There’s value in seeing a student’s form during class but, especially in public schools, there are benefits to allowing for comfort and individuality. Here’s how Heather talks about dance attire fashion and its function in her dance classes.
K-12
Your Words and Shaping Healthy Dancers
Our job is to teach, not to belittle, but dance carries a long tradition of judgements based upon body type and more. Heather discusses how to speak more effectively with students about health and commitment without the snark.
Revamp and Revise Using Evaluation Results
Heather offers questions and considerations to ponder as you look back at your dance program and curriculum and as you look forward to improving it and making a difference in the lives of your students next year.
Measuring Success: Data Driven Dance
Dance educator, Heather Vaughn Southard, encourages tests that go beyond pencil, paper, and even presentation as she outlines ways to assess program philosophy, performance goals, teaching methods, class achievement, and individual student growth.
Let’s Talk Arts Integration: Defining What You Do
Have you ever danced about the water cycle? Did you learn anything about dance? If not, then your science education was enhanced by dance not integrated with it. Heather gives examples of how dance might be integrated with other subjects and some tips on collaborating with another teacher.
Managing the Middle School “Shut Down”
Dance educator, Heather Vaughan-Southard uses exploration, choice, and personal responsibility to get beyond the walls her middle school students sometimes throw up. If you’ve experienced the emotional and academic ‘shut down’ typical of this age group, her findings will interest you. We’d also love to know your approach to reaching your tweens.
