How Do You Do It - Hartford, CT

Richard J. Kinsella Magnet School of Performing Arts

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.

SO much space!

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.

Home Is Where the Hero Is

Today I took a break from school and met with my friends Dean and Kyle who live in Connecticut. It was wonderful to see them after being apart for so long. As we caught up, we shared stories about the challenges of relationships (especially long distance ones), unexpected occurrences, job searches, and life post graduation.

Our conversation got me thinking. All three of us ended up living at home after our time at NYU. Where some would consider going backwards after a large step such as college a negative movement, we considered it a positive. Going back made us stronger. We are lucky that we were able to go home before heading out into the ‘real world’. We talked about how nice it was to be able to bond with our families as adults. The time we had to observe our parents as workers and partners rather than just mom and dad was time well spent. Hopefully they appreciated our company just as much =)

When I was at Kinsella working with the fifth and sixth graders I had them share stories about someone who inspired them, all but two out of twenty mentioned a family member. It made me feel good to know that so many children have positive role models in their homes. It warmed my heart. Every family is unique (which you know if you are like me and addicted to the TV show Wife Swap) and I enjoyed hearing their stories. Hopefully at least one student went home and told their family member how important they are to them.

Has anyone in your family inspired you? How? What did they inspire you to do?

How do your family members motivate you?