READING IN MOTION!
About "READING IN MOTION":
Originally named, 'Whirlwind Performance Company', this non-profit arts organization was founded in 1983 by three artists. At this time, the program mostly focused on the arts in school systems. However, in the mid 90's, it became clear to the Board of Directors that the biggest challenge within the realm of education was children's literacy. From there, the company began to shift its focus toward improving the reading skills of all children, especially those from where the program was founded--Illinois, at the Chicago Public Schools. |
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MISSION:
"Reading In Motion’s mission is to get every at-risk student reading at or above grade level within the first years of school through the power and discipline of the arts. To accomplish this we partner with schools and teachers to create and deliver an innovative, supplemental reading program that uses music and drama to engage students. Reading In Motion is currently in 140 Chicago-area classrooms and has helped more than 45,000 students since it was founded in 1983." |
MORE:
Essentially, the program strives on innovative use of music and drama to engage young students to not only get them reading but to also get them reading above grade level! The program has been derived from research studies. The Reading In Motion program takes on the process of evaluating the program and its participants in a number of different ways. They are assessed using the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) at the beginning and end of each session.
"The Reading In Motion program is a series of carefully designed sequential curricula. Each step builds upon the previously mastered skill, one after the other until the student reaches the final goal of proficient reading. The sequence was developed from our years of experience working with students and is based on well-documented research about how children learn."
This is a program I would really like to implement into my curriculum. Kids need enthusiasm in nearly everything you want to encourage. By using music and drama and choreography, this can be made possible for eager readers. Check out ReadingInMotion.org for more information--including a video! RESOURCES:
http://www.readinginmotion.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1&Itemid=10
Very good post. One thing that I will always be is a supporter of expression. I think teachers should not only be as expressive while teaching, but I also think they should encourage their students to be expressive as well. Singing I believe forces a person to dig down and produce something in a way that is smooth and memorable. I am not sure why putting something, like singing the letters of the alphabet, sticks with people but it does. As an example whenever someone is asked to say their ABC's, a good portion of people actually sing it.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I went to the Reading in Motion sight and found a Youtube video that was pretty good. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNXQkYvX_nk&feature=player_embedded#!
I really like the Reading in Motion initiative. It sounds like a wonder program to implement in schools and classrooms around the world. I think is definitely important to make reading exciting an enjoyable. Keeping the arts in school is a very important goal to accomplish. I think being about to teach reading through music is a wonderful way to keep music alive. Great job and thanks for the link. I am eager to learn more about it.
ReplyDeleteThis is exactly what our article reminded me of! It is so important that we are using multiple ways of learning with our students. It is great that you made a connection with movement and getting the children out of their desks. It is so difficult for children to remain seated all day!
ReplyDeleteIncorporating music and art in the classroom is an awesome way to encourage participation in class that is really underutilized and nowadays, even cut back on on purpose to manage budget cuts. Fortunately, a teacher that is creative enough can incorporate these into their classroom. When you do use these in the future, it will be a wonderful opportunity for the students to participate in a risk-free environment and really cultivate their love for learning in a fun and exciting way.
ReplyDeleteThis was an interesting post because it gave us an actual resource as opposed to only opinion. I love the idea too because I think that teaching through all different mediums, including music, is vital to young children and holding their attention.
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