About the Project
Predecessors to Pioneers is a 5-week Master's Project developed by Jadyn Harris as the culmination of her studies in Music Education at SMU. The project will run from February 3rd through March 5th and will focus on Music, Art, and Dance from the Kingdom of Jordan.
THE DRIVING QUESTION |
"Can several teachers blend academic and artistic subjects to provide a more enriched educational experience that maximizes children's potential for independent thinking, while still fostering a community-minded mentality?" |
THE GOAL |
Students (the "Pioneers") will create forward-thinking works of art inspired by the ancient works they discover as they study the Kingdom of Jordan (the "Predecessors").
|
...what is "FORWARD-THINKING," anyway?Teacher DefinitionBobbie, Viji, Terah, and Ms. Harris discussed this during their meeting and decided that THEIR definition of "forward-thinking" could include one or more of the following criteria: Student DefinitionMs. Harris then met with the class at the end of Week 1 to define "forward-thinking." Here is what the class decided. |
THE TEACHERS
|
Ms. Terah: DanceMs. Williams started her dance career as the Captain of the Drill Team for her High School. In her position as Captain she led dance camps for young children ages 5 and up. This began her love for teaching children.
While attending Abilene Christian University she was on the Contemporary Dance team and a member of a Dance Studio. She also was a Cheerleader for the Ruff Riders Semi Pro Football team performing at halftime shows as well as publicity, interviews, and fundraisers for the team. She received her degree in Nutrition in Exercise Science from Abilene Christian University in May 2011 and started as a Fitness and Dance Instructor for Stretch-n-Grow in August 2011. |
Ms. Viji: Upper ElMs. Viji joined the staff at Pebblecreek Montessori in 2002. She is a guide in the elementary program. Ms. Viji strongly believes in preparing students to step into and function effectively in the “Global Village.” As an educator for more than twenty years, she believes that being aware of and respecting differences between people facilitates better communication. As such, Ms. Viji created the Cultural Awareness program at Pebblecreek. She also serves each year as the mentor educator and coordinator for Pebblecreek’s sixth-grade student delegation to the Montessori Model UN.
|