Dear Eric,
I want to formally thank you for bringing the JOIA/Unity
Through Percussion workshop to our Webster Groves High School Colleague
group. The quality of the instruction and the comfortable nature of the
delivery was well received and greatly appreciated by our staff.
Having been a participant, I can see how this type
of workshop would be an excellent activity on the first teacher workshop
day of a new school year, perhaps as an opening activity or directly after
lunch. Not only would it serve to refocus the group, but also to get them
moving. In addition, at the beginning of a new school year, teachers are
looking for new ways to solve old problems. I was surprised to walk away
from the JOIA workshop with ideas on how I, myself, could try some of the
techniques in my own classroom to help cultivate a cooperative learning
climate.
This past year one of my classes had a very unusual
mix of personalities. Periodically all teachers face this problem, where
clashes between the students can be a true deterrent to learning. Having
participated in the JOIA workshop, I could see how I could use the "rock"
group activity within such a class to break down some social barriers,
encourage tolerance of others and create a more equal environment conducive
to learning.
In closing, I would like to include comments I received
from some of the participants:
"Pleasantly surprised at the effect ..... that something as simple as clicking two rocks together could be so satisfying".
"I saw it as a great equalizer. It breaks down the differences between those with roles of perceived power".
"Very Energizing".
"I thoroughly enjoyed the experience".
Again, my thanks.