows for unique expression and quiets their ever-firing brains.
I am excited to present music stands for student desks where they learn their music to express the love of each animal who needs a home.
Puppets will show the ecosystem in musical drama combining wonderful illustrations and story telling about what really happens in the wild... and what could happen if we all supported the needs of those around us. From the far reaching sights of the universe to the very Mother Earth, students will learn to grasp the vast reaches of compassion from the largest to the tiniest of creatures while exploring "survival of the fittest." Colorful plates will be used to represent the planets and house puppet bugs and animals. Fans will represent the gardens and flowers many bugs and animals hide in when they are searching for a home. "Fur"ocious animal puppets will educate students about the kindlier consequences when compassion is their fate over being attacked! Students will use drums, xylophones, and boomwackers to bring each puppet to life through textures and sounds representing each character and the challenges they face. Students will mix and arrange differing sounds to create songs and choruses suitable for creative dance in their stories. Songbook arrangements for ensemble will provide a backdrop that will enhance the growth and expand the depth of each child as they learn to care for one another and all of their furry friends who struggle to survive in life.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Coleman and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
