Transcript

Welcome to BLaST the Airwaves with BLaST Intermediate Unit 17. Here at BLaST Intermediate Unit 17, we strive to transform lives and communities through educational services. On this podcast, we will provide you with educational solutions for all, no matter the learning environment. So teachers, administrators, caregivers, what are you waiting for?

What would happen if we started questioning, what if? What if we had a positive perspective on education? What if we flip the switch on education? What if we were the solution?

Hello listeners. Welcome back to season two of BLaST the Airwaves! We are excited to connect with you and provide educational solutions for all. Specifically this season, we will focus on support for our caregivers. My name is Rebecca Gibboney and I am the Coordinator of Professional Learning here at BLaST Intermediate Unit 17. Today, we talk about the arts and music.

“I am my own muse, the subject I know best.” –Frida Kahlo

Frida is one of the most intriguing humans I have ever learned about. As a former Spanish teacher, I love learning about her life, her resilience, and her passion for the arts, no matter the circumstances.

“I am my own muse, the subject I know best.”

Your son, daughter, niece, nephew, granddaughter, grandson, your neighbor…they are their best subject. We must allow our children the chance to express themselves. We cannot let this pandemic stifle one’s creativity, expression, and curiosity. Instead, we must embrace it.

Sadly, in remote instruction, many of these subjects such as the arts and music, are pushed slightly to the side or integrated into already existing curriculum….or is made time in the schedule if one can find the time. Our extended arts teachers have had to get more creative with their offerings. Yet, we need to keep in mind the importance of these subjects because education is more than just reading, mathematics, history, and science. Education is meant to be enriched and informed by the music and by the arts. These arts are just the platform for our youth to expand their literacy.

Think about it.

I can have my child act and this performance only encourages repetition of their readings that eventually build fluency.

I can have my child sing (granted, I’m not the best singer, but we could try to sing together) and I can instill rhythm and sounds that emphasize that phonemic awareness.

I can have my child dance. I love to dance! By dancing, I can have my child practice their fine and gross motor skills.

The ironic thing is that most of these activities are practiced by our educators every day within their reading, writing, mathematics, and science curriculum because these activities make our students think deeper and be curious.

We must create this environment at home so that our children are not shortchanged by these acts of self-expression.

While some caregivers may think this is impossible, it is not. As a result of the pandemic, many museums have opened their doors, virtually. In fact, over 2,500 museums worldwide offer virtual tours now (p.49)!

There are many ways your child or children can engage in virtual music in art. Live art classes and even live drum lessons. I mean, it might sound a little crazy and you may need to put some restrictions on the time for that one. I’m sure drums might get a little out of control. But, these things are available to you! I spent a lot of the Fall months, with my little, painting pottery and learning how to shape pottery. Help your child pick up a new skill!

Music. One of the best things to help someone be happy. How much do you simply listen to or have music playing in the background? 85% of young people between the ages of 7 and 17 said that music contributes to their happiness. Host a dance party with your children. Sing it out!

I challenge you, this week, to get your child up and moving. Have them express themselves. Encourage them to be curious. Allow them to explore who they are and who they might want to become.

We would like to thank you for blasting the airwaves with us today. If you like the show, please subscribe or leave a review. If you want to know more, check out www.iu17.org for further resources and show notes. As always, we want to thank you for what you do every single day. Remember, keep shining. We’ll be back next episode to provide you another educational solution for all, as we continue to transform lives and communities through educational services.

Additional/Suggested resources mentioned in the episode:

The Distance Learning Playbook by Douglas Fisher, Nancy Frey, and John Hattie

BLaST Intermediate Unit 17 – www.iu17.org 

Professional Learning Opportunities at BLaST IU 17 – https://www.iu17.org/professional-learning/ 

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