Week 6

Classical Indian

Since the 4th grade curriculum focuses on Utah history, I have been teaching the students about the Utah pioneers, and dances they would have done. Today I expanded  on the topic of pioneers, and was able to teach the students about pioneers in other countries. Mrs. Gandara hoped that I could teach about other cultures. I immediately thought of Classical Indian dance, because of the intricate hand and eye gestures that are an important part of this dance form, and which are also very different from western dance. I was able to borrow an Indian costume from BYU to use as a visual to get  their attention. The children loved it! It was interesting for me to experience the power that a visual has to increase learning. The students interest was caught, and they were so interested in learning about the costume and culture that there was no need to spend time asking for their attention and waiting for them to quiet down.  I was able to share facts about the bindi and how it symbolizes a third eye.  They were all fascinated as they found ways to dance with their eyes. The subtle movement of classical indian had their full concentration as they isolated their head into a head bobble while moving their eyes and hands.  After they learned the dance they all asked if I would put on the costume and dance for them. I loved seeing how eager they were to see more and learn more about this culture. It really taught me that when one teaches, it’s important to plant a desire to learn in the students, or they won’t absorb the information.  This was a great lesson for me, and for my next lesson I’ll be looking for ways to help them find a desire and interest while I teach. 

Week 5

Finger Polka and Jelly Fish Dance

My goal for the fourth grade students this week was to set them in a new formation; the circle. I chose a simple dance so the students wouldn’t become too confused with the different set up. I was pleased with how well the class handled the circle formation! Mrs. Gandara had given me some teaching tips for her class, and I was able to practice using several new strategies. To help regain attention and reset the student’s minds I would have them sit down when I gave them instruction, then stand back up and apply what I just said instead of trying to talk over them when they are still thinking about the new movement. I also found it very effective to choose frequent helpers- students who are being quiet and respectful. That always gets their attention and the whole class becomes fantastically well behaved for those few moments. Because the class learned the first dance so well, we had time to calm down with the Jelly Fish Dance. This simple dance allows the students to follow along and copy slow repetitive movements with breath. This was a nice place to end, and calmed the students down before they went back to their room to take a test.