What do you get when you combine sports, music and choreography? A collaborative effort that is meeting with tremendous enthusiasm among students, parents and teachers at
Jacksonville Beach Elementary. Physical education Instructor Jamie Benson and music education teacher Tracey Morris have joined forces to teach rhythm and music education to their kindergarten through fifth-graders.
"I initially developed the concept while teaching a May Day theme in a much smaller school setting," explained Coach Benson.
Resource teachers at Jacksonville Beach Elementary have always integrated classroom standards into their lessons. However, a recent focus in professional development sessions has explored methods for integrating their standards into comprehensive themes that intrigue and challenge the learner.
Coach Benson added, "Tracey Morris and I noticed that both music and physical education standards included rhythm and movement components."
After numerous planning sessions, they developed an integrated curriculum for each grade level: kindergarten and first grade – rhythm basics; second and third grades – group dances; fourth grade – basketball choreography; and fifth grade – Latin dance.
"We have exceptionally talented and interested learners at our school," said Morris. "It's a great opportunity to capitalize upon the strengths and interest of our classes while encouraging them to see how disciplines can interact with one another. The concept also fits nicely with this year's theme at Jacksonville Beach Elementary, The Symphony of Learning."
Other resource teachers are now eager to implement collaborative efforts, and the entire school community looks forward to participating.
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