Hello!
I've created this blog in order to record my experience as an ArtsBridge scholar for Winter 2011. This is going to be an amazing experience and I've basically been tickled pink ever since I was accepted. I can't wait to get started and am so excited about what lays ahead of me through this program.
So, here's some foundational information . . .
The ArtsBridge Teaching Initiative follows the model from ArtsBridge America, a national network of similar programs at 22 universities throughout the United States. In this program, BYU students, art scholars, majoring in an area of fine arts: visual arts, music, dance, drama, or media arts teach collaboratively with an elementary classroom teacher who has an interest in and commitment to implementing and integrating arts education.
The Goals of the ArtsBridge Program:
- Classroom teachers will learn how to better implement an art form (dance, drama, music, visual arts, media arts) using student arts specialists.
- BYU Art Scholars will benefit from classroom teacher expertise in classroom management, child development and student rapport.
- Children will receive a quality arts experience they will remember for years to come.
Now, you're probably not sure if dance really works in a classroom. What is the point? How does it help? Don't the students think it's weird?
Let me assure you, we could talk about this for a while. I've seen what dance can do for students and I am a true believer. Dance can help students develop appropriate emotional and self-expression, discipline, body awareness, problem-solving, creativity, cooperation and social skills, commitment, and concentration. It is another vehicle that can enforce regular curriculum and allow students to move to explore and learn.
In fact, there is a national set of standards for dance in the public system:
- Identify and demonstrate movement elements and skills in performing dance
- Understand choreographic principles, processes, and structures
- Understand dance as a way to create and communicate meaning
- Apply and demonstrate critical and creative thinking skills
- Demonstrate and understand dance in various cultures and historical periods
- Make connection between dance and healthful living
- Make connection between dance and other disciplines
Unfortunately, the way the schooling system works, arts are often the first to get cut and those who understand the power of the arts find themselves in some sort of battle in trying to prove that they should be viewed as indispensable. So, I don't really want to sit here and try and convince you with words - this program will speak for itself. If you still need convincing, stay tuned!
Last, but certainly not least:
I have been assigned to work with Mrs. Coral Lee Findlay, a second grade teacher at Foothills Elementary. We've met once and I already have a lot of respect for her - I look forward to working with her and her wonderful class (I am so stoked to meet them!) Together, we'll build a solid bridge to the arts. We are going to teach creative dance lessons that cross-over to the second grade curriculum in Social Studies, Math, Science, and Language Arts. I'll be regularly posting with updates after each lesson, thoughts, ideas, reflections and resources.
For more information, visit http://education.byu.edu/arts/arts_bridge
Wish me luck! I have no doubts that what lies ahead will be amazing . . .
