Students Explore Their Learning With Local Performers

Salvation Army Learning Zone Director, Margaret Craig, shares a performance detailing the history of the Underground Railroad.

This past month, students at Lakeshore Intergenerational School were treated to curriculum-enriching performances from local community members. In our continued efforts to expose our students to the arts, we were fortunate for the collaboration of community partners who graciously brought classroom lessons to life.

Throughout the month of February, our students celebrated Black History Month. Classrooms studied the importance of diversity and equality by focusing on the experiences that unite people of all backgrounds. They learned about influential men and women who made great sacrifices to help others while fighting for civil rights. They also studied the achievements of those who overcame adversity and went on to make groundbreaking contributions that shaped the world as we know it today.  

In culmination of these lessons, Salvation Army Learning Zone Director and storyteller, Margaret Craig, put on a wonderful character performance that detailed authentic stories from the Underground Railroad. Using songs sung by those enslaved during this period, students learned about the perseverance of those seeking freedom. They were inspired by the courage and ingenuity of those that helped save so many. It was a joy to have Margaret bring these stories to life. We thank her for the invaluable lessons that helped students gain new insight and appreciation for this important time in our nation’s history.

As we continue to provide interactive learning opportunities for our children, we were visited by a group of talented musicians from Lake Affect Arts. This Cleveland-based organization is committed to supporting music education in local schools. Kelsey Witt, our music teacher, is dedicated to finding new ways to teach students by utilizing the full spectrum of musical genres. From Classical to Classic Rock, she makes sure that no genre goes unexplored. For her most recent unit, students analyzed a Classical Chamber piece entitled “Carnival of Animals”. In this piece, instruments come together to create musical numbers inspired by a host of wild animals.

The Classical Chamber ensemble put on a whimsical performance of Carnival of Animals Tour that engaged not just our students, but staff and community members as well. Children displayed their extensive knowledge of the piece, joyously clapping along with the rhythms they identified in music class with Mrs. Witt. For many of our students, this was the first classical music performance they had ever attended. We are so proud to nurture this dynamic learning environment in our school community. We’d like to thank Executive Director of Lake Affect Arts, Zachary Whitney, and his group of passionate musicians for making this experience possible.

Lakeshore Intergenerational School is currently enrolling students for the 2017-2018 school year! Families interested in joining our exciting school community are welcome to begin their application online at www.LakeshoreSchool.org. Please join us for our upcoming Parent Information Session on April 5th, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. to learn more about what makes LIS special! All information sessions are held at our school located at 18025 Marcella Rd. Cleveland, OH 44119.

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Volume 9, Issue 4, Posted 5:26 PM, 04.11.2017