I mentioned this in the skype call today that I seem to blog when I have been talking to the MAPP dance community. I seem to leave the skype conversation quite excited and on track with what I need to do then blog and then my bloging goes silent for the next couple of weeks. Why is that? Does anyone else feel like this? I feel like I need to blog alot more often and finally have understood how to request to the Linkin page. It was interesting to hear how the majority prefer to comment in this little group as oppose to go to everyones blog. I'm looking forward to Jamie's blog on oppression, not sure what it will be about yet but I am sure it will be an interesting read!!
So some exciting news to I have officially started my own dance school! : ) Again I ask myself why do i do these things to myself, why cant i make do with having time?
Well the thing is I feel I have to be busy constantly to function. My partner often tells me I can not function without some level of stress, to feel like I am in control. I am not sure if it is conquering the stress that makes me feel good or the inability to relax that does the opposite? ANYONE OUT THERE TO SHED SOME LIGHT?
This post is literally all over the place today- apologies! I am writing whilst ideas and thoughts are popping into my head.
Well going back to the announcement of my very small scaled dance school- why have I done this? Simply so I can allow my daughter to do all the activities she can possibly do without it affecting when she has to dance!
Question:
Why do dance school for children often try to inconvenience the working parent with classes that clash with everything else? Like putting on class at 4pm on a weekday? (Now i understand the logic behind this, kids usually finish school at 3.30 so by the age of the students depends on the time they put the class on) However most working parents can rarely achieve this time. I know i cant because i am working! So i felt that Storm was missing out and I didn't want her to stop or give up another activity like her gymnastics that happens on a saturday morning when most dance classes for her age and ability occur. So my solution work around her!
All the mummies on the MAPP course how are you finding this? Do your littles ones dance? Have I gone over board?
Aggy and Helen I would love to hear your thoughts on this.
Discussion on Time Management in today's skype call= I need to manage my time better and find a better solution!!!
Have a great week
Marie-Reine xx
Sunday 2 November 2014
Sunday 5 October 2014
Finding my first AOL
This was not what I was expecting out of today's Skype call. I used an example of an experience that was on a mind map I have been creating as of late. We discussed it as a group, as I was unsure about which experience would be deem relevant for Master credits.
Example used:
I started teaching artistic Rollerskating to children (Graded syllabus) about 10 years ago. I was talking about how I had passed the grades before i took the teaching qualification, but then how i realised how hard some of my students were finding the grades and actually all they wanted to do was free skate. I was then poised with a question " What did you learn from this experience?" To which I answered (and had to think very hard) "I learnt to be patient". Now before hand I probably had not realised what I had gained from this experience apart from me just teaching children how to skate. But having time to think and look at this from another perspective, overall it was not the teaching I was interested in, it was HOW I was teaching!
The discussion between the group developed about this experience. I realised that after all, this experience was very valuable, and could be offered for a suggested AOL and also how it formed a basis for my self development as a teacher for the years to come. The statement about learning how to be patient, really tied under how I teach.
From the time I finished my dance degree until present, I have had several roles in teaching. Each teaching experience has followed and developed from the experience before hand. Teacher training, really enhanced my understanding of various learners, ways of teaching and PATIENCE. This was a skill I needed to develop if I was to be a successful teacher. But what has tied each teaching experience with the next.
------> Go back to my mind map of experiences.
Artistic Roller Skater teacher (Graded)
Fancy Feet Dance teacher ( Ballet and tap Graded)
Primary PPA PE Dance session (National Curriculum Levels)
GCSE Dance ( Levels)
A-Level Dance ( Levels)
BTEC Dance ( Levels)
PE Ks3 and 4 ( Levels)
Dance through PE Curriculum ( Levels)
I have realised that a very large percentage of my teaching career has involved a Syllabus. Now this really changes things for me, as I have an area for research and findings for my first AOL!!!!
Next Step: I am now going back to all of these experiences and link them to literature. Which author/ researcher said this or that about syllabus! Why do we have to follow them? Why were they created? Why do they change? How do we become successful educators and ensuring our students access the best marks? Most important- How do my students feel about learning a syllabus?
Present Thought: I always seem to link my studies around what my daughter Storm is doing as she is a little dancer herself. Now she currently follows the RAD ballet syllabus, the ISTD Tap syllabus and the british gymnastics levels for her gym classes. Questions and observations for Storm: does she enjoy her classes?, is it better for her learning because it has structure?, does it restrict her creativity and enjoyment for her activity because she has to abide by the rules?
Last night before the Skype call I was looking into a course aimed at dancers wanting to teach Acro. I really want to do it and again the aim is to provide acrobat syllabus to Students. I wonder is it me who likes teaching a syllabus and always finding things to be taught via a level and being measured by a level? I am starting to think so!!! I like structure and I like to see a scale.
Anyways here is the course, wonder if anyone knows about it (Aggy can you shed some light as Helen recommended I Speak to you as your dance experience/expertise in Ariel dancing)
If anyone is interested in booking onto it even better!!
http://acrobaticarts.ca/teacher-certification/certification-program/
Happy Weekend people!!!
Marie-Reine xxx
Example used:
I started teaching artistic Rollerskating to children (Graded syllabus) about 10 years ago. I was talking about how I had passed the grades before i took the teaching qualification, but then how i realised how hard some of my students were finding the grades and actually all they wanted to do was free skate. I was then poised with a question " What did you learn from this experience?" To which I answered (and had to think very hard) "I learnt to be patient". Now before hand I probably had not realised what I had gained from this experience apart from me just teaching children how to skate. But having time to think and look at this from another perspective, overall it was not the teaching I was interested in, it was HOW I was teaching!
The discussion between the group developed about this experience. I realised that after all, this experience was very valuable, and could be offered for a suggested AOL and also how it formed a basis for my self development as a teacher for the years to come. The statement about learning how to be patient, really tied under how I teach.
From the time I finished my dance degree until present, I have had several roles in teaching. Each teaching experience has followed and developed from the experience before hand. Teacher training, really enhanced my understanding of various learners, ways of teaching and PATIENCE. This was a skill I needed to develop if I was to be a successful teacher. But what has tied each teaching experience with the next.
------> Go back to my mind map of experiences.
Artistic Roller Skater teacher (Graded)
Fancy Feet Dance teacher ( Ballet and tap Graded)
Primary PPA PE Dance session (National Curriculum Levels)
GCSE Dance ( Levels)
A-Level Dance ( Levels)
BTEC Dance ( Levels)
PE Ks3 and 4 ( Levels)
Dance through PE Curriculum ( Levels)
I have realised that a very large percentage of my teaching career has involved a Syllabus. Now this really changes things for me, as I have an area for research and findings for my first AOL!!!!
Next Step: I am now going back to all of these experiences and link them to literature. Which author/ researcher said this or that about syllabus! Why do we have to follow them? Why were they created? Why do they change? How do we become successful educators and ensuring our students access the best marks? Most important- How do my students feel about learning a syllabus?
Present Thought: I always seem to link my studies around what my daughter Storm is doing as she is a little dancer herself. Now she currently follows the RAD ballet syllabus, the ISTD Tap syllabus and the british gymnastics levels for her gym classes. Questions and observations for Storm: does she enjoy her classes?, is it better for her learning because it has structure?, does it restrict her creativity and enjoyment for her activity because she has to abide by the rules?
Last night before the Skype call I was looking into a course aimed at dancers wanting to teach Acro. I really want to do it and again the aim is to provide acrobat syllabus to Students. I wonder is it me who likes teaching a syllabus and always finding things to be taught via a level and being measured by a level? I am starting to think so!!! I like structure and I like to see a scale.
Anyways here is the course, wonder if anyone knows about it (Aggy can you shed some light as Helen recommended I Speak to you as your dance experience/expertise in Ariel dancing)
If anyone is interested in booking onto it even better!!
http://acrobaticarts.ca/teacher-certification/certification-program/
Happy Weekend people!!!
Marie-Reine xxx
Sunday 21 September 2014
Back on Track!!!
Great Skype call tonight!
As a returning module one, I actually knew what was going on and did not feel so brand new. So advice to the new module ones, I know exactly how you feel!! Advice do not panic!!!!
Topics that I had particular interest in during our call is the arts in education. Now my life is completely hectic, being a full time secondary teacher of PE, Head of Dance and mentor to student teachers- oh yes also being a mum I really need to nail this whole organisation business if i am to survive this course.
I have been reading this book on and off for some time The Art of Dance in Education by Jacqueline M. Smith- Austard. Now the reason i have not finished it, is I simply have not gotten into it. However I have come to the conclusion that when i had previously tried to read it, it was something i just had to do rather than something I was interested in doing. I honestly believe that in my current state of mind I am ready to have another crack at it especially as this is an interest of mine and my current job! Just wondering is this normal and did anyone find themselves doing this pattern?
Another topic- Seeing as Mr Gove has left us : ) and his disinterest in the Arts (Not trying to get into anything political) but Dance has taken a fast track into priority in the new PE curriculum as of September 2014. This is exciting times, i have been asked to write the schemes of work for key stage 3 and 4 for my PE department and lead a CPD for the staff in my department. Will be posting about this experience so watch this space!!!
Marie-Reine : )
As a returning module one, I actually knew what was going on and did not feel so brand new. So advice to the new module ones, I know exactly how you feel!! Advice do not panic!!!!
Topics that I had particular interest in during our call is the arts in education. Now my life is completely hectic, being a full time secondary teacher of PE, Head of Dance and mentor to student teachers- oh yes also being a mum I really need to nail this whole organisation business if i am to survive this course.
I have been reading this book on and off for some time The Art of Dance in Education by Jacqueline M. Smith- Austard. Now the reason i have not finished it, is I simply have not gotten into it. However I have come to the conclusion that when i had previously tried to read it, it was something i just had to do rather than something I was interested in doing. I honestly believe that in my current state of mind I am ready to have another crack at it especially as this is an interest of mine and my current job! Just wondering is this normal and did anyone find themselves doing this pattern?
Another topic- Seeing as Mr Gove has left us : ) and his disinterest in the Arts (Not trying to get into anything political) but Dance has taken a fast track into priority in the new PE curriculum as of September 2014. This is exciting times, i have been asked to write the schemes of work for key stage 3 and 4 for my PE department and lead a CPD for the staff in my department. Will be posting about this experience so watch this space!!!
Marie-Reine : )
Sunday 2 March 2014
Break Through
Wow what a Skype session today. For the past couple of Skype sessions I have to admit I did not really have a clue about what was going on and generally kept quiet. For the first time today I was actively involved and actually felt like I knew what i was talking about for some things.
Lots of interesting topics came up and was exciting to hear everyone's opinions about the topics.
I was particular interested in the topic about boys and dance in an Educational setting. Working in this environment i get to experience this every day so felt I was able to express my experiences. I think this may be a research/topic I would like to investigate in Module 2 and 3 or at least start thinking about.
I have resources (for secondary level) that may help engage boys with dance or help them explore dance further.
My email is m.bouchereau@stthomasmoreschool.org.uk if any one would like me to send anything.
As for my bank account being low due to the amount of books I have purchased I feel a lot better knowing most have done this and there is light at the end of this dark tunnel. I generally do not enjoy reading and find it very hard to keep with a book, however today's tips about keeping a glossary, forming your own bibliography have given me so many ideas to help with my academic writing and just to further my understanding and knowledge.
I think I have grasped the whole Pedagogy Vs Andragogy well I did have to go look it up again however i can now bank these words in my glossary!
Until my next blog
Very excited and again thank you guys for a great session I am still buzzing!
Marie-Reine
Lots of interesting topics came up and was exciting to hear everyone's opinions about the topics.
I was particular interested in the topic about boys and dance in an Educational setting. Working in this environment i get to experience this every day so felt I was able to express my experiences. I think this may be a research/topic I would like to investigate in Module 2 and 3 or at least start thinking about.
I have resources (for secondary level) that may help engage boys with dance or help them explore dance further.
My email is m.bouchereau@stthomasmoreschool.org.uk if any one would like me to send anything.
As for my bank account being low due to the amount of books I have purchased I feel a lot better knowing most have done this and there is light at the end of this dark tunnel. I generally do not enjoy reading and find it very hard to keep with a book, however today's tips about keeping a glossary, forming your own bibliography have given me so many ideas to help with my academic writing and just to further my understanding and knowledge.
I think I have grasped the whole Pedagogy Vs Andragogy well I did have to go look it up again however i can now bank these words in my glossary!
Until my next blog
Very excited and again thank you guys for a great session I am still buzzing!
Marie-Reine
Thursday 27 February 2014
Back on Focus
Ok back on focus!
I have started to read a book called "The Art of Dance in Education" by Jacqueline M. Smith- Autard. The main focus of the book is examining the processes of composing, performing and appreciating dances and analysing how dance education can contribute towards artistic and cultural education. It quite an interesting read and very applicable to my job role as Head of dance and a teacher of PE at the secondary school I teach at. I hope by the end of my read I can gain a better understanding and knowledge on how to advance my own practice in delivering the art of dance within education. Has anyone else read this book and what are your thoughts?
I have started to read a book called "The Art of Dance in Education" by Jacqueline M. Smith- Autard. The main focus of the book is examining the processes of composing, performing and appreciating dances and analysing how dance education can contribute towards artistic and cultural education. It quite an interesting read and very applicable to my job role as Head of dance and a teacher of PE at the secondary school I teach at. I hope by the end of my read I can gain a better understanding and knowledge on how to advance my own practice in delivering the art of dance within education. Has anyone else read this book and what are your thoughts?
Marie-Reine
Thursday 30 January 2014
MA Professional Practice Dance Technique Pedagogy
Hi All,
I have just enrolled on the MA Professional Practice Dance Technique Pedagogy course. I am currently Head of Dance and a PE teacher at a North London Secondary School. I believe that the MA in Professional Practice Dance Technique and Pedagogy will allow me to significantly improve the quality of my knowledge and understanding of teaching Dance and in turn significantly improve the learning and achievement of all the students within my department. I will be embarking on the course Part time along side my full time job.
I have just enrolled on the MA Professional Practice Dance Technique Pedagogy course. I am currently Head of Dance and a PE teacher at a North London Secondary School. I believe that the MA in Professional Practice Dance Technique and Pedagogy will allow me to significantly improve the quality of my knowledge and understanding of teaching Dance and in turn significantly improve the learning and achievement of all the students within my department. I will be embarking on the course Part time along side my full time job.
If any one has advice or strategies that they found worked well for them it would be greatly appreciated if you could share them with me.
Lots of reading to do : )
Marie-Reine
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