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. Wednesday, December 14, 2016
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.
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. 
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I absolutely LOVE the way you connect dance with the history and background of different cultures. It's like teaching them history and dance at the same time. I can tell that they are learning a lot and seem to be loving what you do! Great work :)
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