can ‘do’ Social Studies in class rather than
simply memorize timelines. Science should
be experiential from kindergarten onward
and involve all of the senses. Overall, all of
the subjects can crossover nicely with the
arts and languages.
My Early Experience with
Creative Education
I remember my early teaching days when
I was asked to be a tutor for one student.
I was warned before the start of class that
this student was bad, couldn’t keep still and
never concentrated on his work. When he
arrived and I was introducing myself to him
I noticed that his brown eyes darted back
and forth while his body continually
swayed in a rhythmic sort of motion.
The teacher quickly grabbed his arm
motioning him to stand to attention.
As I introduced myself to him I asked,
“Are you a dancer by any chance?”The
little boy’s eyes lit up and as he told
me that he was a traditional dancer
and practiced 3-4 times per week.
From my studies I was learning
that the arts could be used as a suc-
cessful and enjoyable teaching tool
for students in reading specifically
and many other school subjects across
various levels. So for that class period
we used rhythm and feet motions to
guide this student towards a better
understanding of literacy. He wasn’t
bad or unable to concentrate. He
was a kinesthetic learner and sadly
the neatly arranged desks and quiet
classroom were not able to support his
learning needs.
A Unique Education
Perhaps there are many students like
him who are labeled as ‘bad,’‘overly
energetic’ or problem students. These
children, like all children have a
unique potential that can be support-
ed through creative learning. Perhaps
in this way, Dewey’s words will not be
lost and the needs of the twenty-first
century will be met. There is a positive
relationship between children’s in-
volvement in the arts and their ability
to liberate themselves towards being
successful citizens in the classroom
and the community. By providing
our children with the opportunity to
experience learning with all of their
senses we are in fact allowing many
types of learners a better chance at
succeeding.
ALL NATURAL
HARNEY & SONS
ORGANICS
available in stores and
online at coffeeshop.bm
and 10 Harvey Road, Paget
236.3388
PHOTO BY SACHA BLACKBURNE
www.bermudaparent.bm
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