In thanks to a mini-grant from WV Arts and Culture, a unique movement and literacy opportunity will be premiering THIS week at a local elementary school.
Jill Warren, a dance educator based out of Wheeling, WV, has partnered with Steenrod Elementary School to offer “Dancing through Literacy.” Students in grades K-2 worked with Ms. Jill to select a children’s book, and for the last month, Ms. Jill has visited Steenrod weekly to choreograph movement to the book while working through the comprehension pieces of reading as well. “Providing creative dance classes that incorporate academic content offers an additional method of learning. Classes like these allow students to explore and express their interpretation of various concepts, while also encouraging critical thinking and problem solving,” states Warren.
Students are preparing to perform their pieces for their families beginning today, Monday, 4/7, with 2nd grade taking the stage first. Kindergarten and 1st grade are scheduled to perform next Wednesday, 4/9. “The students are understanding words in a different way. I recently had a teacher tell me a 1st grader correctly used the word ‘transform’ and ‘metamorphosis’ correctly in a sentence,” states Warren.
Kindergarten will be performing “The Giving Tree,” 1st grade will be performing “The Very Impatient Caterpillar,” and 2nd grade will be performing “It Starts with a ‘B.’”
Opportunities that allow children to combine physical movement, arts, and academics address a variety of learning styles, and we look forward to seeing our little Steenrod Elementary Cardinals in action!
Thank you Ms. Jill! Check out our stories to see some movement in action!
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