EDUCATIONAL CYBERPLAYGROUND RINGLEADER SUE SNYDER
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During the creation of the National Standards for the Arts (music, art, dance, and drama) in the US, the disciplines were at odds until introduction of a framework called the 3 Artistic Processes, which are processes used by artists in all four disciplines. The three artistic processes are Creating, Performing, and Responding (CPR). Each has fairly well defined sequential steps which usually occur in a predictable sequence, although not necessarily at the conscious level.
Note: There is a healthy, interesting, and often heated discussion over whether there is actually performing in visual art, or just creating and responding.My friends and colleagues call me a Renaissance woman. Not one to be easily labeled, I have created my own framework to keep myself thinking "outside the box." I’m constantly learning new things about brain research, learning theory, creativity, the arts, early childhood education, literacy, and more. And, I’ve learned about creating and maintaining a website, running a business, and having good friends around me. You might contact me if you share any or all of the following interests:
Creative Music Education: With Orff, Kodaly and Dalcroze training, I taught children for many years. When asked, "Why don’t you write these ideas down?" I answer, "I did! Look at Share the Music!" It’s in there! Then I started my own publishing company, and have since created ArtSmart, Sing Along, Sing Alone, Classical Moves, and Teaching Music in the Elementary School: A Guide for Classroom Teachers. (This one has three videos of me teaching kids – 18 different lessons in all – Use them as models to get you started.) There are new ones on the way! I’m always happy to share my perspectives or ideas with you.
Integrated Curriculum and/or Arts-Infused Curriculum: My theory is outlined in Integrate With Integrity. This book outlines connection, correlation, and integration; and provides a step-by-step process for developing meaningful integrated learning. We might talk about what to integrate, how to integrate, or what to expect as you go through the process of learning to integrate.
HOT Schools Programs: We have 28 HOT (Higher Order Thinking) Schools in Connecticut, sponsored by the CT Commission on the Arts. The big picture is that Higher Order Thinking is developed in a total school community through 1) strong arts programs, 2) arts infused curriculum, and 3) democracy in action. HOT School are places where "the voice of the child is heard." There is a summer institute in Connecticut, or you might come to the Whole Schools Institute in Mississippi, organized and run by the Mississippi Arts Commission.
Total Literacy: I’m SO excited about this new program for emergent readers! Literacy in music, movement, visual arts, and word language are integrated through broad literacy themes. There are instruments, songs, listening selections, great children’s literature, and fine arts prints. But that’s just the stuff. You should see the results! Kids perceive themselves as successful learners, readers, writers, musicians, dancers, and artists. Teachers are happy because the process is joyful and liberating. Test scores are up, and stress is down. Why not? It’s all research-based, and brain compatible. We have three graduate level courses running in Connecticut, plus one in Dearborn, Michigan. Plans are in the works for 5 regional training centers across the United States within the next few years. Let me share this with you, your kids, your teachers, your schools!
Kaleidoscope: This district-based program is located in Michigan City, IN. Now in its fourth year, the program continues to be funded by an Indiana State Department of Education "Educate Indiana" Grant. Through arts-infused curriculum, multiple intelligences, and multicultural training, Michigan City Area Schools are seeing increased test scores in language and math, as well as multiple other successes. A leadership cohort is beginning to re-energize the program from the inside out, so it eventually will become independently self-sustaining.
BEST: The BEST (Beginning Educators Support and Testing) program, run by the CT State Department of Education, is a two-year induction for all beginning teachers in the state. There are seminars and mentorships for support, and each beginning teacher must complete a portfolio task demonstrating ability to plan, implement instruction, assess student growth, and reflect on their own practice. Licensure is dependent on successful completion of the discipline-specific portfolio task. I’m just completing a two-year appointment as Scholar-in-Residence in Music at the SDE, developing the portfolio task and beginning teacher-training seminars. I also helped in developing and facilitating the scorer training, for the many professionals who score the portfolios.
Multicultural Education: My friend Margaret and I have finally decided that we must begin with the individual as a "culture of one," and build understanding and community from there. There are so many ideas and ways to go about breaking down barriers and celebrating similarities, we could talk and share for a LONG time! We have several powerful models to build on and adapt for or with you.
Music Memory: It ain’t just a contest any more! Once just a contest run by the University Interscholastic League in Texas, and now spreading to South Dakota, New York City, and Georgia; Music Memory is a substantive listening program, designed to introduce Western art-music to children in Grades 3-6. There are lessons, CDs, resource materials, software. Every year there is a new version, with 20 selections covering a range of genres and periods. You’ll love it!
Well, that’s some of it. I have Partners like Karen Ellis working in the areas of parenting, community/ business support, orchestra outreach programs, composing/song-writing, assessment – Just ask! If I don’t have a source, I can find someone who does! Write to me or visit the website for articles and the store: www.aeIDEAS.com. See you there!
