Dramatizing Success

As I read through the article Dramatizing Success by Toby Emert, I thought about my students. I have a student that we have recently had an IEP meeting for and a great amount of that time was spent talking about how he was unable to focus in the classroom and complete assignments. He is given many accommodations and is still unable to complete assignments. I believe that if we were able to complete this workshop within my classroom, my student may be a little better off than he is now. I hope to try to implement parts of the workshop along with a new Mystery Movtivator game we want him to be a part of in order to increase his motivation to pay attention. The best thing I can see about Emert's article is that the students are willing and able to comfortably share their thoughts. It is both difficult and important to get the kids to talk about what is important.

Making a Difference

I just read "Activism with Heart: The Voices Against Violence Project" and I am so excited that someone has decided to actually do something about violence rather than just sit around and talk about what they are going to do about it. Geeta Cowlagi knew she needed to do something about the rising violence, so she looked to Augusto Boal for his techniques in his Theatre of the Oppressed. Canavan does a marvelous job of portraying the meaningful input Cowlagi has on students, co-workers, and leaders in the communities around her as she puts into practice Boal's ideas of meaningful theatre. I believe this type of performance is important. It allows people to see difficult situations, the choices being made, and the consequences that follow played out in drama form first. If this same or similar situation occurs in the spectator's life, they will be able to handle it with better understanding of the choices they have. This form of theater would be a great way for students to learn about bullying since it is a rising occurrence around the United States. It should be placed in all schools as a way to demonstrate many unknowns about bullying.

Introduction

Hi! I am Rene'. I am married with no children yet. I teach special education, grades 3rd, 4th, and 5th. I teach writing, reading, and math all day everyday. I love the students and I love to find ways to reach each student individually.
I am enrolled in the EdS program at Lesley University. I will be a very artsy and proud person by 2013!
I also teach dance to 3 years olds all the way to middle school students.
I love football! Georgia Bulldogs and the Ware County Gators are my teams!