SPECIAL ARTS INITIATIVE GEORGE UNSELD EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER JEFFERSON COUNTY SCHOOLS

On May 16, 2019 I had the wonderful opportunity to work with my daughter, speech therapist Dala Sparks at Unseld Preschool in Louisville Kentucky. We saw small groups of children during the day and visited one classroom. The students used paint daubers to paint in a circle and create a choice of snail or snake. We sat those aside to dry and proceeded to make the slime! The students loved mixing up the slime mixture and experiencing the sensory feel of the slime. Even the students with sensory issues were willing to try! Later we added oil pastels lines and shapes to the snails and snakes and added the finishing touches. So many smiles in one day!

Youth and Performing Arts School Observation

AUGUST 26, 2019 I traveled to Louisville very early to arrive at YPAS for an observation of teaching artist Talleri. Talleri met me in the parking lot and we walked in together. She explained that she had been working with this class. Little did I know that I was in for a real treat. The class was a very diverse group of students. The teacher led the class in discussion after watching a video clip of acting and then Talleri took over. Talleri caused the students to look deeply at the characters and how they interacted. She led them through several acting out using movements then adjusting to more movements. The students were working in groups of 2. One group was 3 incorporating a girl in a wheelchair. The students were engaged and loving the activities. Then she regrouped to have students sit and she showed them different signs used to indicate accessibilty. There was one that was for wheelchairs and the girl in the wheelchair identified it and a discussion followed about where wheelchairs are usually placed, in the back. Talleri explained that sometimes there are signs that indicate flexible seating for wheelchairs so that people in wheelchairs can sit with their friends and the girl cheered. A deaf student in the class identified the sign used for hearing impaired and interpretation. The hour went by very fast. Afterwards Talleri and the teacher conferenced about ways to involve a student who is very verbal but non-participating. Talleri had several suggestions and listened to the teacher and how he had tried and his frustrations. They formed a tenative plan to involve the student in the next class. Loved this observation!