I can not think of a better place to start off How do you do it!?
“The Richard J. Kinsella Magnet School of Performing Arts provides all students the opportunity to develop their skills through the performing arts. Preschoolers and Kindergarten students utilize Reggio Emilia guiding principles. This philosophy integrates graphic arts as a means to develop a child socially, linguistically and cognitively through a broad variety of hands-on experiences. As the students transition into the upper grades, learning continues through the integration of the performing arts in content areas. All students can experience playing a musical instrument, creation through statecraft arts, and content learning via drama, dance, and movement. This process fosters student problem solving and critical thinking skills, and encourages individual learning so that students arrive at conclusion independently.”
Talk about a dream school. Ms. Nario and Ms. Waniewski’s drama classroom is the perfect setting for young creative minds to grow.
I was inspired by Kinsella’s students and staff. It was an amazing opportunity to be able to work with and observe educators who believe in hands on learning and the power of the arts.
Day 1
In the northeast Sarbucks is SO not Dunkin Donuts. On our way to work Jennifer drove through so we could grab some coffee (and a donut, how could I resist) before we started our day. I spent my morning admiring the school, observing Jennifer’s second grade drama class, and preparing for my first workshop to be done with fifth and sixth graders in the morning and with seventh and eighth graders in the afternoon. When I say I was admiring the school I mean my jaw was at the floor. Kinsella is a BEAUTIFUL school.
About nine seventh and eighth graders joined me for the first workshop. Because we had a smaller group, we were able to open up more. I was impressed with their ability to share personal stories with their peers (a great feat if you remember middle school). A few of the students mentioned that break dancing motivated them to get out of bed in the morning because practicing gave them confidence and moving their bodies made them feel good about themselves. Some discovered break dancing on the street while others watched you tube videos. If you have ever seen anyone break dance you may have also found yourself wondering how do they do that!? It really does inspire you to try to move your body! Check out the boys in the bottom left corner!
One of my favorite moments in the seventh and eighth grade workshop was when the students discussed the definition of inspiration. We agreed that when you see something inspiring, you feel it. Moments that are inspiring often take our breath away. Because these moments move something inside of us - they make us want to take action.
The fifth and sixth grade class was significantly more populated than the seventh and eighth. Because of the size of the class and quite possibly also the age, this class was more reserved in their responses. We were still able to get past our words and onto our feet to do some image work.
Each class was successful. We all left with an experience. It was a good day.
Day 2
September 11th began with an assembly of remembrance. Ms. Nario's drama students created a performance, That Day. They did an amazing job adapting their piece with the playing space they were given. Originally the assembly was supposed to be outside, but was moved into the cafeteria due to weather and the fact that the ballet was performing that day in their black box.
I taught my final workshop in Hartford that afternoon with another large group of fifth and sixth graders. I changed some of my activities as I went and took a few risks of my own to see if I could modify what I had done the other day. Trial and error. The students were truly outstanding and followed all of my instructions, but I was not as pleased with the outcome. It didn't make as much sense as my original plan. I strayed farther from my goal than I would have liked. I am thankful that I had an opportunity to explore with them - it cleared up a few things for me and no harm was done in the process.
Thank you Hartford! Next stop NYC for the weekend.
The Hartford stop sounds like it was a great way to start off the WIA Tour (seriously, feel free to use that. Please.). Those smaller groups will certainly be more receptive to talking about their inspirations.
ReplyDeleteI hope you continue to explore different variations of your activities to make for the best experience with your students.
Also, is there a way for us to see the larger versions of the pictures? Not sure if it's something I'm doing.....or not doing.
-SPD
I will try to re-post with larger pictures -I realized my mistake right after I posted.
ReplyDeleteThis is so wonderful, thank you! Can't wait to hear/read more!!!!
ReplyDeleteSending lots of love and support your way!!
-Jennifer (AKA Ms. Nario)
im a little late on the uptake.. BUT
ReplyDeleterachel,
this BLOG was inspiring to me! i got chills just reading about the workshop! what a seriously wonderful idea! how important it is for us to realize why we wake up everyday and what we appreciate that makes us want to live! i cannot wait to collaborate ! :) hope you are well.
scott b