Dance steps to literacy Winding Springs teacher combines academic and dance to help students succeed
Megan Zugelder has always been a dancer . She danced throughout her own school years , even danced professionally for Team USA . She followed her other passion , early childhood education , and became a literacy teacher at Winding Springs Elementary . But she missed dancing .
“ I loved teaching but there was just a huge piece of me missing ,” said Zugelder . “ I missed dancing .”
Zugelder began to include more dancing in her classroom and realized how much her students benefitted from it . She approached her principal five years ago about creating a dance program that incorporated literacy .
Today , Zugelder teaches dance to more than 1,000 Winding Springs students every week . Every student from kindergarten through fifth grade comes to Mrs . Zugelder ’ s class to dance as one of their special electives classes .
She teachers 43 dance classes every six days . She also leads the school ’ s competitive dance team , a separate program . Zugelder says the benefits for students range from health to learning .
“ They ’ re getting the opportunity for more exercise , including cardio and strength training ,” said Zugelder . “ Then we ’ re able to meet the needs of many different learning styles and cross the curriculum to set the stage for academic growth .” Zugelder said that dancing is truly for everyone . “ There are no language barriers . Dance appeals to so many different learning styles . Kids who struggle in other areas academically thrive in dance . It ’ s really cool to see kids that will barely raise a hand to share a thought get on stage and perform enthusiastically .”
Her fourth-grade students are currently learning about African dance , which enhances their academic on the continent . On a recent November morning , they began the class with warm-ups and stretches , then gathered around while Zugelder read them a book about culture and learning in Ghana . Then , each student took their mark on a spot of tape and got ready to dance . After a few sets , Zugelder had some feedback from her students . “ That was great ,” she said . “ But it needs a little something special . What do you think we ’ re missing ?” “ Pizzazz !” shouts out one her students . “ That ’ s right ,” said Zugelder . “ Let ’ s try that one more time .” Right now , Zugelder ’ s students are rehearsing to perform at the school ’ s International Festival in March . Each grade will perform dances from a different country .
“ We normally have a show in December ,” said Zugelder . “ But considering how I am due to have my first child then , we ’ re having to do things a little differently this year !”
Zugelder says watching her students grow has been the best part of this program .
“ Sometimes I ’ ll start with a really shy kindergartener who is a very confident dancer by fourth grade ,” said Zugelder . “ It ’ s so exciting to watch them transform .”
The Winding Springs program is an alternative to many private dance programs , which Zugelder says are often cost-prohibitive .
“ We can offer something for free , as a part of their education , that many children can ’ t afford outside of school ,” she said .
The dance performances are filled to capacity and Zugelder says watching parents ’ reactions is the best part .
“ Some of these kids who were so painfully shy or scared and to see them take a chance and to get on stage and completely thrive makes their parents so proud . ‘ I didn ’ t know my kid could do that !’”
Despite the young age of some her dancers , Zugelder teaches them difficult and intricate choreography .
“ We are focused of energy and precision ,” she said . “ And I think , as teachers , if we set high standards , our students will work hard to meet them . I see it happen every day .”
SPEND THE HOLIDAYS ON THE ICE !
Parent Teacher Magazine • January / February 2017 • 4