Last Friday I observed an intermediate class with the intent of watching a teacher who has mastered referent behaviour management and differentiated instruction. Well I got a lot more than I had bargained for!! This teacher also has mastered the integration of the fine arts. The beauty of it is that his curriculum uses the fine arts to build a community where respect, risk taking, and collaborative problem solving are valued.
In Oct. and Nov. the class works together to research, write a play (committee does the script), select music and props, rehearse, and choreograph dances for a class play that is presented to their family and friends at the end of Feb. During this process each child gets to choose a role that meets their strengths or comfort level - from a lead role, to a group routine, to behind the scenes (music or lights).
From Dec.-Jan. the play is left to simmer: it has served its primary role of building the classroom community. The play itself is an added bonus that the students' family and friends will enjoy. (Three weeks before showtime, the rehearsing starts again.)
My first thoughts were WOW. But where to start... The teacher explained that this project is years in the making (he's been teaching 29 years.) Fortunately he suggested smaller projects that a new teacher could start with. I think it is well worth MY growing pains though. The children in this class felt valued and respected. Naturally this spills into their holistic development!
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4 comments:
I think I've been in this classroom! - during our first year observation rotations. I had the same reaction: WOW. I would really love to see the final product! It would be fabulous to see how proud the students are of their project as they celebrate it with their families on the performance night!
That sounds like a great experience you had Nicola. I am sure that teacher has many great pointers. It is heartening to see that some teachers have found a way to meaninfully integrate the arts.
When these inspired teachers retire, our cohort will have large shoes to fill eh.
You will grow into those shoes!! Lots of older teachers envy your energy and enthusiasm. And its wonderful that people like this teacher are willing to have classroom visitors and help you see where to start. I wonder, Nicola, if when we see each other in person you could mention this teacher's name to me. I would like to talk to him about being a guest in our class next year...or even observing his teaching myself.
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