We were thrilled to again provide 3rd graders in Harrisonburg City Public Schools and Rockingham County Public Schools with an opportunity to participate with the Virginia Children's Theatre during a two-week long residency about the water cycle. Together with our local Teaching Artist, students learned about the water cycle and states of matter through movement, storytelling, choreography, and music. We received excellent feedback from students and teachers, including these quotes:

• The class was super engaged and the whole brain teaching strategy connected with ALL the students. Great lesson and SOL preparation!
• One of my English Language Learners (ELL) was so entertained! She was laughing, participating, and learning new vocabulary in a very meaningful way.
• Loved seeing one of my autistic kiddos really getting into the states of matter song!
• It was great to see two of my more apprehensive special education (SPED) students engaged and participating in the activities.
• I saw students who normally sit unengaged moving, participating, and smiling.

Blending the arts with Virginia SOL concepts expand and extend learning in meaningful and new ways; this is arts integration for the benefit of our students! We're grateful to the Arts Council of the Valley for Advancing the Arts Grant monies that helped make this residency possible.

Special thanks to our friends and partner, Tall and Small Photography, for capturing a few sessions. Look at how engaged these students are in learning!

A few weeks ago, eighth grade students from Harrisonburg City Public Schools experienced the dynamic duo, Collision of Rhythm, at the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts at James Madison University. Comprised of tap-dancing classical virtuoso, Aaron Williams, and beatbox-juggling keynote speaker, Bronkar Lee, Collision of Rhythm is a high energy duo that fills the stage as a 12-person ensemble would. The students experienced everything from drumming, beatboxing, tap dancing, juggling, marimba, piano, flute, and saxophone, with storytelling, humor, personal stories, and audience interaction woven throughout the performance. 

Any Given Child Shenandoah Valley is grateful to our Premiere Performance Partner, the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts at James Madison University, who made this collaboration possible.

Enjoy the photos below from our partners and friends Tall + Small Photography