My students need ribbon wands, scarves, rhythm sticks, batons, and instructional guides to spice up our activities in writing, literature, and music appreciation.
As well as being a teacher to my students, I also happen to be a ballet dancer who can play the piano. As such, I see the exciting possibilities that I can make available to my students who need opportunities to explore creative and critical thinking through the performing arts, especially dance and music.
I teach in a school where the student population is linguistically and culturally diverse, and which services a community with families from all over the world.
This year I have 20 bright and enthusiastic second graders in my class, each one of them with unique abilities and talents. I find that using the arts is such an exciting and engaging way to channel their abilities, and to reach those learners who may have difficulties with reading and language or grasping math concepts. I am often touched by the level of care and kindness with which all my students help each other in our quest to learn. It comes as no surprise that these children absolutely love the arts. When I introduce a painting project or play music for them on the piano, I can see their heightened interest and excitement.
My Project
I intend to use the ribbon wands, scarves, rhythm sticks, batons, and instructional books as creative tools for movement, composing music, and supporting strategies for literacy. Many of the lessons I plan to teach can be integrated with writing and storytelling activities. No matter what their language ability, students will be able to listen to a piece of music and articulate the feeling, mood, or idea behind it using these tools. For example, one activity involves having my students listen to a section of Peter Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker," and, using the ribbon wands, create a dance that visually conveys the rondo (musical) form of the piece. The rhythm sticks will be fantastic for helping the children practice syllabication of words as we learn new vocabulary, recite poetry, repeat instructions, sing from a variety of cultures, and play rhythm games during brain breaks and our morning meetings. I also hope to use the ribbon wands in our school's annual spring dance festival for a culminating performance at the end of the school year. These activities are highly participatory, strengthen active listening, develop physical fitness, gross motor skills, and coordination, and build community through teamwork.
Children need to move!
I want much more than have my students sit at their desks for long periods of time while I teach. Music and dance are engaging channels through which my students can access the curriculum in ways that can be fun and non-threatening. Using rhythm sticks, scarves, ribbons, and music instruments allows them to focus their creative energy in ways that are highly participatory, strengthen active listening, provide opportunities for physical exercise, and build community by having children work together.
Sportime 1478836 Plastic Beginner Relay Baton Set, 11-1/2", Assorted Colors (Pack of 6)
• Amazon Business
$10.56
4
$42.24
Play Scarves + Storage Bag for Easy Clean Up : Perfect for Kids Pretend and Creative Play , Dress Up and Childhood Fun , 35" Large Bundle of 6 Bright Colored Silks by Simply Sweet Fabric
• Amazon Business
$25.97
1
$25.97
Rosewood Claves
• Woodwind and Brasswind
$18.40
1
$18.40
Conducting Batons
• Woodwind and Brasswind
$14.99
1
$14.99
Materials cost
$400.98
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$36.69
3rd party payment processing fee
$6.01
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$473.68
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$83.59
Total project goal
$557.27
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$557.27
11 Donors
-$523.80
Donations toward project cost
-$467.73
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$56.07
match offer
-$7.00
Match offer toward project cost
-$5.95
Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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. Long and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
