SLICE 2014 - 27 of 31 The Arts...

Today, I had the pleasure of watching our fifth graders practice a performance they had put together to share with their families this evening.  Bringing all four classes together for just the second time had some kinks to work through.  That's part of the learning process and preparation for sharing.  I was then blessed to watch the fifth graders tonight and WOWZA, what a difference.  

There's something to be said for watching students share what they have learned and enjoyed creating.  Our music teacher guided each class in writing their own music for drums and xylophones.  She then had each class put together small skits that had an overarching idea.  That takes energy, coordination, and patience.  They had visuals projected on a screen and video of their classroom learning playing while each class transitioned.  She worked with our art teacher to create some props and tie in to an art them with student created Picasso like pieces part of the storyline.  Through art the students thought about color and emotions they wanted to portray.  I'm so pleased it went well for these two staff members and only hope parents understand or think about the thinking and labor that went into planning this.

As a parent, I was reminded throughout the show how important the arts are for many students.  It takes courage to speak and perform in front of others.  Some students are musically inclined.  This type of performance tonight was all about engagement and creativity.  Two big motivators for learning.  I watched my own daughter in a small skit with a good amount of speaking parts.  She projected her voice with such confidence and looked like a natural on that stage.   I wish events like this weren't just once a year.  I am happy she has the opportunity to have music twice a week and then art for a longer chunk of time, once a week.  It also justified using more music and art in my own classroom.  What a fun way to spend my Thursday night.