This semester, Fall 2002, I worked with Wendy Wagner teaching dance to fifth graders at

WestsideElementary in Roanoke, VA. Westside Elementary is an arts magnet school, and

teaching dance here is not like any local dance studio. Wendy teaches lesson plans that

encourages the children in learn and think critically, which helps them in all areas of their

studies. Wendy has studied dance education throughout the US. The two programs she

calls on most in her classroom are the Creative Dance Center in Seattle, WA and the

National Dance Institute in New York City. She uses the Virginia SOLs, Standards of

Learning, as a guide to structuring her lesson plans. Wendy teaches mathematics, social

studies, science, and language arts through dance.

   These children are extremely lucky to have Ms. Wagner and a dance program like this at

such a young age. Dance can be incredibly important to the learning process especially in

the early stages because it heightens the children's kinesthetic, visual, auditory, and tactile

senses. These senses are usually forgotten about in the daily classroom setting and can be

devastating to those who learn best through "nontraditional" learning styles, or what

Howard Gardner refers to as multiple intelligences. Movement and dance engage many

learning styles or intelligences. The growth of these children who have studied with Ms.

Wagner is phenomenal.   Not only does dancing help them to learn and better understand

their academic lessons, but it also encourages self-esteem, self-discipline, and self-diligence.

The atmosphere and environment that Wendy creates help the children to grow as

individuals while receiving complete support from their peers. The children have an utmost

respect and care for each other. This is something that is seen from the very beginning, and

the children always encourage their peers to succeed. The characteristics I have listed so far

are the most valuable traits one can learn in life, especially at such a young age. These

children are extremely fortunate to have a teacher like Wendy and such a safe environment to

help them grow as strong, confident, thinking individuals.