Collard’s (2016) paper states that there is a strong link between a lack executive functions of the brain and poverty. Children from poorer backgrounds are more likely to have less developed executive functions and therefore they are less able to work creatively. However, the paper states that by teaching in a way that focuses on creativity, attainment for these children is raised (Collard, 2016). This is backed up by the Arts Education Partnership (n.d.) who state that music in education has many benefits including:
- Improves memory
- Advances achievement in other curricular areas – maths and English
- Encourages good self esteem
- Strengthens perseverance.
Some of the students cellos:
In dance we practiced our routines from the previous session. Based on Halloween we then came up with 10 additional moves that we were to incorporate into our routines. By solving some maths problems, we were then able to work out in which order we were to put these moves so that each dance was different.
Trying to remember the dance from the previous session was a bit of a challenge but luckily we had taken some photos and videos to help remind us of the moves. The biggest challenge was trying to remember the sequence of the moves, particularly when the 10 new moves were added. Overall, dance was very enjoyable this week and seeing how hard everyone was working and how well we all worked together was brilliant. By using these techniques in class it is sure to encourage positive team working skills, which are very important in all work places and so is a useful skill to teach children.
References
Arts Education Partnership, (n.d.). How Music Education Helps Students Learn, Achieve, and Succeed. [Online] Available: https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED541070.pdf [Accessed: 9 October 2018].
Collard, P. Education Scotland. (2016). Creativity and Learning: What is the Connection? [Online] Available: https://education.gov.scot/improvement/documents/creativity/cre36-creativity-thought-piece-paul-collard-june-2016.pdf [Accessed: 9 October 2018].
