Storytelling Residency: Charlotte Blake Alston
Master storyteller, singer, and musician, Charlotte Blake Alston visited Mrs. Babbitt's and Ms. Brown's 4th grade classrooms. The students were amazed and entertained by the oral tradition of storytelling. The students were engaged as they clapped, sang, and even helped tell a legend! They were very intrigued to learn about interesting African instruments such as the djembe drum and the 21-string kora.
Click HERE to watch Charlotte Blake Alston working with Ms. Brown's 4th grade class.
Song Writing Residency:
Click HERE to watch a short video
Happendance
Students from Ms. Kane's 3rd grade class had the opportunity to learn about movement and dance with Happendance founder, Diane Newman. Ms. Newman is a veteran arts educator in the Lansing area, teaching dance at Happendance Studio in Okemos. The students were introduced to the use of basic elements of dance applied to standards-based dance and movement activities. The workshop is offered through the Ingham ISD and focuses on “creative thinking, kinesthetic awareness, interdisciplinary learning, physical activity and fun” as described on the IISD website under Arts Education. Ms. Newman took the students through a series dance and movement exercises. The students (and teachers!) enjoyed themselves thoroughly and learned a new means of expression in the process. Ms. Newman is a dynamic educator and the students were engaged throughout the workshop. Happendance is a well-respected “treasure” in the area and GIS students benefited from Ms. Newman’s expertise.