This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
My Students
62 zombies revealed something important. It was during the rehearsals for our assembly production of Michael Jackson's THRILLER, that I noted that most of our lead dancers were students who struggled with Attention Deficit Disorder and other focusing issues. Dancing made a difference.
I noticed that my zombie dancing students were much more focused than usual during the following day in the classroom.
They also seemed happier and more engaged with the curriculum and with their peers. Kids with ADD and focusing problems are constantly being redirected by teachers, and often engage in negative peer interactions. During after-school hours, dance rehearsals in the classroom allowed for a positive association with the classroom and with peers, and a feeling of success. These students were able to hyper-focus on the dancing - both the creative and physical aspects - and collaborate on the choreography. Research has pointed out that many people with ADD are inclined toward the arts, and that exercise is beneficial. My school is a public elementary school on Chicago's Southwest Side. Our art and music programs were recently cut. It is crucial that the arts are preserved in our school, particularly for the students who need a creative and physical outlet the most.
My Project
I aim to create an after-school dance club, FOCAL POINTE, for students with ADD and other focusing issues. The club will involve student-generated choreography, rehearsal, performance, and freestyling. The club will be structured enough to allow for productivity and success, while spontaneous enough to allow for creativity and inspiration. I am requesting high quality speakers so that the music will be loud and rich, providing the stimulus to inspire their dance moves. I also know a designer who will visit and help students to design and create dance troupe t-shirts at no cost. The troupe will include students in grades 4-6 to promote cross-age interactions. Our troupe will perform at the school assembly, but mostly focus on the value of the rehearsal itself. Through this highly stimulating activity, students will learn the value of concentration, discipline, exercise, expression, and collaboration, and will build positive peer interactions and self esteem.
Many students at my school used to count the minutes before they'd have their chance to feel the syncopation of the djembe drum in music class, or the tactile comfort of a colored pencil journeying across paper.
They will be devastated to realize that those classes no longer exist. The arts are crucial for elementary aged children, particularly for those who do not fare well academically due to learning disabilities and focusing issues. Focal Pointe dance troupe can provide an outlet for them.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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