Thursday, May 07, 2009
Students apply music and movement to curriculum for young children
 USI students enrolled in Music and Movement for Young Children taught by Teacher-in-Residence David Sandrick were challenged to design and create interdisciplinary learning centers for preschool children focusing on a music or movement activity while also integrating math, science, social studies, language arts, and/or visual arts. Preschool children from USI’s Children’s Learning Center participated in the learning centers when they visited the Bower-Suhrheinrich College of Education and Human Services in the spring semester. “Music is a very important part of our daily lives, but is often set aside during the school day,” said Sandrick. USI students have been encouraged to find ways to fit music and movement into their curriculum planning. The preschool children’s favorite learning center was the Peanut Butter and Jelly Center. The children listened to a song that explained the steps involved in making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. They then followed those instructions and made their own sandwich; jelly only, due to a peanut allergy. Dr. Julie Edmister, dean of the college, said, “This kind of engagement enables our students to gain valuable field experiences through collaboration with USI’s Children’s Learning Center.” Credit for the idea goes to Cassie Wollrab, Children’s Learning Center teacher. “Hopefully, it is a partnership that will continue for a long time,” she said. Kathy Funke News and Information Services 812/465-7050 or kfunke@usi.edu |
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