Faith’s Teaching Statement
As a dance teacher, I want to inspire my students to be 1% better than they were the day before. Dance is a great way for children to get involved with their peers and move their bodies to find their own artistic movement. Students are encouraged to try new things and be better than they were in the previous class. They will be encouraged by their teacher and peers when learning with a classroom culture that is full of support, encouragement, and empowerment. Classes are structured so that students can remember sequences and develop their skills well. Dancers will grow socially, emotionally, mentally, and develop life skills. Through dance students will grow the skills needed to become a successful adult as well as finding an outlet in their own style to move in.
I encourage students to be hungry to learn more and ask questions. All students learn in different ways, which is why I employ multiple methods of learning in the classroom. When teaching a new movement I first tell them what it is, then I show them, and then I have them try it themselves. We test these new skills by incorporating them into a combination. The movement is reviewed on a weekly basis to ensure they understand it, then finally they perform it in front of their peers.
My class culture is one of support, encouragement, and empowerment. My students are supported in their individual learning styles and receive new material without the fear of failure or expectation of perfection. Students are encouraged by myself and their peers as they learn and grow as dancers; this happens with words of encouragement, high fives, and gentle pushes to be their best. My students are empowered to make movements their own and feel confident in their bodies; they learn that everyone has different strengths and weaknesses. Students are encouraged when they mess up in class and are taught not to be afraid to make mistakes. Trying new movements and performing is always applauded.
Classes have a repeated structure that students can remember and feel confident in. Class begins with a quick aerobic exercise followed by Brain Dance which will prepare their bodies for movement. Brain Dance is a movement series that incorporates the developmental patterns of movement that every human goes through from baby to adult. It helps increase blood flow and oxygen to the respiratory system and brain which in turn helps students to focus and give their full attention in class. Next, the students will be introduced to a new concept that they try by drawing, watching, listening or using their bodies. Students will be able to put these new concepts into practice as we create sequences, play games and create. Students review weekly what they have learned and will build an understanding of how to move more intricately as they advance. Dancers will be able to create their own short choreography pieces in class using the concepts they have learned. The class concludes with a cool down and review of new concepts learned that day.
Through dance, students will grow socially, emotionally and mentally, all while developing life skills. Social skills are developed through partnered work as well as through small groups and leadership roles in the classroom. These skills are grown and tested when students generate original creative sequences and teach and learn choreography. Students learn emotional skills by controlling and displaying emotion in performance and in everyday classroom structure. They will learn how to be confident in their abilities and bodies as well as encourage others. Students expand their mental abilities while being creative and developing their own skill set. Students learn life skills such as creative problem-solving, how to work as a team effectively, and fine-tune their motor skill functions.
