Express Yourself

One of the most memorable stories I heard while pursuing my degree was about the choreographer for the play "Cats." As a younger child in school, she had a lot of trouble sitting still in class. In this time, most teachers would recommend going to the doctor for a hyperactivity disorder. She could have been put on medicine and went on through life, sitting in the class. Instead, her teacher recommended dance. This lead her to her love and career. I am a firm believer in letting children express themselves. A teacher can't expect a child to sit all day, everyday, listening and reading. A child needs to have a way to express themselves. It could include instruments, drawing, or singing. I remember my fourth grade teacher showing the entire class how to play a 'flute-o-phone.' At the end of the year, we put on a show for the parents. It gave the children time to play while learning something. It's a great idea to do something like this in the classroom.