My students need music and dance materials such as wrist ribbons, a parachute, a bell set, dance scarves and two books to teach them the activities.
FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Long's classroom raised $561
This project is fully funded
My Students
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 arts, especially dance and music.
I teach in a school where the student population is culturally and linguistically diverse, and which services a community that includes families from all over the world.
This year I have 21 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 wrist ribbons, play scarves, parachute, bell set, and instructional books as creative tools for movement and composing music. Many of the lessons I plan to teach can also be integrated 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 Camille Saint-Saens' "Carnival of the Animals," and, using the scarves, create a dance that conveys the idea of fish gently gliding through the water. Another lesson I hope to teach has us listen to Carl Orff's "Primo Vere: Ecce Gratum," and manipulate scarves to express the musical phrasing of the piece. The bell set can be used to set poetry written by students to music. These activities are highly participatory, strengthen active listening, develop gross motor skills, and build community through teamwork.
I want my students to do much more than sit for long periods of time at their desks while I teach.
Children need to move! Music and dance are engaging channels through which my students can access the curriculum in ways that can be fun and non-threatening. Using scarves, ribbons, and music instruments will allow them to focus their creative energy in ways that are highly participatory, strengthen active listening, develop gross motor skills, and build community by having children work together.
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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. Long and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
