Teacher Reflections

Michelle's Reflection:

            My favourite part of this project was teaching the Car Wash dance to a class of grade five students.  I was not surprised that most of the girls were excited to be starting a dance unit, and that most of the boys would have preferred a different activity.  However, once the students started learning the dance, both genders were equally motivated for and enthusiastic during each lesson.  I particularly remember a boy in the class who could often be seen smiling while dancing, especially during the interlude that he had helped to create.  Providing the students with an opportunity to choreograph their own section of the dance gave them some ownership, and I believe a greater willingness to participate.

            Teaching this dance unit was a very rewarding experience, and it was also very satisfying to learn that the grade five students had asked if they could perform the dance for their school.  I hope that other teachers will attempt to teach this unit, and that their students will be equally successful.

Timothy's Reflection:

            "Interesting" is not enough to describe my experience from teaching this dance.  For a novice like me, whose experience in dance only consists part of a Physical Education course taken during my third year at University of Victoria, it took me a long time to feel comfortable teaching the lessons.  Initially I was nervous about how the boys in the grade five class would perceive the lessons, but about half way through the first lesson I began to feel quite comfortable as the children, mainly the boys, began to warms up to the idea of dancing lessons.

            Being a music lover myself, it was a thrill to see children exposed to something different from their regular academic studies that have positive impact on their overall development as human beings.  Furthermore, the whole experience has enriched my teaching skills and abilities.