What I Learned

This entire Arts Bridge program has been a learning and growing experience for me. I gained an added confidence in my teaching skills and I learned what students really are capable of. I think the most meaningful thing my teacher told me was that she never thought her sixth graders would ever feel confident in their bodies like they did during our dance class. I loved seeing the joy in the students' faces as they were creating, working together, performing, and responding to things they saw in their peers. Here are a couple sample clips of one lesson we had about the changing seasons/energy qualities.



Spring Creek 1 from Kamarie Fernandes on Vimeo.
Spring Creek 2 from Kamarie Fernandes on Vimeo.

Architecture

Last week was our last lesson with the greeks. We learned a "Parthenon Dance" and then they created their own architectural dance based on buildings they created themselves. The lesson for dance that day was pathways and directions. Our "map" was a very professional drawing (I hope the sarcasm is seeping through) of a parthenon. Once they saw their map, they were able to use their own creative choice to move wherever they wanted rather than moving exactly where I told them.
I felt that it was a successful lesson, I just wish I had more time at the end to review what we had done that day. The lesson took quite a bit longer than I had expected, but I feel like the time was well used. I hope they enjoyed it as much as I did!
I don't meet with them again until the beginning of March when we begin our lessons about the seasons!

Greek Religion and Mythology

Today in class we learned not only about Greek Religion and Mythology, but also about axial and locomotor movement. It seemed like the students immediately understood the difference between the two and were making connections to things they know about in their lives. At the end, Mrs. Bringhurst even asked them what kind of movement they do in The Brain Dance (I had no idea they were doing that!), and they immediately knew the answer.
The most fun part abut today was watching what the students created. We were creating movement (axial and locomotor) that showed either a trait or a story of a Greek god or goddess. There were groups of four or five students who created movement based on a god of their choosing, then the class had to identify which god/goddess/story they were showing. I am continually impressed with how creative these students are and love watching them become more comfortable in their body. I am also impressed with how much they remember. I asked what they remembered from last class, and almost everyone shot their hand up to answer. Hopefully we can keep that same excitement for the rest of our ArtsBridge lessons!

The Greeks

Well, today was my first session at Spring Creek and I have to admit, I was quite nervous. From what Lisa told me about her students, and everyone's reaction after I told them I am teaching 6th grade, my nerves were flying! That having said, today exceeded expectations beyond belief!
Our lesson was on the Greeks and the origin and influence of the Olympic Games. The students created their own Olympic events and they were so willing to to do anything I instructed. Even from the beginning of class to the end, the students had an amazing transformation. They opened up and were so energized by the end of class.  I greatly underestimated how creative and intelligent these students are and I am so excited to teach the next session!