A Hat, A Mat and Music

A hat, a mat, a pair of gloves are simple tools to help engage the at-risk child in dance-according to The Momsey. Simple yet profound...Music is the glue.  Engagement is the name of the game, as mentioned several weeks ago, especially, where a special needs child is concerned. His academic success must be tied to something that is easy to do and holds his attention for long periods of time. All academic goals will be met when you focus on engagement, not curriculum. We must learn to think outside the box-always- where teaching those young minds, deemed 'at-risk'. Learning for these special children is our number one priority.

Dancing is physically demanding, fun and an intensive brain workout. It engages many senses...With a hat, you help disguise the child. Others will now see him as a different person and he will see himself in a different light, becoming this unconventional persona. The hat camouflages who he is, yet gives him dimension and helps define his space. The mat is his domain beyond which he does not go, initially. ... His response to music occurs within the confines of the mat- not the large room in which all participants now gather. He sees the ease before him as this 'structured' movement is repeated. ... Understanding the concepts of space and time, and  the primary special child's place within it, is crucial for successful learning to occur.

An at-risk child realizes early on that there are many things that are closed to him. His poor self-image is at the forefront of his learning challenges. His diminished co-ordination, confidence, ability to pay attention- all play a part in this internal picture of himself. His poor self-esteem, his internal clock can interfere with his learning success.

Moving to music is environmental stimulation and helps to break down the barriers to learning by building upon social  and motor skills early on.. The  group leader’s affable smile, sense of humour and meticulous plan of action helps  direct the  students to a successful conclusion of the day's maneuvers...Nothing is left to chance...Nothing... Introducing music  in this  way helps propel the child immediately into a world unknown to him. These simple instructive dancing moves will help align the at-risk child with the future unknown demands of the world around him- one session at a time...He sees success immediately. Confidence, self-esteem build as does risk-taking-in the classroom arena! ... Next,  you have  gloves to define the child’s mid-space... (the human hand is neutral in colour, unremarkable in its shape and indiscernible while in motion)... The gloves give definition and shape to the hands making them easily seen as the child moves in synchronized fashion on his MAT. Within the group, it is imperative that each participant is easily seen –especially when hand movements are utilized, non-stop. ...LEFT....RIGHT...The significance of colours used will be discussed later.

Acclimatizing the  vulnerable child to the above scenario is a  first step in helping him learn. (Curriculum modifications/ educational goals must be incorporated in a radical approach to address eventual successful learning outcomes.) ...  Throwing more money at a problem does not automatically fix the problem.  In the beginning, it is about keeping things simple so that everyone’s needs are met, knowing what must be done and why.  The dismantling of Arts programs in many schools/ Boards of Ed. is a big mistake. The Arts engenders compassion, a sense of humour, caring, empathy, joy and an understanding of how the world works not to mention a love of learning. How can any of that be wrong?

More later..

It was a barbaric way to die.....