Picturing America and I Am Moving, I am Learning.
Yippee-ky-yi-yea! Head Start preschoolers are moving and staying warm this winter country-style, by learning how to make and move to country music! They've been yee-hawing and having a grand ole time doing so. Where did this all start from?
Using Picturing America and I Am Moving, I Am Learning, Head Start teachers provide opportunities for children and families to gain a deeper understanding and cultural awareness of American Art and America Art History. Connecting art to real life experiences provides opportunities to integrate rich, meaningful art viewing as well daily movement as a regular ingredient of young children’s experiences in the Head Start classrooms.
How is this done? After introducing the art, two simple questions are asked thus beginning the scaffolding process of the art and movement experiences. The questions are, “I was thinking”, “I was wondering”. Viewing the piece of art named, The Sources of Country Music, 1975 by Thomas Hart Benton inspired teachers and managers at the Joel Peckham site in Middletown to teach children about country music, life in the old West and the best parts, country music instruments and square dancing movements! At the culmination of this learning experience the children will watch professional square dancers during a "Snowman Hoedown" (December 20th @11AM). Each class will demonstrate and incorporate multisensory exploration of art, history and movement in a fun way for their families and create some country winter crafts. The proactive approach for addressing childhood obesity in Head Start children is an initiative called I am moving, I am learning. By moving and grooving to the sounds of country music, thus helps children and adults to increase physical activity, to achieve successful outcomes for children, staff, parents, and communities all while have FUN. The pictures also inspired the students to create their own country-themed artwork, including one of a man riding a cow (a true cowboy!). The infusion of children’s' country music CDs in the classroom also leads to motivation to get up and dance, and everyone can benefit from a little more positive movement in their life these days!
Melding Picturing America and I am moving, I am learning has enabled education staff to design experiences for children to respond to questions, and ask and formulate their own question, practice new language and vocabulary and develop competence in movement skills, and make fitness a by-product of play. Intentionally facilitating movement experiences helps to integrate movement into daily activities to support the different domains and elements of the child outcomes framework. Other skills gained include developing social skills, creating their own art and engaging in dramatic play and movement. When children are engaged in creative arts experiences, it provides the scaffolding necessary to motivate learning and development across all domains.
So grab your Hat and put on your boots, we’re ready to move, scoot, and have fun. When families and schools work together, student outcomes are enhanced.
Lori
PAST EVENTS
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Middletown Pre School
Greenwood Rehab
Cranston West High
IGO SCHOOL
COVENTRY SENIOR CENTER
Fall Demo's
Coventry Library
Autoparts International
Parade
Waterview Villa
Academy Players
West Warwick Senior Center
Edward King House
West Warwick Workshop
West Warwick Demo
The Sal Macini Senior Center
The Lighting of the Christmas Tree
The Taylor Elementary School
The Coventry Senior Center
The John Brown Frances School