A Teacher Spotlight on a Dynamic Duo from North Columbus Elementary!
Need some inspiration on how to take your arts integration to the next level? Look no further than this perfect PAIR! (Pun, definitely intended)
As a PAIR Specialist, I’m very lucky to be able to visit a variety of different classrooms across the state of Georgia and see so many expertly integrated strategies. From kindergarteners learning all about kindness with “Night at the Museum,” to middle school students utilizing “Relay Drawing” to show how traits get passed from one generation to another, I’ve learned that almost anything can be integrated into a PAIR strategy.
One of the highlights of every month has to be my visit to North Columbus Elementary School where I am lucky enough to work with two spectacular teachers, Jordan Barton, and Jasmine Pernell. Every time I set foot in both of these classrooms, I feel an overwhelming sense of positivity, warmth, and passion from these two teachers toward their students and their careers.
I encourage you to think back to a teacher that had a life-long impact on you. What was it about them that made you gravitate so strongly toward them? Was it their caring nature? How about their excitement for you to learn? Maybe it was the way that they simply didn’t give up on you. I can say with absolute certainty that these two teachers ARE that teacher to many of their students.
I sat down with them both recently to talk to them about the incorporation of PAIR’s arts integration strategies into their curriculum and how it has impacted their student’s learning and relationships. Read on to find out what they had to say.
What is your relationship like with arts integration today?
Jasmine Pernell: I am somewhat new to integrating the arts into my curriculum. This is my second year participating in the PAIR program, and I have thoroughly enjoyed it! I find it rewarding to get my students active all while learning. I love how arts integration allows my students to create their own thoughts rather than my telling them what to think.
Jordan Barton: It helps them build a better understanding of the content they are learning by not only engaging them but motivating them as well. It is a great way to see your student’s creativity when learning. I am still very much learning how to integrate the arts into my curriculum and use the vocabulary. This is my second year in PAIR, and I have loved being a part of it and learning so many strategies to use in my classroom that incorporates art.
How has PAIR enhanced the community in your classroom?
Jasmine Pernell: My students feel freer to express themselves. I love how some of my students who may not be the best writers or speakers are able to demonstrate their mastery of the content and can still thrive because of the strategies they have learned through PAIR. It truly warms my heart to see some of my shy kids get up and participate. My students constantly encourage each other; I attribute this to PAIR. Because there is never a wrong answer, students are fearless in trying, and this is how PAIR has built a genuine bond and a little community within my classroom.
Jordan Barton: PAIR has helped build our community in many ways. All of my students now participate and want to share their thoughts. It is wonderful to see the kids who normally don’t raise their hands or share their answers be the first ones to share when we do the PAIR activities. I also love how it has helped my students encourage one another and build off of each other’s answers.
What is your favorite PAIR strategy?
Jasmine Pernell: My favorite strategy would have to be Cat Ball. My students really enjoy this one because they have to think on their feet. I truly enjoy seeing their little minds think at such a rapid pace. I honestly never know what they are going to say!
Jordan Barton: I honestly love so many of the strategies! However, my favorite strategy is Night at the Museum. My kids love doing this one. It allows them to move all around the classroom and think on the spot to say a line when they are called on. It is fun to watch them be so quiet but at the same time be so engaged in what we are doing! I also love participating in this one with my kids and letting them take turns being the night guard.
Any memorable arts integration moments in your classroom?
Jasmine Pernell: There are so many funny stories to share, but one, in particular, comes to mind. The first strategy I introduced to my class was Why I Wiggle. I told the class that we are going to try something new! I told them we had been talking about nouns, and now I want to see them in action. My shy kid in the corner looked at me with piercing eyes; she had a look on her face as if she wanted to say, “Nope, not me.” She walked over to me and said, “Do I have to do it?”
And of course, my reply was a yes! She watched the first round, then the second, and by the third round, I saw her wiggling, too! Next, I heard a student yell out to the shy student, “Good job!” The shy student replied with the biggest smile on her face. This was so funny because, at this very moment, I realized the incredible impact this strategy had on my shy student. I am sure she will never forget this very moment.”
Jordan Barton: When we use Why I Wiggle to get our lesson started or review, I always watch my students when they dance around to see if they are moving. One time, one of my kids who loves to move, was wiggling very low and then sprung up with his hands in the air and shouted, “I AM THE BIGGEST DINOSAUR IN THE WORLD.” We were definitely talking about nouns and not dinosaurs, but it made the whole class laugh! They did all help him out by saying that a dinosaur is a noun, relating it back to the content!”
It’s been an incredibly rewarding journey supporting these two teachers as their PAIR specialist. If you’d like to get a relationship started with a PAIR specialist of your own, give us a call at (706) 324-1100.
